Fowle's New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser ([Portsmouth, N.H.]), 1785-08-19 00:00:00

THOUGHTS on the Trade between AMERICA and the WEST-INDIA ISLANDS.
By DRYAN EDWARDS, Esquire.
(Continued from our last.)
IF there ever was one particular system of commerce in the world, that called for restraint and limitation than any other, it was doubtless the intercourse and reciprocal exchange of commodities, which subsisted between our subjects in the West-India Islands, and those of the now United States of North America.—It was not a traffick calculated to supply the fantastick calls of vanity, or to administer gratification to luxury or to vice. Its first object was to obtain food for the hungry; to purchase common subsistence for thousands in those islands, who must otherwise have unavoidably suffered the miseries of famine. And the second great aim of the planters was, to procure materials for the supply of two capital objects; their buildings, and packages for conveying their staples to Great-Britain, from whence alone they are supplied with raiment, and other manufactures to an immense amount, for the comfort of life, and the support and maintenance of their plantations. Of the necessity of obtaining materials for the package of their principal commodities, sugar and rum, an idea may be formed from this—that the quality of those articles annually shipped to Great-Britain, exceeds in value the sum of three millions of pounds sterling, and without the means of conveying the same to the British market, the whole of its immense cultivation must stop; for who will raise, at a great expense, commodities which he can neither consume himself, nor sell to others?
Such being in part the nature, and indeed the absolute necessity of the trade in question, it seems beyond the stretch of human ingenuity to devise a solid reason why the circumstance of American independency should induce Great-Britain to object (if America does not) to the continuation of so beneficial an intercourse: beneficial in the highest degree to Great-Britain herself; not to her sugar plantations only: yet the proclamation before mentioned, by interdicting American ships for a participation therein, is, according to my conception of it, tantamount to, and in effect an absolute prohibition of the trade altogether. Nor is this opinion single and unsupported: the inhabitants of all the British West Indies considered the proclamation in the same light; for it no sooner reached them, than American supplies rose immediately, in consequence of it, three hundred per cent. in price.
It were easy to demonstrate the impossibility of the British ships supplying exclusively the sugar islands with American cargoes, except on terms absolutely ruinous either to the merchant who carries on the trade, or to the planter. To those who are acquainted with the nature and comparative cheapness of American navigation, proof of this is unnecessary; and it is equally unnecessary to those who are not;—for, in my opinion, the United States will cut the matter short by a reciprocal restriction towards British Vessels. That they certainly will come to this determination, however, I do not affirm; I only say they may: and I think it more than probable, as soon as their present internal disquiétudes are sufficiently allayed to permit them to attend to foreign commerce, that they will; and I form my opinion on the following circumstances: First, because they well know that Great-Britain must in time recede; for America has this advantage in the contest, that sugar and rum, and coffee, and molasses, though very wholesome things, are not, however, like American provisions, absolutely necessary to the preservation of life. Secondly, because if they are not permitted to purchase those commodities from us, in their own way, they can get them elsewhere. The commerce of America, therefore, is beyond all equivalent more necessary to the British West-India Islands, than that of the islands to her. For these reasons Great-Britain, as America well knows, must recede at last—The misfortune is, that our devoted planters may be famished before the contest is settled.
Those who contend that the necessities of America will oblige her to send her merchandise to the best market, through any channel, appear to me to judge somewhat hastily of human nature. They take for granted that interest has, in all cases, an irresistible influence on human action. I doubt this is not always a just conclusion. The bulk of mankind are, I believe, as commonly governed by passion. But though on the present occasion, the passions and prejudices of America concur, according to my idea, with her real interest, to induce her to reject the alternative offered by Great-Britain, yet it may not be useless to enquire what other
nations have done under a similar predicament, and in cases too where evidently it was not their interest to retaliate. An instance occurs in history too striking to be overlooked. By a statute of Queen Elizabeth, the importation was prohibited of cutlery from the Netherlands. This act was no sooner promulgated, than the Princess of Parma instantly prohibited in return the trade for English woolens, amounting to the annual value of one million sterling. The princess knew as well as Elizabeth, that by this prohibition she essentially injured the trade of the people under her government; but she gratified her revenge; and in truth, the annals of all ages abundantly prove, that considerations of interest, are frequently overpowered by motives of resentment.
Surely the present subject is not properly understood in the kingdom, or the profitable existence of the most valuable of our remaining plantations; the welfare of thousands and thousands of valuable subjects; I may add, the manufactures and industry in a great degree, of the nation, would not have been thus put in hazard. That the subject is not well understood, is evident from the reasoning of many distinguished men, both in and out of parliament, who cannot be supposed to be actuated by interested or improper motives. Yet their arguments prove them to be most strangely misinformed in a matter of the highest importance. Among other positions, which have seemingly had an influence on the councils of government in this business, it has been very confidently urged,
First, That if the United States shall refuse permission to British ships to carry on the trade between the West-Indies and America exclusively, the planters may obtain sufficient supplies of provisions and lumber from Canada and Nova Scotia, at least with some assistance from Great-Britain.
Secondly, That Great-Britain being entitled to the monopoly of the produce of her own West-India islands, it will be injurious to her interest, to permit a direct importation into the United States of any part thereof, in American vessels.
Thirdly, That if the Americans are allowed a free commercial intercourse with this kingdom and its dependencies as formerly, they will soon substantially enjoy it, to the exclusion of our own shipping, and the entire loss of our carrying trade.
Fourthly, That Ireland will have just reason to complain, if America is permitted to purchase sugar and rum cheaper than herself.
I shall consider these positions separately; but in this, as in all commercial disquisitions, it is the first duty of a writer to ascertain facts. Declamation may mislead and speculative reasoning perplex, but in matters of trade, the most plausible theory, unless it be raised on the solid evidence of well authenticated facts, is built on stubble.
Lord Sheffield observes, and very truly, that the knowledge of the exports and imports of the American trade, will afford us facts and principles to ascertain its value. I shall apply this observation to the trade in question, as it actually subsisted between our islands in the West-Indies, and the United States of America previous to the year 1774, in the latter end of which year, the non-importation agreement took place. I omit that year for obvious reasons. If I mistake not, the summary which I shall present to my readers, will afford a full and sufficient answer to more than one of the preceding objections. The rest will give me very little trouble.
