The New Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1793-09-10 00:00:00

New Hampshire Gazette.
P O R T S M O U T H: Printed by JOHN MELCHER, Printer to the Hon. GENERAL COURT of the State of New Hampshire, at his Office in Market-Street, at nine shillings per Annum.
From the CONNECTICUT COURANT.
[The following will shew, in a certain degree, to what a state of misery and wretchedness the people of FRANCE were reduced, under the old Government, which was administered by imperious and haughty monarchs, and a dissipated, ambitious and cruel Nobility.]
Messrs. Hudson & Goodwin,
MUCH has been said and written on the subject of the French revolution. Americans appear to be deeply concerned for the fate of the French; as the progress of liberty in Europe seems to depend much upon the event of the present struggle. A great proportion of Americans however lament the fate of Louis, the late king; and almost all parties concur in censuring the outrageous proceedings of the mobs in various parts of France. Yet few, I believe, of the people of this country, even of the more learned, know the extent of the abuse of the old Government, or the wretchedness of the great body of the people. The severe and multifarious despotism exercised over the peasantry of that immense country under the monarchy, if it will not justify every outrage, will at least apologize for the most desperate efforts of the people to rid themselves at once of the tyrants and of the tyranny. To enable the people of America to form some estimate of the necessity of a reformation of government, and to judge with candor of the violences committed in France in prosecuting this business, I beg leave to communicate to the public a short abstract of that system of despotism, which has been overturned by the French, under which the mass of the people in that country have groaned for ages. The substance of what is here offered, is taken from a writer of unquestionable authority.
1. The Bastille, that engine of oppression, during some reigns had been filled with prisoners, who without even knowing the cause or author of their arrest, have been doomed to darkness and chains for life. At some periods, despotism had risen so high, that blank lettres de cachet have been sold, to be filled up with names at the pleasure of the purchaser.
2. But lettres de cachet though formidable to individuals, were among the least instruments of tyranny. Some of the heaviest taxes were levied wholly on the poorer classes of people; the rich nobility and clergy being exempt from paying them. These taxes were collected with unfeeling rigor by the intendants of generalities and their sub-delegates, who were vested with absolute authority to enforce the collection.—In addition to this, the in-
equality of the duties and taxes was such as to mark an astonishing degree of corruption in the whole system. Some provinces had, during the expensive wars of former kings purchased an exemption from the Gabelle, or duty on salt—some paid a small excise of 8 or 9 livres on the 100 cwt. and perhaps the very next province paid 50 to 60 livres.—Such an immense difference of duty in provinces, separated only by a river, or perhaps an imaginary line, encouraged smuggling, and smuggling was punished with unheard of severity—fines, condemnation to the galleys, and death. A well informed writer on finance, calculates the number of men, women and children, annually sent to the galleys to work like slaves, for a breach of the revenue laws, to be between 3 and 4000; whose property was seized and confiscated. Yet these were poor people, guilty of no crime but that of attempting to smuggle a little salt for their families, to avoid the monstrous tax of eight or ten dollars on the bushel. Yet all persons subject to the TAILLE, in some provinces, were enrolled and obliged to buy 7lb. a head of salt annually (exclusive of salt for barrelling meat) whether they wanted it or not.
There were numerous edicts for preserving the game, which prohibited weeding and hoeing, lest the young partridges should be disturbed; sleeping seed, lest it should injure the game; manuring with night soil, lest the flavor of the partridges should be injured by feeding on the corn so produced; mowing hay before a certain time, which was so late often times, as to spoil the crop, and taking away the stubble, lest the birds should be robbed of shelter. These capitaineries extended over four hundred leagues of the country, and such was the tyranny exercised in them, that in the late revolution, almost all classes of people concerted in demanding the suppression of them.
4. By a barbarously inhuman and oppressive law, the people were bound to grind their corn at their lords mills only, to press their grapes in his press and bake their bread in his oven. By means of this restriction, they were often obliged to wait 'till their bread was spoiled, and their grapes damaged. They were not indulged the privilege of using hand-mills for grinding their corn; even in the modern times the barons have ordered the hand-mills of their peasants to be broken, and have obliged them to purchase the right of bruising their buck wheat and barley between two stones.
5. The corvees or police of the roads, by which the laboring people were called out to work on
the roads at the pleasure of their masters, was an engine of extreme oppression. Many hundreds of farmers were ruined annually by it, and 300 were reduced to beggary, in filling one vale in Loraine.
6. Nothing could exceed the oppressions suffered by illegal and arbitrary exertions of the judiciary power. The judges ignorant—holding courts in taverns—dependent on and subservient to the lords of manors; appeals endless, augmenting litigations favoring every species of chicane, ruining the parties by expences and loss of time, the provincial parliaments were unblushingly corrupt, interest was openly made with them, and woe to the man who had not money or a handsome wife to procure favor.
7. A heavy fine of an eighth, and sometimes of a sixth was paid at every sale of property; besides a fine at every change, whether in the direct or collateral line of descent. Feudal redemptions, tyrannical customs, and arbitrary assessments would fill the catalogue of oppression; but the very terms cannot be translated. We have neither the ideas nor words to express them.
I will however just mention one feudal right called in French, Silence des grenouilles, by which, when the lady of the manor lay in, the peasants were obliged to beat the water in marshy places! to keep the frogs silent; that the lady need not be disturbed. This oppressive duty was afterwards commuted to a sum of money.
A man who can coolly reflect on the wretchedness of 20 millions of peasantry, subject to all the foregoing and a hundred other cruel despotic laws or customs, and yet censures the outrages of a mob which murders a single tyrant, or burns a chateau, without apologizing in his own mind for their licentiousness, must be void of principle or feeling. To whom shall we impute the crime of murders and conflagrations? to the people who are the instruments, or their oppressors who have driven them to desperation? Those who choose to be served by ill treated slaves, in every part of the world, hold their lives and properties by a very precarious tenure. Witness the late catastrophe in St. Domingo.
Insurrections are always charged upon the insurgents as a crime; and justly, but they are nine times in ten, more imputable to the tyranny of the master, than to the cruelty of the slave. The murder of a master, and the burning of his house are recorded in every newspaper; but who records the private sufferings of the poor slave? Who hears the
tale of his woe? Of thousands and thousands of forlorn wretches who die beneath the scourge of despotism; of the thousands that have died in France within four years, where is the register! Who knows the fact? I am no friend to the violence of a Paris mob—I detest every violation of property and law; but I am persuaded that Americans who pronounce positively on the merits or demerits of parties in France, would be more sparing of censure, if they were better acquainted with the whole detail of facts.