I begin with the imports. It is indeed abundantly necessary that Great-Britain should be acquainted with their nature and value, for their importance extends not merely to the preservation of fortune, but to the maintenance of life. It was said in parliament, that they amounted to about 200,000. annually, but that neither the people nor parliament of England, have at present any just conception of their magnitude, may be seen from hence, that on an average of three years previous to 1774, our several West-India islands received from America (I mean from those provinces which now constitute the United States; the small and casual importations from Canada and Nova-Scotia, being unworthy particular discrimination *) an annual supply of one hundred and twenty-five thousand barrels of flour, five thousand tierces of biscuit, fourteen thousand tierces of rice, twelve thousand five hundred barrels of pork and beef, three hundred and sixty thousand bushels of Indian corn, besides beans and pease, oats, &c. but above all, as being of infinite importance towards the
* From 5th July, 1782, to the 5th July, 1783, only two small vessels from Halifax, and one from Quebec, entered at Kingston, Jamaica.
maintenance of the Negroes, was the article of salted fish, amounting to one hundred and fifty thousand quintals, and thirty thousand barrels*. Such were the provisions, not matters of luxury, but plain and necessary food. Of lumber for building, such as joists, boards, planks, &c. (worth in the West-Indies before the war, about 5l. sterling per thousand); the quantity imported was twenty million one hundred and fifty thousand feet, besides twenty-one million of shingles for roofing; and of slaves for hogheads and puncheons, or thereabouts, the islands received twenty-one million one hundred and sixty thousand, exclusive of seventeen thousand shook hogheads, and about a million and a half of wood hoops. To all which are to be added, frames for houses, spermaceti candles, iron, tar, turpentine and lamp oil, horses, oxen, sheep and poultry; the whole annual importation, I venture to set, on the most moderate estimate, at the sum of 750,000. sterling money of Great-Britain!
In payment of that immense supply, the Americans exported part of all the staples of our islands, but principally rum. And it is a circumstance deserving particular attention, that the rum of all our plantations (Jamaica and Grenada excepted) is fit only for the American market, and would seldom prove a saving remittance if shipped to Great-Britain. The quantity of this article sold annually to America, on an average as above, was three million six hundred thousand gallons, amounting, at 1 s. 6 d. sterling per gallon, to 270,000. sterling.
The next article of export, in point of value, was sugar, of which the Americans purchased about 3000 hogheads, 1500 tierces, and 4000 barrels yearly, worth on the spot, about 125,000. sterling. It was chiefly the finest muscavado intended for the scale.
With molasses the Americans were chiefly supplied by the French, who being checked in their distilleries by the policy of their government could afford to sell it much cheaper than the British planters; yet in assorting their homeward cargoes, this commodity was not entirely overlooked. The quantity purchased by them in our islands annually, was stated to me at about 152,000 gallons, worth 5000. sterling, but I suspect it is greatly under-rated.
Coffee constituted a very essential article of American consumption. The demand for it in Jamaica for the American market, was so great for some years previous to the commencement of the late war, as to occasion an increase of cultivation in the mountainous parts of that island, (especially in the vicinity of Kingston) so rapid as to excite astonishment.
The quantity shipped to North-America so long ago as 1767, (since which time I have no exact account) from the port of Kingston, was 904 casks worth, on an average, 20l. each (currency). I have no doubt that this exportation was doubled, on an average of the six succeeding years; and allowing the islands to windward (particularly Dominica, Grenada, and its dependencies) to have furnished an equal quantity with Jamaica, the whole supply in sterling money would not be short of 50,000. This article too would have proved a losing remittance if shipped to Great-Britain.—Our late ministers however, very wisely and prudently reduced the duties on its importation.
The Americans purchased likewise (chiefly in Jamaica) considerable quantity of cocoa or chocolate, and about 10,000 mahogany planks. These articles were obtained principally from the Spanish Main; and islands of Cuba, in exchange for British manufactures sent from Jamaica. This was a trade formerly of infinite importance to Great-Britain, till the British ministry in 1763, through a mistaken policy, becoming custom-house officers for the king of Spain, gave it a wound of which it has never thoroughly recovered. They purchased likewise, but to no great amount, piemento, ginger, cotton-wool, fustick, logwood and lignum vitae. For these various articles I reckon on a loose estimate, 60,000.
From this state of their imports and exports, the sum of 240,000. sterling appears to have been the balance in favour of America, and it was paid in cash and bills of Exchange. Part of which, as it is supposed, was afterwards laid out in the French islands, in the purchase of molasses and coffee: but much less I believe than is commonly imagined; for the French planters had as great occasion as our own for American lumber and necessaries; and that those articles were freely admitted into their ports, I have been myself an eye-witness; that they gladly received them too, instead of money, in payment of sugar and other articles of their
* Worth in America about 120,000. sterling—of the great importance of this particular supply I shall again have occasion to speak.

produce, which were afterwards conveyed (whether legally or not) into the ports of North-America, there is no reason to doubt. It is therefore more than probable, that the whole, or the greatest part of the balance due and received from the planters in our own islands, was remitted by the Americans to Great-Britain, in reduction of their debts to the British merchants. And such were once the happy effects of colonial navigation and commerce! Though spreading through a variety of distant channels, their profits all returned to, and ultimately centred in Great-Britain, like rivers to the ocean, which, as philosophers tell us, supplies by unobserved operations, and through a thousand secret recesses, the springs and fountains of the earth:—but these, after giving fertility and life to the remotest corners of the globe, return back with collective and augmented force, and freighted with golden treasures, to the bosom of their general parent.
In the preceding enumerations of the exports from the British West-Indies to North America, I am not clear that my statement conforms to official documents. The Custom House books in the West Indies, out of which those documents are formed, afford no certainty of information; for many of the bays, creeks, and shipping places in the islands (particularly in Jamaica) being remote from the ports of entry, it was formerly usual with the masters of American vessels loading at such places in order to prevent delay, to make out their manifests, and take out their clearances before they were fully laden, receiving afterwards on board, notwithstanding the risks they incurred by the practice, much greater quantities of goods than they had reported. Governor Lyttleton, in a representation to the Lords of Trade, in 1764, now before me, observes that there was not at that time one half of the produce entered for exportation in the Custom-House books at Jamaica, which was actually shipped. Perhaps, therefore, I may have over-rated the balance in favour of America.
(To be continued.)
L O N D O N,
Extract of a letter from Paris, May 24.
“An apprentice to a publick cook, in a street called Croix des petit-champs, in this city, being supposed to be dead, preparations were made for his interment, and just as the coffin was lowering into the grave, a noise was heard to proceed from the inside of it, upon which the lid was instantly broke open, when the unfortunate youth, imagining he had just awoke from a frightful dream, exclaimed, “My God! do I still dream!”—Upon awaking from the trance, the shock the young man received, upon finding he had so narrowly escaped being buried alive, had so powerful an effect upon his spirits, that it is feared he cannot recover.”
June 17. The message sent from Mr. Pitt, a few days ago, to the American Envoy, desiring to postpone, for some time, the intended interview between them, gave rise to some degree of speculation. The common opinion was, that some difference had arisen among the members of the cabinet, as to the propriety of receiving that political missionary on any other footing than that of a private agent from our quondam colonies, and therefore, that the Minister could not see him, till that point, which must decide the form and manner of doing so, was finally adjusted. It would seem however, from the account in yesterday's papers, that, if there really had existed any doubts concerning that matter, the good genius of the new world had crept into our councils and blown them all away.
Extract of a letter from Mr. Fector, of Dover, dated Bologne, June 15.
“As you will naturally be desirous to know the particulars of the unhappy fate of our two Aeronauts, who perished this morning, you may depend on the following, of which I was an eye-witness.”
“At a quarter past seven they ascended, and for the first 20 minutes appeared to take the best possible direction; when, for a few seconds they appeared stationary, then took a direction to the left, towards Portee; then a contrary direction; and at about three quarters of a mile height the whole was in flames, from the fire of the cursed Montgolfier, and fell with incredible velocity on Huitmille Warren, where the two unfortunate adventurers were found instantly on their fall; Pilatre with his thighs both broke, and a violent contusion on his breast—he was dead before his descent, apparently; Romain had both his legs broken, and most of his limbs disjointed, but breathed for some moments, and uttered the exclamation, Oh Jesu! and instantly expired.”
CHARLESTON, South-Carolina.
July 13. By the Savannah Gazette of the 7th inst. we learn, that on Tuesday morning, between five and six o'clock, the Coroner's Inquest sat on the body of Mr. Daniel Goffe, (son of Mrs. Jane Goffe, of Savannah) found dead near Major Fithbourn's about half an hour after one, when by the verdict of the jury it appeared Mr. Goffe came to his death from the discharge of a musket out of a window of Platt's tavern. The jury charged one John Brice, alias Richards, (a carpenter from this city), William Allen, Platt and his wife, (all now in confinement) with being principals and accessaries in murdering the deceased. His remains were in the evening attended to the burying-ground by a respectable number of citizens and others. The particulars of this unfortunate affair will be laid before the publick as soon as received.
July 26. The riches discovered at Senora, in New-Andalusia, in South-America, are immense. One gold mine has been discovered within twelve leagues of the Presidency del Alter, where, from fourteen pits at the depth only of two feet, with very little labour, vast quantities of grains of gold have been found. Two other mines, equally rich, have been discovered in the neighbourhood.
Died the 24th of May, on his passage from Lisbon to Boston, Joseph Mayo, jun. Esq. of Powhatan, in the county of Henrico, in the 29th year of his age. It was his and his country's misfortune, that his constitution did not admit of his giving public proofs of his attachment to her liberties; but his last will and testament shews that he was the friend of universal liberty, by giving freedom to one hundred and fifty souls, who, by the laws of this country, were bound in slavery to him.
N E W - Y O R K, August 8. Extract of a letter from St. John's, Antigua, dated July 13.
“On Monday morning last, exactly at 3 o'clock, we were alarmed with a tremulous motion of the earth, which continued increasing in its violence for near the space of a minute, when there was the most tremendous concussion of the earth ever remembered in this island. It filled every soul with consternation and terror, and died away in lessening, but sensibly felt vibrations, for several seconds of time. We have not yet heard of any material hurt done by this terrifick visitation here.”
Extract of a letter from Shelburne, July 10. “Our deplorable situation surpasses description—and many a cheek is watered with the briny tear on the thought of our approaching calamity, which threatens us with the horrors of starvation. I assure you we are miserable in the extreme, notwithstanding some obdurate wretches laugh at the mischief they have been instrumental in bringing upon us, and expect to aggrandize themselves on the annihilation of many a worthy family; but men of contrary principles, susceptible of the sentiments which religion inspire, must deplore the cause which precipitated their own species into the abyss of misery.—Figure to yourself, my dear friend, the poignancy of the reflection to a family who lived in opulence, not to say luxury, reduced to the dire necessity of resisting that impulse of a craving appetite. This sad state of woe will, I know, extort the heaving sigh from your breast, and fill your bosom with commiseration for an old friend; but we must content ourselves, it is our lot, and we cannot expect an exemption from the misfortunes incident to humanity. Sure our sufferings have been tantamount to our crimes, if it may be called a crime to act from the purest principles, the dictates of nature. You should remember, that though we are victims to adversity, no one is exempt from the painful vicissitudes of life; and that the happy to day, may to-morrow experience a sad reverse; and want, penury and pain, constitute the pillow.”
A gentleman, who landed last Thursday, from Jamaica, mentions, that three American vessels had arrived at Port-Royal, which, although refused to dispose of their cargoes, were indulged with every other grace and attention, being allowed to remain a sufficient time to rest, victual and water;—not so at certain West-India islands, owned by other nations, where American vessels are not permitted even to enter their harbours.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Washington, to his friend in Philadelphia.
“The Executive of the state of Franklin has lately concluded a treaty of amity and perpetual friendship with the Cherokee Indians, and a negotiation is on foot to give that nation a representation in the new legislation. The predatory excursions of some western tribes, and the Creek Indians have lately given some alarms here, and in Kentucky, but it is to be hoped that the Commissioners, of the United States will so conciliate these tribes, during the summer, that a thorough peace will, before the end of the year, prevail on all our borders.”
“I am happy to acquaint you that the people of Kentucky have lately held a Convention, and adopted decided measures for a separation. They have named their new society the Commonwealth of Kentucky ; this will be an occasion of another deputation to Congress next winter.”