A Quaker's Letter to his Watchmaker.
I HEREWITH send thee my pocket-clock which greatly standeth in need of thy friendly correction; the last time it was at thy school, it was no ways reformed by thy discipline even the least benefited thereby, for I perceive by the index of his mind he is a liar, and the truth is not in him: That his motions are wavering and irregular, that his pulses are sometimes very quick, which betokeneth not an even temper; at other times it waxeth so sluggish, notwithstanding I so frequently urge him that when he should be on his duty, as thou knowest his usual name denoteth, I find him slumbering and sleeping, or as the vanity of human reason phraseth it, I catch him napping. Hence I am induced to believe he is not right in his inward man. Examine him therefore, and prove him I beseech thee thoroughly, that thou mayest by being well acquainted with his inward frame and disposition draw him from the errors of his ways, and shew him the path wherein he should go. It grieved me to think, and when I ponder thereon, I am verily of opinion that his body is foul, and the whole mass is concepted; purge him therefore with thy charming physic from all pollutions, that he may vibrate and circulate according to the truth. I will place him for a few days under thy care, and pay for his board when thou requirest it. In thy last thou chargest me with one eighth of a pound, which I certainly will pay when thy work deserves it. I entreat thee, friend John, to demean thyself on this occasion with a right judgment according to the gift which is in thee, and prove thyself a workman that need not be ashamed. And when thou layest thy correcting hand on him, let it be without passion, lest thou drive him to destruction. Do thou regulate his motion for the time to come, by the motion of the light that ruleth the day, and let him learn from that unerring guide, the true calculation of his table and equation, and when thou findest him converted from the

error of his way, and more conformable to the above-mentioned rules, then do thou send him home with a just bill of charges, drawn out by the spirit of moderation, and it shall be sent in the root of all evil, unto thee,
By thy Friend,
MANNASSEH SMITH.
European Intelligence,
BY THE LATEST ARRIVALS.
Particulars of the victory of the French arms, at Arlon.
FRANCE.
NATIONAL CONVENTION—June 13.
LETTER FROM THE COMMISSIONERS WITH THE ARMY OF THE MOSSELLE.
"Arlon, June 10."
"CITIZENS OUR COLLEAGUES, WE take the earliest opportunity of making you share in our satisfaction, by announcing to you a victory which the troops of the Republic have gained over those of the Austrians.—A body of 10,000 men, commanded by Gen. LAAGE, repaired on Thursday evening under the walls of Longwy, after making a forced march, and after having suffered much from the excessive heat. They set out from thence on Friday, and advanced towards Rochecour, which the enemy had evacuated. Some skirmishes then took place, in which we took 55 prisoners, and the Austrians lost a Colonel whom they much esteemed.
"General LAAGE took a very advantageous position, and made his troops lie on their arms during the night. He was informed that he would be joined by Gen. BEAUREGARD, who was bringing from the army of the Ardennes a reinforcement of 2000 men.
"This reinforcement arrived on Saturday, and lay on their arms on our left.
"All the troops were inflamed with a desire of combatting. They forgot what they had experienced, during the whole night and part of Saturday, from a continual rain, without being able that day to kindle a fire. Their only cry was to be led immediately against the enemy.
"Yesterday that satisfaction was granted to them. They quitted their first position at nine o'clock, and at noon the engagement began. It was extremely violent, and one of those which will make an epoch in the annals of liberty.
"The Austrians occupied such a position, that a better could not be procured by works of art. Arlon is situated on an eminence, which forms a continued series of entrenchments, and commands the plains through which it was necessary for us to pass in order to arrive at the enemy.
"These entrenchments, placed in the form of steps, were defended by 8000 men, supported by 30 pieces of cannon, among which were some 18 pounders and howitzers.
"Scarcely had we appeared in the plain, when the enemy began a brisk cannonade. But though their fire was well kept up, it did not prevent the brave troops of the Republic from ranging themselves in order of battle, and marching in this manner more than a league. They then divided into two columns to ascend the mountain. The cavalry several times charged the enemy, who were infinitely superior in number, with a courage and ardour above all praise. The infantry kept up a well supported running fire, and displayed the utmost intrepidity.
"Our artillery on this day maintained its reputation, though it was less numerous than that of the Austrians; and though our heaviest piece was only one 8 pounder, it nevertheless dismounted a piece of 13 belonging to the enemy.
"The Austrians were then forced to retreat to Luxembourg. We endeavored to harass them, but did not pursue them with too much ardor in an unknown country; besides the Generals were sensible that old soldiers were too much fatigued to think of leading them on to a second expedition.—We testified to them our satisfaction on the field of battle, and they in turn assuring us, that they were ready to shed even the last drop of their blood for the Republic, testified the pleasure they had experienced in having well served their country.
"We do not as yet exactly know our loss, but we can assure you, that of the enemy is much more considerable. We have a great many wounded, and certainly if ever there was an interesting spectacle, it was that which we beheld yester-
day. We saw, Citizen Colleagues, these brave Republicans, covered with wounds, exerting all their strength to join their brethren, and offering up vows for their country.
"The greatest harmony prevails between all the Generals of the army of the Moselle and that of the Ardennes. All of them reflect that they are serving the Republic in different posts, and that no rivalry, except that which arises from the desire of being useful, ought to exist among them.
"We shall give you farther details of this engagement as soon as we receive them. We shall make you acquainted with those who distinguished themselves most, and those who have left widows and children, entitled to the beneficence of the nation.
"We are this moment employed in carrying away the magazines.
"The quantity of oats found here is estimated at 8000 sacks. There is also a large quantity of flour, but of such a quality, that it cannot be employed for that bread which is distributed to our troops. It may, however, serve to feed cattle, and will be carried away after the oats. We found likewise some stacks of hay and straw, which will be carried away or burnt, in case we shall be forced to evacuate the place.