N E W - H A V E N, August 3.
The mails in England, similar to a plan now on the tapis here, are carried by coaches, which gives infinite satisfaction, and is a great saving to government.
There has not been experienced so severe a drought in England, as lately since the year 1761. It commenced in April, and continued thirty-seven days. In France it was so intense, that the peasantry were obliged to kill their cattle, as every pond, pool, &c. were dried up; and it was with difficulty water could be provided for the sustenance of man.
B O S T O N, August 15.
The anniversary of St. Cusse was celebrated on Wednesday last with uncommon splendour. About forty pair of Africans, in chariots, coaches and two wheel-carriages, repaired to Jamaica-Plain, where a superb entertainment had been previously provided for them—there, with all the hilarity, mirth, and social glee, which good sense and harmony inspire, they spent the day—eclipsing, to their immortal honour, the noisy sons of intemperance, who, from the accidental tint of a whitewashed skin, covering many a fable heart, arrogate to themselves a superiority they are not entitled to; whose convivialities begin in smiles, but end with wrath, blood and broken heads. Every benevolent mind must expand with pleasure, in contemplating the wide diffused blessings of freedom, equally participated in this independent nation by every son of Adam, resident in this asylum of the oppressed.
A Virginia paper says, by a gentleman immediately from Harrison, we are well informed, that on the 29th of last month, seven men were surprised at the Great-Kanhawa, by a small party of Indians, (headed by one Simon Girty, a white man) who killed and scalped five out of seven.—Among the killed are, Mr. John P. Du Val, Senator for the district of Monongalia and Ohio; and Mr. Gallatan, a young French gentleman, who went from New-York a few months ago, to that country.
State of New-Hampshire, Cheshire fs.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-Resident Proprietors or Owners of Land in the Town of Fitzwilliam, who have not paid their Proprietary Taxes for the Year 1784, that unless they pay the same to me the Subscriber, on or before Thursday the 8th Day of September next, by Ten o'Clock, A. M. so much of their Lands will be sold at Public Vendue, at the Dwelling House of Capt. Sylvanus Reed, Jr. Inholder in said Town, as will pay the Taxes and Charges unless prevented by previous Payment. The Taxes on each Lot is six Shillings and five Pence two Farthings.
   No. Range.    Isaac Goodenow, 2 1  Joshua Willard, half 13 1  Ditto, 3 2  John Wilson, 5 2  Thomas Spaulding, half 6 2  Samuel Bent, 66 acres, 8 2  Esquire Jenks, 2 3  Ditto, 3 3  Ditto, 4 3  Ditto, 5 3  Levi Wilder, 6 3  Ditto, 7 3  Matther Osborn, 10 3  Joseph Farewell, 11 3  Col. Stoddard, 12 3  Salmon Whitney, 17 3  Benjamin Edwards, 3 4  Levi Wilder, half 6 4  Ditto, 8 4  Philip Amadon, 10 4  Col. Stoddard, 75 acres. 13 4  Samuel Winch, half 17 4  James Butler, 18 4  Jonathan Haven, 19 5  Samuel Kittridge, 21 4  Col. Stoddard, 1 5  Nathan Hall, 23 5  John Whitney, 69 acres, 3 5  Sampson Stoddard, 8 5  Benjamin Davison, 8 acres, 15 5  Levi Wilder, half 2 5  Ditto, 1 6  Ditto, 2 6  Joseph Stone, 28 acres, 8 6  Jason Stone, 31 acres, 31 6  Daniel Farrar, half 23 6  Jesse Forristall, 1 7  Levi Wilder, 6 7  John Allen, 14 7  Daniel Mellen, half 16 7  Joseph Hemmingway, half 18 7  John Bowker, 20 7  Isaac Stone, 21 7  John Farrar, 23 7  Levi Wilder, 1 8  Ebenezer Boutwell, 7 8  Thamer Bringham, 8 8  Heirs of Jonathan Bruce, 62 acres, 21 8  Levi Wilder, 9 9  Curwin Wallis, 15 9  Levi Wilder, half 17 9  Daniel Farrar, 21 9  Daniel Gould, 22 9  Thomas Tolman, half 23 9  Levi Wilder, 3 10  Ditto, 5 10  Silas Colborn, 6 10  Jonas Geany, half 7 10  Ebenezer Bourwell jr. half 7 10  Heirs of George Libbey, 10 10  Nathaniel Brooks, 11 10  Col. Stoddard, 12 10  Ditto, 13 10  Levi Wilder, 15 10  Daniel Gould, jr. 66 acres, 20 10  William Clark, 21 10  Daniel Adams, 22 10  Isaac Jackson, 23 10  Josiah Goodale, 40 acres, 1 11  Asa Bennett, 7 11  Nathaniel Brooks, 10 acres, 11 11  Col. Stoddard, 12 11  James Reed, 14 11  Levi Wilder, 17 11  John Gooding, 21 11  John Sweetland, 22 11  Jacob Serjeant, 1 12  Benjamin Bennett, 2 12  John Batchelor, Esq. 59 acres 4 12  Allen Grant, 7 12  Levi Wilder, 8 12  Ditto, 9 12  Peter Wheeler, 33 acres 10 12  Levi Wheeler, 11 12  M. Thornton, 13 12  Col. Stoddard, 16 12  Nathaniel Treadwell, 17 12  Thomas Clark, half 18 12  Rufus Buckland, 19 12  Ezekiel White, 35 acres, 20 12  Lyman Bringham, 21 12  Agabus Bishop, 22 12  Jonathan Whitney, 19 9  John Whitney, 20 8  William Farrar, half 22 7  John Allen, 72 acres, 15 7  Samuel Patrick, half 17 5  Samuel Barnard, 44 acres 14 6  
JONATHAN WHITCOMB, Collector. Fitzwilliam, July 22, 1785.
Wanted a small quantity of Sheep's Wool; for which Cash will be given by the Printers.

May 3. In no period of peace were there ever such preparations going forward in the port of Cadiz as at this time. The security of the Spanish territories in the West-Indies, and the threatened renewal of the bombardment of Algiers, are the professed objects of these exertions, but an extension of power is shrewdly suspected to be the real one.