"With regard to us, Citizen Colleagues, we have done our duty. We have been close to our brave brethren, both when lying on their arms and during the engagement of yesterday. Every where we receive the most sensible proofs of their attachment to the Convention. It was they who, with the National Gendarmerie, wished to prepare the hut in which we passed two nights, while they lay on their arms. During the last of these nights, they made a truly National Fête, by coming to regale us, amidst the sound of music, with the air, Where can one be better than in the bosom of his family? — the Hymn to Liberty —and Ca Ira . One must have been a witness of this spectacle to feel how interesting it was in the moment of battle.
"P. S. We have just learned that we have taken from the enemy four pieces of cannon and five caissons. Citizen MONTAULT, our Colleague, was obliged to set out on the morning of the 7th for Bitche, in order to assist at a conference which was fixed for that period between the Generals and our colleagues at the Army of the Rhine."
(Signed, &c.)
Particulars respecting the above action, as related by the Austrians.
BRUSSELS, June 18.
After the affair of Arlon, the soldiers loudly demanded back their General BEAULIEU, who with the confidence of the troops, unites an uncommon share of good fortune, and a thorough knowledge of the province of Luxembourg. General SCHROEDER is possessed of great valour and military attainments. But he is neither beloved by the soldiers, nor successful in his enterprizes.
Five French deserters who arrived on Sunday last at Mons, report, that 200,000 men, collected from all parts, are coming to assist General CUSTINE; and that every person in France, capable of bearing arms is forced to join the army when required, otherwise they are treated as traitors. These deserters say, that they have been soldiers only since the battle of Famars. They are good looking men, and it appears by their dress they have never been in want.
LUXEMBOURG, June 18.
The French have retired from Arlon; it seems that their object was the immense magazines formed by the Austrians at that town, of which they have got possession, and carried them off. This has cost the army of General SCHROEDER (the same who was beat by the Patriots at Turnhout) about 1000 men; but he consoles himself by asserting that he has killed 6000 of the enemy, that is to say, in the Luxembourg Gazette. The vanguard of SCHROEDER's army is at present at Arlon, and that of BEAULIEU at Cinéy, four leagues from Namur; so that between Cinéy and Arlon is a gap of twenty two leagues open to the inroads of the French. General BEAULIEU's force is not quite 4000 men, and SCHROEDER's was 6000 before the late engagements, as himself informs us, with which he had to encounter 28,000 French; to these may be added a camp of 12,000 men at Givney; so that the French are four to one in these cantons, which renders our situation far from pleasant; but our spirits are kept up by the promise of a reinforcement, said to be on its march from Germany.
PROJECTED PARTITION OF FRANCE. Alsace and Lorraine, to the Elector Palatine, in the place of Bavaria annexed to the domains of the House of Austria; Artois and part of Picardy and Champagne, to the Prince of Hesse Cassel; Normandy & Brittany, together with Maine and Anjou, to the Duke of York; Burgundy and Franche Comté, which latter joins the King of Prussia's Principality of Neuchâtel, are to go to that Monarch; the Principality of Orange is to be restored to the House of that name; as well as Avignon to the Pope. The King of Sardinia is to have Province, and the King of Spain, Gascony and Roussillon, which formerly belonged to him. France will be no longer a Maritime Power, being entirely cut out from the ocean by this curtailment. Her foreign possessions are to go to the English and Dutch. The ancient government, under a Bourbon Prince, will be established on the pitiful remnant.
FRANCE.
NATIONAL CONVENTION—May 24. On the proposition of the Committee of Public Safety, the Convention decreed, That the Vessels of the United States of America are not comprehended in the Decree of the ninth of this month.
MARSEILLE, May 26.
The Spanish Squadron, destined for the Mediterranean, is commanded by Lieutenant-General DON P. BORJA. It was seen lately off Majorca, and consists of 24 ships of the line, two of which mount 112 guns each, one of 94, one of 84, one of 80, and the rest of 74.—This fleet, joined to that of England, is first to attack Corsica, and then the city of Nice.
VIENNA, May 10.
From the lists given, it appears that there are still 4,100 persons of both sexes in captivity among the Turks, by whom they were taken during the campaigns of 1788, '89 and '90. The Porte has been unable to restore them, since they have been sold as slaves, to owners unknown, and perhaps at an immense distance from the Turkish capital. His Majesty has assigned the sum of the suppressed order of Trinitarians to the redemption of those unfortunate people.
LONDON, July 5.
THIRTY-THREE more Bankrupts on Saturday, making ONE HUNDRED and SEVENTY-EIGHT, in seven succeeding Gazettes! The fees to the Chancery purse on the seven batches are upwards of five thousand pounds! Ruin is profitable.
In the course of a little more than twelve months, the following French Generals, all of whom were in conspicuous stations in the army, have been unfortunate.
Dillon massacred by his own soldiers. La Fayette an exile, and in prison. Dillon disgraced. Luckner disgraced. Dumourier an exile, and a wanderer. Dampierre killed. Miranda brought to trial. Miaczynski beheaded. Moreton dead. Valence an exile. Casabianca a prisoner to the Piedmontese. Bournonville detained as a hostage by the Austrians. Stengel disgraced. Neuwinger a prisoner to the Prussians. Young Egalite an exile. Lanone disgraced. Montesquieu absconded.
History does not afford an example of so many general officers meeting with such fate in the same short period of time.
The Honorable Captain COCHRANE, in the HIND frigate, has been remarkably successful in a cruise on the northern coast: Between the 14th of February and the 12th of June, his prizes were, seven privateers and seven merchant vessels; the guns of the former amounting to 80, and the men to 481; the burthen of the latter to 2060 tons.
Particulars of the Capture of Samur.
The Insurgents of la Vendée consisted of 2000 men, when on the 9th instant they attacked the Republicans on the heights of Bournan near Samur. The latter amounted only to 1000 men, but they were strongly fortified, and had with them 90 pieces of cannon, while the insurgents had only two cannon.
The contest was obstinate and bloody: It was only after a battle of 54 hours, that victory declared for the Royalists, but it was complete. All the enemy's artillery, ammunition, and baggage, fell into the hands of the victorious insurgents. There were 1200 cannon and 40,000 musket shots fired during the engagement.
Gen. GASTON bore immediately upon Samur, and made himself master of this important place without striking a blow. From thence he marched against Angers, which is supposed to be utterly unable to make any resistance. This town is of the greater consequence, as it commands the river Maytane in the same manner, as Samur does the Loire.
PORT-AU-PRINCE—JUNE 30.
"Commission Nationale Civile."
"WE, STEPHEN POLVERAL and LEGAR FELICITE SONTONAX, Civil Commissioners of the Republic, delegated to the French Windward Islands in America, for the purpose of restoring order and tranquility.
"Whereas the traitor GALBAUD, after having reduced the town of the Cape to ashes, has departed and carried with him several vessels of war, belonging to the Republic, together with many commercial vessels that were in the harbour, and which he means to deliver up to the English or Spaniards; and whereas before leaving the coast, he may again attempt to burn and lay waste several towns of the Colony: To prevent all such further attempts, we prohibit all Commandants of regular forces and the national guards, all Municipal Officers, and all those to whom armed force is confided, from suffering or permitting any of the said vessels, so armed, to enter any of the ports, bays, or harbours of the Colony, or even to approach, within cannon shot, neither under the pretence of necessity, the want of provisions or refreshments, or in fine, under any pretext whatever.
"We order the said commandants, municipal officers, depositories of the armed forces, and all other citizens in general, to employ every means in their power to repulse or destroy the said vessels.
"We declare all those who shall receive the said vessels, give them an assistance, or hold any correspondence with them, traitors to their country.
"We require the Governor-General to cause the present order to be put into execution.
"Given at our Camp, in the General-Quarter of Breda, the 25th June, 1793, and the 2d year of the Republic.
"POLVERAL and SONTONAX, Civil Commissioners of the Republic:
"PIQUENARD, Joint Sec. to the Civil Commissioners."
Domestic Intelligence.
LEXINGTON, July 27.
By a gentleman who arrived in town on Tuesday last, from Cumberland, we are informed, that just before he left that place, a son of Gen. Robertson's arrived there from the Chickasaw nation, with information, of great offers having been made by the Spaniards, to that nation, to induce them to break with the United States, which offers were treated with contempt by the chiefs of the nation, and especially by the Mountain Leader.
PHILADELPHIA, August 24. Extract of a letter from New-York, dated August 19.
"There is a disagreement on board the French fleet in this harbour; various stories are told respecting it; it is however a fact, that Admiral Gambes is under an arrest by the men; several of the officers, it is said, have resigned—the men accuse Admiral Gambes of being the cause of the troubles at the Cape. Some people are afraid of disturbances, at the appearance of things here, but for my own part, I think there is no danger."
August 30. We are happy to hear that the disorder which has prevailed in this city for several days, begin to abate.
BALTIMORE, AUG. 19.
Extract of a letter from Capt. Robbins, of the brig Bacchus, to his owners in this town, Algebras, June 14.
"I failed from Marseilles the 29th of May, with a full cargo for Philadelphia; and, on the sixth of June I was taken by a Spanish privateer, within about ten leagues of Gibraltar, and conducted into this port, in company with five Swedish and Danish ships, which were taken by the same privateer. The Spaniards have ordered all vessels, bound to or from France, to be stopped. There are thirty sail of neutral vessels detained here, some of which have been here from two to three months; so that I know not how long I shall be detained. I have wrote to the American Ambassador, at Madrid, on the subject."
By a vessel from St. Kitts, we are informed, that Admiral Gardner, with two 74's and two frigates, intends cruising off the American coast the ensuing fall, for the protection of the British trade.

GEORGE TOWN , August 24. On Saturday last, arrived at Alexandria, the George, Capt. Buchanan, from the South Seas, on the 27th of May in lat. 31. 47. S. and long. 34. W. spoke the N. S. Pastor, a Spanish Galleon from Buenos Ayres, bound to Cadiz, having upwards of THREE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS on board, and knew nothing of the WAR, and must fall an easy prize to the first French cruiser she meets. PHILADELPHIA , Aug. 30.
A passenger on board the ship Andrew, relates a striking instance of the justice done to the American flag in the port of P'Orient. The Hamilton, of Providence had been taken by the privateer Republican, of Nantz, and six of her hands, with a mate taken on board the privateer. The American vessel was afterwards retaken and carried into Portsmouth. The American seamen sued the privateer and obtained damages for their detention—their wages from their capture until they should reach a port of the United States—their passage, and all costs of suit paid by the privateer; who besides forfeits, 40,000 livres for his insult to the American flag.
NEW-YORK , Sept. 3. The British fleet under Lord Howe, was lying at anchor in Torbay, on the 23d July.—Several ships of the line and frigates were lying at the Nore, and in the Downs.
Extract of a letter from a Merchant of London, dated 17th July last, to a gentleman of this city.
"I must refer you to the papers for public news, and only tell you, that it is the prevailing opinion here, that an honorable peace is near at hand. We have had no failures of consequence for some time past, and I think the want of money and confidence begins to subside—Your friends are getting up—I can with great truth assure you, our government and the public in general shew every disposition to cultivate harmony with your States, and I sincerely hope, that the rage for privateering may not interfere."
BOSTON , September 4.
From Philadelphia, Aug. 19.
"The late Gazettes will furnish you with fresh instances of the strict attention of the Father of the people to preserve our peace. In consequence of the circular letter from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Collectors, and of the rules accompanying, two vessels with their cargoes sent in here as prizes to the French privateers, Little Democrat and Genet, have been taken possession of, and returned to their former owners. The Democrat attempted to pass the fort at Mud-Island, but was stopped by the third shot—she is ordered to depart immediately from the United States, which she must do as soon as supplies necessary to carry her to the first French port can be put on board. The Genet is said to be also in the river; she must do likewise. There is not wanting in the sea-ports from Georgia to New-Hampshire, both inclusive, a firm spirit to see these rules obeyed."
"If Mr. GENET should go through the Eastern States, I doubt not of his being treated as the Minister of a great people struggling hard for freedom, to whom we with a good republican government; but I hope that he will be told some wholesome truths, and become convinced that however well disposed the people of the United States are to his constituents, they know how to resent insults, and to respect their own character as a nation."
August 30.
"Capt. Makins, of the ship Andrews, arrived yesterday from L'Orient, which port she left on the 4th of July."
By this vessel we have the agreeable and certain intelligence, that Gen. Biron has beaten the Insurgents near Nantz, in two engagements, in the first of which 7,000, and in the second, 11,000 of the rebels were killed.