As travelling by balloons becomes more and more common every day, and as many persons may hazard their safety in them, whose lives are valuable, we understand that a Right Reverend Bishop has in contemplation to compose a new form of prayer for those who travel by air. We have not been able to procure an exact copy of it, else we would have laid it before the public, which, however, we shall do as soon as possible; in the mean time we may mention that there is something in it about having our minds set on things above the reach of human knowledge; the vanity of clinging to the earth , as if there was no higher object of ambition ; and it concludes with an allusion, not unaptly, to the prince of the power of the air . The Scripture phrase, Let him that standeth take heed , &c. is changed to, "Let him that flyeth take heed lest he fall."
June 9. We hear from Carthagena, that the expedition against Algiers is suspended, if not entirely given up. The unfavourable report that the plague had broke out there, is one of the causes of this delay.
This day, John Adams, Esq. Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America, had a private audience of his Majesty.
An Ambassador from America!—Good heavens, what a sound! The Gazette surely never announced any thing so extraordinary before, nor, once so little expected. This will be such a phenomenon in the Corps Diplomatique, that it is hard to say which can excite indignation most, the insolence of those who appoint the character, or the meanness of those who receive it. Such a thing could not have happened in any former administration—it was reserved, like some other humiliating circumstances, to take place,
—Hui Jove, sed Jove nondum
Barbato
June 16. The arrival of an Ambassador from America will be the cause of sending out another to that country. Great inconveniences have arisen for want of a Minister there in that quality, as well to the commercial as the political interests of both nations. To remedy these, it is said, the Earl of Effingham is to go to America in that capacity.
Yesterday morning orders were sent from the War-office for a strong party of guards and the horse, who were on duty at the Horse-guards, to be in readiness to suppress any tumult which might arise, from the shops in the cities of London and Westminster being shut on account of the new tax, &c.
Mr. Pitt was yesterday saluted by continued hisses and groans by a great number of people, in his way to the House of Commons; and it was with great difficulty he escaped, on his return, from the enraged multitude.
Dr. Prettyman had likewise a narrow escape, but which was attended with more difficulty, the populace pursuing him, till he took shelter in a house down one of the private streets.
PHILADELPHIA, August 2.
The vast increase of counterfeit coppers in this state, though it may, at the first view, appear an object of small moment, merits the attention of the community, particularly the trading world. The immense profit made by the traffic of bringing over this vile trash, is so strong an inducement, that unless proper steps are taken to prevent it, the remaining silver money of the country will be drained away for it, at one third of its value. It will then become necessary for the legislature to interfere; their circulation will probably be stopped, and every person will suffer the loss of as many of them as remain in his hands. It frequently happens on a new copper coinage for Ireland, when the base coin, which had been in circulation, becomes generally refused, that individuals, in retailing branches of business, lose twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, and sometimes even a hundred pounds, by the quantity remaining with them. There is an ingenious young man in this city, who understands perfectly well the management of a mint; and, if properly encouraged, could, with a very small sum of money, commence a copper coinage, which would be equal to the genuine British coppers, and besides giving employment to several working people, would save the country the sums of money at present drawn away for the coppers, as well genuine as counterfeit.
NEW-YORK, August 4.
Extract of a letter from London, May 10.
The fire which broke out on Saturday morning near the end of Stone-lane, at Horseley-down, Southwark, will be attended with one of the most heavy losses that has been sustained for many years from similar calamity. The first buildings that were destroyed, were extensive turpentine, pitch and tar warehouses nearly adjoining, together with all their inflammable contents to a large amount. The turpentine, pitch and tar melted, ran amongst, and being thrown by the engines with the water upon the fire, the flames, instead of being appeased, raged with tenfold fury. Including the tea in two East-India hoys that were burnt, an immense quantity of that article is consumed; the reports on this head are various and contradictory; some say that three, some seven, and others that fifteen thousand chests of tea were consumed. The fine and very extensive range of warehouses belonging to the Messrs. Davis's are quite destroyed, with their contents, to a vast amount. The ruins occasioned by this shocking conflagration cover several acres of ground, several hundreds of edifices, including dwelling, warehouses, and out-buildings are destroyed. The loss cannot be ascertained, but the most prevailing opinion is, that it will exceed three hundred thousand pounds.
There are so many of the female sex, says a correspondent, who exhibit such a propensity to decorate the persons, while the intellects, are totally neglected, as
and dandiprat. The contagion is so epidemic, that it diffuses itself in the most sequestered walks of life, where the neat country girl, instead of being adorned with the fripperies of the day, could content herself with the modest productions of her own industry. Luxury is the source of corruption, and the preface of national declension and ruin. It is esteemed and it is censured; it is entertained as adoring and conducive; and it is proscribed as a wickedness which the pulpit and the press ought to enveigh against, as adverse to the forms of democratical governments.
About six weeks ago, James Mainold, of this city, butcher, aged twenty-three years, a worthy citizen, was bit by his own dog, which had run mad, his wounds healed and he appeared well, until last Friday, when the hydrophobia came on with the usual dreadful symptoms, and on Wednesday last put an end to his life.
This recent instance, together with others, of the dreadful effect of canine madness, a disease little known in America before the late war, but which seems to have increased alarmingly within these three or four years, will certainly justify the proscription of the Corporations of this city, against all dogs running at large, the more so, when we are informed that there is scarce any poison infectious so many ways as this; it takes effect through the cloaths, without fetching blood, by the breath of the animal drawn into the lungs, by a touch of the froth; if recent, by handling the wound, or instrument which was the death of the animal; or by handling things which have been infected by any means; and it is seldom that any poison will produce such terrible contortions in the persons infected as this dreadful malady, or cause such a wonderful change. When it begins to work, it is most violent and quick, and yet as it is said, will be dormant for twenty years together before it exerts itself.
Beverwyck gives an account of a woman who caught the infection by sewing up the rent made in a garment by a mad dog, and biting off the thread with her teeth. Of several persons who were infected and became mad by eating the flesh of swine that had been bit. Of several persons, and four footed animals bit by mad foxes, who had become so by eating the flesh of mad hogs, that had not been buried deep enough. Of persons who grew mad by touching the froth coming out of the mouth of a mad dog. Of a learned Counsellor, by name Badius, who was infected and died from the bite of his lap-dog in his lip, when there was not the least sign of madness in the dog.