A considerable change had taken place in the National Convention, greatly to the honor and safety of the Republic of France.
The GREAT CUSTINE was at the head of the army, in high esteem, beloved by the SOLDIERS, and confided in by the PEOPLE.
CONFIRMATION—
A gentleman, well known in this town and Salem, and who arrived yesterday from the latter place, informs us, that he had conversed with the Captain of the ship, which arrived there on Tuesday last, in 50 days from Nantz, who told him, that he was an eye-witness of the action of the 29th of June, between the Patriots and Insurgents—That it was reported there were 35,000 of the Insurgents em-
bodied, with an intention of attacking Nantz—That the Patriots being apprised of it, made a sally upon them, routed and defeated the whole body, leaving near 15,000 dead—That the insurrection was entirely at an end; and that the Patriots were determined on establishing a Constitution, without the interference of any power on earth—That the patriotic females of Nantz were spiritedly employed, previously to the action, in preparing lint and provisions, to aid in crushing the rebellion—That Valenciennes and Conde were not taken, and no danger apprehended from the combined forces—In short, that the affairs of France wore a more pleasing aspect, than at any time since their revolution; and that it was believed at Nantz, that the British Cabinet were the principal fomenters of all their internal commotions.
After the action of the 29th of June, the Patriots, it is said, examined the dead bodies, in order to find the Priests and Nobility, who were the principal leaders in all their internal difficulties, but being disguised in the habit of peasants, they could only discover them by the softness of their hands, and the petit maitre effeminacy of their persons—there were many of those gentry, however, found among them.
Our readers will naturally remark, That the first rumours of a battle are unavoidable exaggerations, both as to the numbers engaged, and the loss sustained. This, however, we may presume is certain, that these deluded insurgents will not be able to support an army after such an entire defeat.
FROM SALEM, Yesterday.
Capt. ANDREWS has just arrived here, in fifty days from Nantz, in France.—He informs, that things have taken a different turn lately, he says, that the French have defeated the Spaniards; that the Patriots have engaged the insurgents near Nantz, and totally defeated them; killing 15,000; and under no apprehension of loosing Valenciennes:—He further says, that they are hauling up all their merchantmen as they arrive; and cutting down all the Guineamen for privateers, as fast as they come in; and that there are daily arriving valuable English prizes—several West-Indiamen a few days before he failed. This vessel spoke a Guernsey privateer, out 10 weeks, and had taken nothing.
In the British House of Commons , June 17, Mr. Fox moved an Address to his Britannic Majesty, praying him to enter into negotiations with the French Republic, for putting an end to the destructive war his Majesty was engaged in; when after a lengthy debate, the sketch of which we are not able to present, the question was put, and the numbers were,
For the Motion 47. Against it 187.
Majority against 140.
The Island of Jamaica was not open to American vessels, when the Martha, which arrived yesterday, failed.
SHIP NEWS.
On Sunday last arrived here, brig Betsey, Capt. Job Prince, from St. Eustatia; 20 days.
Arrived on Monday, Schooner Nancy, Graves, 22 days, and brig Alfred, Bruce, 20 days from St. Eustatia.
On Monday last arrived here, the brig Briton, from St. Sebastian, in Spain, to Newfoundland, a prize to the French letter-of-marque, ship Ajax, a Guineaman, of 32 guns. Her cargo is principally salt.
Arrived here yesterday, a small Dutch sloop, bound from Curacoa, for Holland, prize to the French privateer Marfeilles, citizen L'Eucyer, commander; being one of those mentioned in our last: Her cargo coffee, in bulk, and cotton.
Arrived yesterday, Schooner Betsey, of Providence, 84 days from Ostend, in want of provisions.
Arrived here, yesterday, brig Martha, Capt. Clark, last from Kingston, Jamaica, 23 days; where he was carried in by a British privateer. By Capt. Clark we have received the following list of American vessels, taken by British cruisers, and sent into Jamaica, in the order in which they were brought in there, viz.
Brig Federalist, Gayonne, of Charleston, (S.C.) brig Harriot, Calder, do. Brig Defiance, Newell, Portsmouth, (Virginia.) Ship Friendship, Hubbel, Philadelphia; brig Sophia, Price, do. brig Eagle, Parmalee, Washington, (N.C.) Schooner Jane, York, Portsmouth, (N.H.) brig Mille, Huntress, Washington, (N.C.) brig Cincinnatus, Smith,
New-York; snow Sukey, Ansel, Philadelphia; brig Thomas, Salter, Portsmouth, (N.H.) Schooner Peggy, Forester, Charleston, (S.C.) Schooner Ann, Dorand, Philadelphia; brig Lion, Dearing, Portland, (Casco-Bay) Schooner —, Caulfould, Norfolk, (Virg.) Schooner Flora, Arnold, Philadelphia; brig Martha, Clerk, Boston; sloop Hawk, Russell, Providence, (R.I.) brig Betsey, Sumner, Philadelphia; Schooner Fisher, Cole, Charleston, (S.C.) brig Betsey, Newburn, (N.C.) sloop Sufannah, Lewis, Falmouth; sloop Hudson Packet, Childs, Charleston, (S.C.) Schooner Pilgrim, Runnalds, Wilmington, (D.) brig Nancy, Brown, Portsmouth, N.H. sloop Friendship, Williamson, Portsmouth, (N.H.) Capt. Barron, from Norfolk, Virginia.
And a number in some of the small harbors in different parts of the Island, which I have not got the names of.
A gentleman, just arrived, has communicated to us the following list of American vessels, at Amsterdam, June 12, 1793.
Ships—Columbia, Mayley, Philadelphia; William, Picket, Newburyport; Leeds, Miller, New-York; Betsey, Hallowell, Rhode-Island; Maria, Rich, Boston; Holland, Latten, Philadelphia; Carolina, Wilder, Charleston:—Brigs—Ann, Clayborn, Baltimore; Mentor, Groves, do.—and Schooner Ruby, Higgins, Boston.
SALEM, Sept. 3.
Capt. Webb, from Guadalupe, via St. Kitts, informs that not one of fifty American vessels escape from being sent into English islands by the British cruisers, who are very numerous. Capt. Webb speaks highly of the candid treatment he received during his detention at St. Kitts.
The brig Cherub owned at Boston, has been carried into a French port. She had been chartered by Bird, Savage and Bird, from London, to Carolina, and back to London, and was loaded with Rice.
Capt. Elijah Ely, informs, that on his passage from Cape-Sables to Boston, he saw on shore, bottom upwards, about 15 miles from Cape-Pierce, a new American Schooner, 100 tons burthen, 60 feet keel and 20 wide; she was principally loaded with lumber, and had also about 20 bbls. beef on board, some of them marked Newbury Mefs, with the initials of some person's name. Some money was found in her cabin—and a watch case marked B. B. I. The name on her stern worn off—a number of chests much damaged in the cabin. It is supposed she has been upset some time. Several papers were found, but it was impossible to read them.
SEPTEMBER 7.
Capt. J. FREEMAN, from Bayonne, in France, but last from St. Andero, where he was carried by a Spanish privateer, and which he left the last of July—informs that the Spaniards do but very little in the war, and do not appear disposed to risk much. While he was at Bayonne, it was expected for 19 days, that the Spaniards were meditating an attack upon that place: but when he came away it was reported, that they were all called off for another expedition.
One of the vessels just arrived from Ostend, brought 50,000 dollars, in specie, belonging to a gentleman in Providence.
THE MARSEILLES.
On Friday last arrived and anchored below the Castle, the French privateer Marfeilles, of 22 guns, Citizen L'Eucyer, Commander; she saluted the Castle with 15 guns, which was returned by that fortress. The wind not being favourable, she tarried below till Saturday morning, when she came up and anchored off the end of Long-Wharf, and complimented the town with a salute.
The Marfeilles, as we before mentioned, was fitted out of Havre-de-Grace, and has been cruising off the Western Islands about six weeks: She has been remarkably fortunate, having taken eight prizes, some of them are very rich. The following is a list of them, as handed to us by an obliging Correspondent:
The sloop Young Gerard, from Curacoa to Rotterdam, arrived at Boston.
The Schooner Concordia, from Demarara for Amsterdam, sent for the port of Boston, not yet arrived.
The English privateer, ship Good Intent, of 17 guns, arrived at New-York.
The ship Harpooner, copper-bottomed, from Brazil for Bristol, arrived at Boston.
The brig Chance, from Lisbon for Newfoundland, with salt, given to the prisoners, to go wherever they pleased.
The brig Brothers, from Cadiz for Newfoundland, with salt, burned at sea.
The ship —, from New-York, for Newfoundland, with flour and bread, sent for Boston, since arrived at Portsmouth.
The American ship President, from
Hull in England, for Baltimore, with English goods, British property, arrived at Boston, and since released to the original owners.
Extract of a letter from London, July 12.
"Capt. Loud, in the Cutter Alert, is in London, from Havre-de-Grace."
"Mr. Carter's brig, of Newburyport, is carried into Weymouth, by an English privateer, Capt. Pearson."
"A brig from Boston, laden with naval stores, &c. bound to Dublin, is carried into France."
"The ship Boston Packet, Captain Davis, is arrived here in 27 days from Boston."
The French ports, it appears from every account received, are swarming with men and privateers, who are very successful. As they fight for life, liberty and property—for their wives, children and country, they will necessarily fight brave and obstinate.
SALEM, September 3.
Capt. Stone arrived since our last, from Ostend, which he left the 7th of July. He confirms the accounts by former arrivals from Europe, of the dull movements of the Combined Armies—who had not, nor was it probable they would make the least impression unfavorable to the Cause of France, and of Liberty. A few days before Capt. Stone failed, all the Dutch troops who were encamped about 15 miles from Ostend, fled into the town panic struck on an alarm that the troops of the Republic were marching against them, who are in great force near that place—this circumstance will give an idea of the impression which the French soldiers make upon their enemies. The inhabitants of Ostend were under fearful apprehensions of the French attacking it—which is considered as a very probable event, as the English have great quantities of hay and other stores, and a vast deal of property there.
Capt. Stone was in company with an English Colonel at Ostend, who spoke very faintly of their prospects at Valenciennes: There are 80,000 men attacking it (who were then many of them severely attacked by the dysentery) among which are the English troops. It is bravely defended by 10,000 French, who are assisted by the inhabitants. They have six months provisions in the town, and are determined to defend it to the last extremity. The Duke of York (who nominally commands) sent in four times desiring a surrender; the last time the Commandant informed him, that if he was impertinent enough again to repeat his message, he would hang the messenger upon the ramparts. It was reported and afterwards contradicted, that the houses in Valenciennes were principally destroyed.
When Capt. Stone was at Morlaix, (in June) there were 15 rich prizes sent in by the French cruisers—one of them a large ship from Bombay, with two thousand bales of cotton on board. The citizens of Morlaix were in excellent spirits, confident of the speedy success of the armies of Liberty over the combination of Despotism. Provisions there were cheap, plenty, and good. Before he left Morlaix, seven gun boats, well armed and equipped sailed on a secret expedition.
PORTSMOUTH, Sept. 10.
Since our last arrived here the ship Neptune, prize to the French privateer Marfeilles; she was from New-York, loaded with bread and flour, bound for St. Johns. This is said to be the ninth prize taken by the Marfeilles since her cruise.
We learn by a vessel arrived at New-York, that the National Convention, after having finished the new Constitution, and convoked a new Convention, to be held on the 9th November, dissolved. They have chosen a new Executive Council, who are charged not to receive or make any terms of peace, but to pursue the war with great vigor.
It is said, that the celebrated CONDORCET, is at the head of the Executive Council. He is allowed to be the first Head in Europe; an honest man, and a sage, and determined Republican.
◆◆◆◆◆ Died in this town since our last, Master JOHN HART, aged 14, late son of Mr. Daniel Hart, deceased. His death was occasioned by a fall on board of a vessel, which fractured his skull.—Also, a Child of Mr. Alexander Ewen.—Also, a Child of Mr. Edmund Davis.
ENTRIES at the Custom-House.
ENTERED FROM Schooner Sukey, Chapman, Trinidad. Brig John & Jane, Shackford, Demarara. Sloop Sally, Ham, Virginia.