We have the pleasure to inform the public, that several mines yielding silver and lead, have been discovered on the North-River; specimens are lately brought to this City, and the residue to whose hands the ore is confided, has the satisfaction to find it in his assay from one of them, an uncommon produce of silver.
The following is given in a late London paper as a fact;—Two gentlemen who were rivals in a love affair, met opposite the Devil Tavern a few days ago, by accident. The one was a surgeon, the other a lawyer. Some words passed, and the lawyer putting his finger and thumb together opposite the surgeon's nose, and twisting his wrist round, said, "Take that for a bull by the nose ." The surgeon went home, and consulted his lawyer, and the affair is next term to be argued in the king's bench, when the question for the jury will be, Does the idea of nose-pulling by manual imitation amount to an assault? Not less than four Counsel are retained on this business.
Extract of a private letter, dated Paris, May 19.
The corps of the late Duc de Choiseul was, according to custom, presented to the parish church of St. Eustache, and afterwards carried to his seat at Chanteloupe, where he is to be buried, at his own request, in a particular spot of his park; where he has ordered a male cypress to be planted, and another of the female kind, when the last tribute to nature is paid by his surviving consort, whose remains are to be laid next to his own. It is said that his Grace died of a peripneumony, and the fault is publicly laid to the charge of his physician, who would not condescend to be guided by the opinion of Mr. Bartes. But what cares death for doctors and their drugs, when the glass is out?"
The British, with a candour for which they are not celebrated, acknowledge the judiciousness of our laws which impose such a heavy duty on coaches and other luxuries, while their poor bowed down with oppression, are obliged, maugre their propensity to their native soil, to seek alleviation by emigrating.
His Catholic Majesty will employ the naval force of his son the King of Naples, in his attempt to reduce Algiers. The courage and skill the Napolitan officers displayed last year, is the reason of their being called upon to co-operate in chastising those pirates. The marine of the above two powers, aided by the Queen of Portugal, is thought adequate to the task of compelling those barbarians to a sense of civilization and respect for the flags of other powers. The attack was to begin this month. We are impatient to know the issue. Our good wishes attend the besiegers.
A letter from a gentleman who left Philadelphia, in company with the Commissioners appointed to ascertain the western boundary line between Pennsylvania and Virginia, dated Wheeling-Creek, June 30, 1785, says, "In common with the deer, the elk, the bear, and the wolf, we inhabit as perfect a wilderness as ever the footsteps of a Jesuit or a Pilgrim traversed. Here I have profited numberless opportunities of making observations on the natural history of the country, and its productions, as well mineral as animal and vegetable. Of the latter, I have met with a great variety, unknown in my opinion, to Linnæus himself."
"In about six weeks we expect to be upon the banks of the Ohio. A more agreeable country will, I flatter myself, intervene, before we arrive at the river; for the place we are now in is extremely mountainous, and in a very rude state."
"We have just received information of the murder of two white men by the Indians, at the mouth of an-
at present: but should our situation be found dangerous, proper measures will be taken for our protection."
WORCESTER, August 11.
A French gentleman now at New-York, educated at the academy of sciences at Paris, is desirous of being employed in raising and conducting a China and Earthen Ware manufactory. He is said to be well skilled in making China and the best earthen Wares, and has had the direction of a principal manufactory of those articles in France.
A few weeks since three or four persons died suddenly, at Baltimore, their deaths being occasioned by drinking cold water.
NEWBURY-PORT, August 17.
Last Wednesday being the day appointed for Training in this town, the Militia appeared under arms, and performed their several exercises to the satisfaction of the numerous Spectators. The day was very agreeably spent, and would have concluded in the same manner, had it not been for an accident which happened to Mr. EBENEZER CUTTER, one of the Artillery Company, who in loading one of the Field-Pieces had his left hand blown off, by the cartridge taking fire, while he was ramming it down—the bone of the arm was so fractured, that it was found necessary to amputate it above the elbow: he is in a fair way to recover.
PORTSMOUTH, August 19.
It is truly pitiable, says a correspondent, that the motto, "Mind your Business," was not more strongly imprinted on the minds of numbers of the inhabitants of this place. The idle and scurrilous practice of numbers collecting at the corners, or loitering about the streets, making their remarks on, and censuring the several characters that pass by them, ought to be reprobated by every upright citizen and real gentleman. Our correspondent further observes, that these satyrizing characters are well known, and have business enough of their own, if they would but attend to it, to keep them in sufficient employ, without applying themselves so assiduously to that of their neighbours. Some of this order of beings call themselves gentlemen, (tho' their conduct speaks them the contrary) and affect to move in the first circles of the town; and others of the lower rank, chew the baneful poison, and roll it like a sweet morsel under their tongues. So long as this continues to be the practice of so many of our fellow-citizens, can we expect to be a happy and flourishing people? Calm reason replies, no. —Virtue, thou fair goddess, when wilt thou again revisit these shores? when shall we see the mantle of charity displayed in our streets, and our houses prove the temples of humanity? Then shall these characters bide their heads for shame, or flee from before the bright and all-searching rays of truth and justice.
On Wednesday last, two children belonging to this town, were bit by a dog, supposed to be mad: The dog was immediately killed. It is surprising to see so many of the canine species running at large, when we are repeatedly receiving accounts of the fatal consequences resulting from such carelessness inattention to the first law of nature, "self-preservation." The damage which has been done by dogs running mad in numbers of places on the continent, is very great, and loudly warns us to be on our guard. If people are so fond of these domestics as to hazard their lives for their preservation, it is not reasonable that the lives of others should be endangered to gratify their humour: Upon the whole it appears highly requisite and necessary, that the order of the selectmen of this town, lately published in this paper, should be strictly complied with.
MARINE LIST.
PORT OF PISCATAQUA, August 19. ENTERED, Sloop Mary, Gunnison from Grenada. Schooner Sally, Perry, New-Brunswick. CLEARED, none.
ROCKINGHAM, fs.
THE subscribers being appointed commissioners to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of JAMES DWYER, late of Portsmouth, in said county, inholder, deceased, represented insolvent, give notice, that six months are allowed said creditors from the 20th of July to bring in their claims, and that attendance will be given to receive the same, at the house of Capt. WILLIAM BREWSTER, inholder in Portsmouth, on the last Wednesdays of the five following months, from 6 to 9 o'clock P. M.