THE VAPOUR. WHEN pining in the vap'rish hour, How strong imagination's pow'r! Alike the senses and the soul Are subject to her dire controul; We think we feel, we hear, we see, What never were, and ne'er can be; How many a whimsical mistake Has made this foolish heart to ache! How simple when the truth was known The mighty cause that made me groan! Of all the various kinds of care The vapours are the worst to bear; For ev'ry other human woe A certain length can only go; But here the measure of our pain Is wide as fancy's ample reign, Howe'er severe the real ills, Some gleam of hope attends us still; But for th' imaginary wound No healing balm can be found. My ills, in fact, have not been few, And for my faults too justly due; But, num'rous as my sins have been, Good heavens! preserve me from the SPLEEN!
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, IN TEN LINES.
 1. I am thy God who all Creation made;  2. To no vain image let thy pray'rs be paid;  3. Who takes my name in vain shall feel my rod;  4. Revere the Sabbath and adore thy God;  5. Honor thy Parents and enjoy thy land;  6. Let no foul Murder ever stain thy band;  7. Thou shalt not violate thy neighbour's wife;  8. Thou shalt not steal but lead an honest life;  9. By no false witness seek to gain belief;  10. Who covets aught is but in fact a thief. 
TENDER AIR.
FAR divided from my mate, Full of terrors for his fate; Grief'd his absence long I mourn, Grief'd I wish for his return. Waft him, ye propitious gales! O'er the main with crowded sails; Bring him from each hostile strand, Bring him to his native land.
A Drunkard's Looking-Glass.
DRUNKENNESS maketh a man unfit for good, drowneth and infatuateth the senses, depraveth the reason, begets the understanding, causeth error in judgment: it is hurtful to the mind, defiles the conscience, hardens and steels the heart, brings a spiritual lethargy: It is a work of darkness, an annoyance to modesty, a gate to debauchery, a discloser of secrets, a betrayer of trust, a depriver of honesty, a forerunner of misery; It cracks men's credit, empties their purses, consumes their estates, violates the rules of temperance, reverts the order of nature,—causes prophane, scurrilous speeches; ranting, swearing and blasphemy; quarrelling and murders.—It is the mother of mischief, the father of vice and pride, the nurse of riot and fury, the school of lying and slander; a discoverer of folly, an oppressor of nature, an impairer of health; it deformeth the village, corrupteth the breath, stupifies the spirits, intoxicates the brain, decayeth the memory, begets unnatural thirst, inflameth the blood, causes stammering of speech, reclining and staggering to and fro:—dropsies, surfeits, &c. It is a voluntary madness, a deceiver of fools. It decays moral virtues, is a bewitching poison, an inviting enemy, a flattering devil; causes a forgetfulness of God, is a provoker of his judgment, hastens and often brings untimely death, and at last destroys the soul.
TYPOGRAPHICAL ANECDOTE. AN EXTRACT.
WHEN Wood was hustling his base half-pence into the pockets of the deluded people of Ireland, he had silenced every press. It was then a patriotic Printer, of London, was invited to remove thither, and maintain a strict impartiality. The effect answered the benevolent design; for DRAPER in these new sheets, destroyed Wood and his half-pence together. But before this dispute was well terminated, a new contest arose between the lineal descendants of PETER, and the humbler followers of MARTIN, and like all other family quarrels, involved the whole country in flames—'twas Huzza Peter! and Huzza Martin! At this crisis the Printer refused to publish for either side: But he was soon driven from this neutrality; he then avowed his usual impartiality; but only one side published; the other deemed it a pollution of their purity, to make a newspaper the theatre of discussion, and were consequently dis-
pleased with his interference in a matter, which was between God and the two brothers.
The Printer, who was a man of wit, to evince the impossibility of pleasing all in such unhappy disputes, advertised that he should print his next paper a BLANK—all Ireland was inflamed with curiosity to see it: The Printer sent his paper as usual to his customers, but it was blank all to the title, "The Hibernian Gazette." Men of sense felt their country wounded by the bull—partisans saw in the blank, scandal that the Printer was afraid to print: and among the whole mass of that people there was none approved it but prudes, who construed it as a compliment to their vestalism; and dishonest men, that saw a stop to the registry of bad actions.
The patrons of the press, convinced from the experiment, that no line of conduct, however regulated, would please, remounted the Printer on his hobby, a FREE PRESS, and bid him drive on, regardless of the malice or revenge of party.
Trim's explanation of the 5th Commandment.
—Pr'ythee, Trim, quoth my father, What dost thou mean by "honoring thy father and mother?" Allowing them, an't please your honor, three half pence a day out of my pay, when they grow old.—And didst thou do that, Trim? said Yorick.—He did indeed, replied my uncle Toby.—Then, Trim, said Yorick, springing out of his chair, and taking the Corporal by the hand, thou art the best commentator upon that part of the Decalogue; and I honor thee more for it, Corporal Trim, than if thou hadst had a hand in the Talmud itself. STERNE.
Detached Sentences.
IT is wiser to prevent a quarrel beforehand, than to revenge it afterwards. It is much better to reprove than to be angry secretly. A contented mind & a good conscience, will make a man happy in all conditions. He knows not how to fear who dares to die.
Nothing more engages the affections of men than a handsome address and graceful conversation. Excess of ceremony shews want of breeding. That civility is best which excludes all superfluous formality. No man hath a thorough taste of prosperity to whom adversity never happened. When our vices leave us, we flatter ourselves that we leave them.
FOR SALE By J. MELCHER, PRINTER & BOOKSELLER, At his Printing-Office, Market-Street, Portsmouth, THE  FORESTERS, An American Tale,
Being a sequel to the history of JOHN BULL, the Clothier, in a series of letters to a friend.
At the same place may be had,
 SINGING-BOOKS, per dozen or single.  PRESS and BONNET PAPER, per dozen or single.  WRITING-PAPER, per ream or less.  SPELLING-BOOKS, per dozen or single.  PRIMERS per dozen or single.  ACCOUNT and Record Books, of any size.  LARGE BIBLES.  Warranted INK-POWDER, per dozen or less; and 
A very pretty assortment of  Books & Stationary; All of which will be disposed of on the lowest terms for cash.
A general assortment of  BLANKS constantly kept for sale at said Office—where Printing is performed on the most moderate terms, on the shortest notice.
Sundry Houses for Sale.
SEVERAL HOUSES in the town of Portsmouth to be disposed of, upon good terms:—Apply to the Printer hereof. September 9, 1793.
EXETER. State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the following non-resident tax for the town of Exeter, for 1787, remains yet unpaid, and that if it is not paid to the subscriber on or before Thursday the 3d day of October next, so much of said land will be sold at public vendue, as will pay said tax with incidental charges, at the house of Benjamin Lamson, in said town, at 10 o'clock, in the forenoon, on said day.
   State.Town.In dents. Pari.   s. s. d. s. d.     Levi Chapman, 5 5 3 1 5 10   JOSEPH LAMSON, Collector. Exeter, August 30, 1793.  
NOTICE is hereby given, that the further time of six months, reckoning from the twentieth day of June last, is allowed by the Judge of Probate, for the county of Hillsborough, for receiving and examining, &c. claims against the estate of JOHN HALE, late of Hollis, Esquire, deceased. The Commissioners for that purpose, will attend at the house of the Widow Eastman, in said Hollis, on the second Tuesday in the months of September, October, November and December following, upon the aforesaid business, from 2 o'clock, P. M. until 6 o'clock on said days.
LEONARD WHITING, } Com- WILLIAM PRESCOTT, } miss'rs Hollis, August 20, 1793.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors of Rumney, in the county of Grafton and State of New-Hampshire, that said proprietors, did at a legal meeting, held on the sixteenth day of September, A. D. 1777, vote to raise the sum of five hundred and forty pounds, to pay the Rev. Thomas Niles the sum awarded him by arbitrators, mutually chosen to adjust matters between the said Mr. Niles and the proprietors of Rumney. And also at the same meeting did vote to raise the sum of ten pounds to pay said arbitrators for their service while attending on said business. And likewise did chuse me the subscriber, Collector, to gather said sums; which being assessed and proportioned to each right and lot, they are taxed as follows, viz. Two pounds twelve shillings on the intervale lot: two pounds twelve shillings on the fifty acre lot, and two pounds twelve shillings on the common land to each right, amounting to seven pounds sixteen shillings on each whole right; which assessment was made and committed to me, together with a warrant to collect the same the twenty-fifth day of January, A. D. 1779.—I therefore notify said proprietors, that unless payment be made to me the subscriber, at my dwelling-house in Dartmouth, in said county, by the 17th day of September next, their lands will be advertised for sale pursuant to law.
DANIEL BRAINERD, jr. Collector. Dartmouth, June 24, 1793.
State of New-Hampshire.
PUBLIC notice is hereby given, that a petition hath been preferred to the General-Court by the inhabitants of Littleton and Dalton, representing that the public roads through said towns still remain in a very bad situation, notwithstanding the penny half penny tax lately granted on each and every acre of land in said towns—Wherefore they pray for an additional grant on the aforesaid towns.
After considering said petition the General-Court ordered an hearing on that part of said petition that respects taxing the lands for making and repairing highways, before the General-Court on the second Tuesday of the next session, and that in the mean time the petitioners cause that the substance of said petition and order of court thereon be published three weeks, successively, in the New-Hampshire Gazette, commencing six weeks prior to said day of hearing. Also cause that a copy of said petition and order of court be posted up in some public place in each of the towns of Littleton and Dalton, the same term of time, that any person or persons may then appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the prayer thereof may not be granted. JOSEPH PEARSON, Sec'ry. Concord, June 17, 1793.
WANTED
A LIKELY young MAN, who is a TANNER, and capable of taking the whole charge of a Tanyard for the season; to whom good encouragement will be given by WILLIAM BLODGETT. Goffstown, August 29, 1793.
FARM to LET.
A VERY good FARM, pleasantly situated in Rye, with the whole, or part of the flock now on the farm. The Farm contains about one hundred and forty acres of as good land as any in the parish of Rye, and is now occupied by Col. JEREMIAH LOCK.—For further particulars apply to the Printer hereof. September 9, 1793.
MONEY WANTED.
WANTED ON LOAN, about EIGHT HUNDRED POUNDS, £. M. for which ample security in real estate will be given, and the interest paid quarterly, if desired:—any person having the same, may dispose of it advantageously, by applying to the Printer hereof. September 9, 1793.
For SALE,
A VERY convenient DWELLING-HOUSE, in good repair, with a large GARDEN, BARN, and other necessary conveniences thereto belonging, situated in Washington-Street, Portsmouth.—Time and mode of payment will be made convenient to the purchaser: For further particulars apply to the Printer hereof. September 9, 1793.
PUBLIC VENDUE!
THE subscriber intending shortly to remove from this town, gives notice that he will sell  AT PUBLIC VENDUE (if not sold before at private sale)  His MANSION HOUSE, together with the  Wharf, Stores, Garden, and appurtenances thereto belonging, On THURSDAY, 19th September next, at 12 o'clock, at noon, on the premises.
*** The terms of sale will be made easy to a purchaser by a credit for a considerable part of the purchase sum.
N. B. In case of my absence, any person inclining to purchase may know the terms by applying to JOHN PEIRCE, Esq. ICHABOD NICHOLS. Portsmouth, August 30, 1793.
State of New-Hampshire.
PUBLIC notice is hereby given, that a petition has been presented to the General-Court by the inhabitants of a place called Dartmouth, in the county of Grafton, setting forth, that said Dartmouth is inhabited by twenty-four families, who labor under many inconveniences for want of legal authority to conduct said business, in consequence of which they suffer much on account of highways being neglected—Wherefore they pray they may be incorporated into a town, and be invested with such authority as other towns within said State by law exercise and enjoy.
Upon which petition the General-Court ordered an hearing before them on the second Thursday of the next session, and that in the mean time, the petitioners cause that the substance of the petition and order of court thereon, be published three weeks successively in the New-Hampshire Gazette, commencing six weeks prior to said day of hearing; Also cause that a copy of the petition and order of court thereon, be posted up in some public place in the town of Dartmouth, the like term of time, that any person or persons may then appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the prayer thereof may not be granted. JOSEPH PEARSON, Sec'ry. Concord, June 18, 1793.
TO BE SOLD  A SCALE BEAM.
Enquire of the Printer. Portsmouth, August 27, 1793.
Just Published and for Sale
By J. Melcher, At his Printing-Office, Corner of Market-Street, Portsmouth; The Fourfold Foundation of Calvinism Examined and Shaken, By Jeremiah Walker,