THOMAS MARTIN, JOHN PARKER, } Commissioners. SUPPLY CLAP, }
Portsmouth, July 28, 1785.
NOTICE is hereby given, that there is to be sold by public Vendue, by the Subscriber, Collector of Taxes of the Parishioners of the first Parish in Portsmouth, at the North Meeting-House in said Portsmouth, on Monday the fifth Day of September next, at Ten o'clock, Forenoon, sundry PEWS, of the following Numbers, or the parts thereof owned by delinquent Parishioners, viz. No. 10, half Pew; 43 ditto, 46, 47, two Thirds; 50, 52, one Third; 57, 58, 66, 68, half Pews; The following in the lower Gallery, No. 80, 83, 95; half Pews, 98, 99, 84.
WINTHROP BENNET.
Portsmouth, August 10, 1785.
Warrantee and Quit-claim blank Deeds, Court and Justices Blanks, &c. &c. may be had at this Printing-Office, on the shortest notice.

CLOE, at church, with looks devout, Was over-heard to say; "My morning's glass is almost out, "A Husband, Lord, I pray."
A drollish spark, who near her sat, Determin'd for a joke; Reply'd with voice effeminate, As if an angel spoke:
"Thou shalt no longer be a maid, "Thou hast neglected been;" "Thank ye, good Spirit," Cloe said, And loudly cry'd—"A MEN."
(Heniker.)
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident owners of land in Heniker, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1784, that so much of their lands will be sold at public vendue, on Thursday the 1st day of September next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, at the house of Timothy Gibbon, Esq. inholder in said town, as will pay the taxes and charges, unless prevented by previous payment.
   Acres. War Tax. State.   N. R. s. d. q. s. d.    John Logan, jr. 100 5 1 2 2 1 2 5  Daniel Lesley, 6 3 9  James Wilson, 100 7 1 1 3 0 1 5  William Holmes, 87 10 1 1 3 0 1 5  John Duncan, 100 11 1 1 3 0 1 5  Ministerial Lot, 100 13 1 1 6 3 1 9  Law Lot, 100 19 1 1 3 0 1 5  John Logan, jr. 100 6 2 1 10 2 2 1  John Barr, 100 17 2 1 6 3 1 9  Ditto, 100 9 5 1 6 3 1 2  Robert Cockran, 100 18 2 1 3 0 1 5  George Duncan, 100 19 2 1 3 0 1 5  Hugh Wilson, 50 3 3 0 11 1 1 1  Nathaniel Aiken, 38 1 4 0 7 2 0 9  Ja. Wilson, south 100 6 4 1 10 2 2 1  John Scoby, 100 18 4 0 10 2 2 1  Alex. M'Murphy 100 19 4 1 6 3 1 9  James Humphrey, 50 4 6 0 11 1 1 1  James Ewens, 50 18 6 0 11 1 1 0  John Taggot, 40 11 8 0 6 0 0 7  John M'Colin, 50 18 9 0 7 2 0 8  George Duncan, 50 19 9 0 11 1 1 1  Common Land, 100 6 11 1 3 0 1 5  Ditto, 100 6 12 1 3 0 1 5  Joseph Bell, 38 7 11 0 6 0 0 7  Law Lot, 100 11 12 1 10 2 2 1  John M'Colin, 100 19 12 0 7 2 0 8  William Eayrs, 100 9 4 1 10 2 3 1  Joseph Wilson, 50 10 8 1 3 0 1 5  W. Rogers, south 48 11 11 0 4 2 0 4  James Smith, 100 10 2 1 10 2 2 1  Robert Livingston, 25 9 7 0 5 2 0 6  
JOSEPH AMSDEN, Collector.
Heniker, August 2, 1785.
To be Sold at Public Vendue,
On Tuesday the 30th Day of AUGUST inst. at Two o'clock P. M. at the House of GEORGE LIBBEY, Inholder in Greenland, about SIXTY ACRES of choice LAND, with a House, BARN and a good ORCHARD on the same, pleasantly situated on Winnecott River, together with a Tide MILL on said River, lately the property of JOHN JOHNSON and WINTHROP JOHNSON of Greenland:—Any Person inclining to Purchase, may view the Premises and know conditions of Sale by applying to DAVID SIMPSON or JOSEPH WIGGINS. Greenland, August 10, 1785.
ALL Persons having any Demands against the Estate of EPHRAIM FOLSOM, late of Durham, deceased, are desired to exhibit the same to EPHRAIM PICKERING, Esq. of Newington, Attorney to DOROTHY FOLSOM, Executrix of the last Will of the deceased; and all Persons Indebted to said Estate, are requested to make speedy Payment to said Attorney. August 8, 1785.
A very Elegant New CHAISE, with Harness compleat, to be Sold, for which Certificates will be received in payment. Apply to MELCHER & OSBORNE
St. George's Lime.
The very best ST. GEORGE'S LIME, by the Hogshead or smaller Quantity, to be sold by ABNER BLASDEL. Portsmouth, July 21, 1785.
APPLICATION having been made to me the Subscriber, by more than half the Proprietors of the Township of SAVILLE, formerly so called, but now incorporated by the Name of WENDELL, to meet at the House of Capt. William Brewster, in Portsmouth, on Tuesday, the 23d day of August inst. then and there to act upon the following Matters: 1st. To choose a Moderator. 2d. To receive the Report of the Committee for settling the Treasurer's, Collector's and other Accompts. 3d. To appoint a Committee to join with the Committees of certain other Proprietries, to establish the Eastern Boundaries of their several towns, and if necessary, to apply to the General Assembly for Relief. 4th. To see if the Proprietors will abate any Taxes due from those Proprietors, who are now actually settled in said Town, and to give orders to the Collector, not to make sale of any of their Lands. 5th. To consider on a Memorial from some of the Inhabitants, respecting the irregularities of their Lots, thro' the inaccuracy of the Surveyor who laid them out; and to empower some Person to quiet the Minds of any who are affected thereby, by conforming to the Proposals made by them. 6th. To consider on some effectual Means to oblige Delinquents to pay their arrearage Taxes. 7th. To see if the Proprietors will exchange with Mr. John Gardner, or others, any drafted Lots for some common Land of the same Quantity, or otherwise. 8th. To see whether the Proprietors will give away to the Inhabitants a certain Lot, of about 50 Acres, for the Benefit of the Roads, and Meeting-House, and such other Purposes as the Inhabitants may think most conducive to the Interest of the Town. And lastly, to appoint any other Committees or Officers necessary for the Proprietors Service. The said Proprietors are requested to attend at said Time and Place, for said Purposes, and that the Meeting may be as full as can be conveniently.
JOHN WENDELL, Proprietors-Clerk. PORTSMOUTH July, 14, 1784.
State of NEW-HAMPSHIRE, Strafford, ss.
THE Proprietors of the Town of Wakefield, are hereby notified, that a Meeting of said Proprietors is to be held at the Meeting-House in said Wakefield, on Tuesday the 23d Day of August next, at Two o'Clock, P. M. then and there to act on the following Articles, viz.
 1st. To choose a Moderator to regulate said Meeting.  2d. To choose a Committee to settle and adjust all Proprietors Accompts.  3d. To see what the Proprietors will do further to the Meeting-House.  4th. To see what the Proprietors will vote towards the Settlement or Support of the Minister now about to settle in said Town.  5th. To see what money the Proprietors will vote to be raised on each Right in said Town, to pay all Proprietors Debts that are or may be contracted by said Proprietors.  6th. To choose all Proprietors Officers that may be thought needful, and to transact any thing at said Meeting, that the then convened may think proper. 
All concerned are desired to attend at Time and Place aforesaid. By Order of the Assessors, JOHN GAGE, Proprietors Clerk. DOVER, July 12, 1785.
[ Raby. ]
HILLSBOROUGH, ss.
NOTICE is hereby given to the Owners of non-resident Land in Raby, who are delinquent in paying their Taxes and incidental Charges, on or before Wednesday, the Sixth Day of October next, so much of their Land will be sold at Vendue, on said Day, at the House of Capt. Samuel Douglass, Inholder in said Raby, at One o'Clock, Afternoon, as will pay said Taxes and Charges: The Taxes are as follow:
   Names. No. Acres. State-Tax. War-Tax.   f. d. q. f. d. q.    John Davidson, 100 7 6 1 11 0 2  Simeon Gillson, 58 1 0 1 4 5  Abraham Morse, 60 3 9 2 5 6 1  Common Land, 50 2 9 2 5 6 1  Com. Land, No 1 150 10 10 0 14 3 3  where Pattin lives  
JAMES MCINTOSH, Constable. Raby, Aug. 8th, 1785.
State of New-Hampshire, Grafton, ss.
WE the Subscribers being appointed Commissioners, by the Honorable Charles Johnston, Esq. Judge of the Probate Court in said County, to receive and examine the Claims of the several Creditors of the Estate of John Young, late of Hanover, in the County aforesaid, Esquire, deceased, represented insolvent, and six Months from the Date hereof being allowed for that Purpose; do hereby give Notice, that we shall attend that Business, on the third Tuesdays of the six following Months, from Ten of the Clock in the Morning, to Five in the Afternoon, each of said Days, at the Dwelling-House of Mrs. Fisk, Inholder in Haverhill, in said County, except the Third Tuesday of November, at which Time we shall attend at the Dwelling-House of Col. Ebenezer Brewster, Inholder at Hanover aforesaid.
ASA PORTER, EZEKIEL LADD, DANIEL STEVENS, } Commissioners Haverhill, 28th of July, 1785.
TOBACCO.
I HAVE just received from Virginia a quantity of Excellent Tobacco, which is ready for Sale by the Hbd. or Retail.—Also, N. England Rum, pr. the Cask, of a very good Quality—Choice Bohea Tea pr. dozen (warranted good) Naval Stores, &c. &c.
N. McIntire.
Portsmouth, August 5, 1785.
TO BE SOLD, A few CASKS of Excellent Fresh Raisins,
By SAMUEL PENHALLOW, jr.
ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of George Knight late of Durham, in the County of Strafford, joiner, deceased, are desired to make immediate payment, and all Persons having Demands on said Estate, are desired to exhibit them for Settlement, to the Subscriber, Executrix of the last Will and Testament of the said Deceased. SUSANNAH KNIGHT. DURHAM, July 26, 1785.
Ran-away
FROM Capt. John Donaldson, on Saturday the 6th instant, a NEGRO GIRL, named VIOLET, about 16 years of age, this country born, had a remarkable nub on one of her ears—she carried off considerable clothing mostly new and good. Whoever apprehends the said NEGRO and delivers her to the subscriber, shall receive FOUR DOLLARS reward, and all reasonable expences. ALEXANDER EWEN. Portsmouth, August 9, 1785.
A strayed PIG was taken up about two Months ago in the Cornfield of Samuel Norris, near Peverly's Hill, not being ring'd or having a Yoke on. The Owner may have said Pig again, paying Charges, and telling the Marks, by applying to said Norris. Portsmouth, August 1. 1785.
Samuel Bowles
Has for SALE, at his Shop, just below the State-House in Portsmouth, A large Assortment of Beaver, Beaveretts, Castor, and Felt
HATS,
from Number 1, to Number 38; Prices from 2s. to 42s. a Variety of Fans by the Dozen or Single; a few elegant japan'd Tea Trays, Jacks, Candlesticks & Canisters; Bohea Tea per Hundred, Dozen, or single Pound; with a Variety of English and West-India GOODS.
Men's, Women's and Children's Shoes, of all Sizes; and a Number of other Articles, which he will sell as Cheap as at any Shop in Portsmouth.
TO BE LET, (on reasonable Terms)
A SHOP, situate in Buck-Street; also, to be sold, a Shop, in Congress-Street. For further Particulars enquire of the Printers.
To be SOLD,
ONE half of a new DWELLING HOUSE, all finished outside, with a good Cellar, well stoned, and a good Stack of Chimnies; the inside unfinished; 32 feet fronting the Street and about 70 or 80 deep, leading back to Capt. Jackson's, being the next House to the late Deacon Marshall, deceased; which, with the Priviledge of a good Well, will be disposed of on reasonable Terms. Inquire of REUBEN SNELL.
SUBSCRIPTIONS for this Paper, at Four shillings & six pence for six Months (exclusive of postage) are taken in at the Printing-Office in Portsmouth and Exeter, where Essays, Letters of Intelligence, Advertisements, &c. are received, and all kinds of Printing performed expeditiously, and at a reasonable rate.