The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1789-09-10 00:00:00

New - Hampshire Gazette, and the General Advertiser.
Containing the Laws, &c. of the United States, as well as those of this State passed since 1787, with a variety of other matters both useful and entertaining.
PORTSMOUTH: Printed by JOHN MELCHER, at his Office in Congress-Street, at nine shillings per Annum.
Proceedings of CONGRESS.
Thursday, August 13, continued.
THIS being seconded, brought on an interesting debate—Whether the amendments should be incorporated in the body of the Constitution, or be made a distinct supplementary act.
Mr. Madison supported the former, and said, that he did not coincide with the gentleman from Connecticut: I conceive, says he, that there is a propriety in incorporating the amendments in the Constitution itself, in the several places to which they belong—the system will in that case be uniform and entire—nor is this an uncommon thing to be done; It is true that acts are generally amended by additional acts; but this I believe may be imputed rather to indolence this however is not always the case, for where there is a taste for political and legislative propriety, it is otherwise—If these amendments are added to the Constitution by way of supplement, it will embarrass the people—It will be difficult for them to determine to what parts of the system they particularly refer—and at any rate will create unfavorable comparisons between the two parts of the instrument. If these amendments are adopted agreeably to the plan proposed, they will stand upon as good a foundation as the other parts of the Constitution—and will be sanctioned by equally as good authority.—I am not, however, very solicitous about the mode, so long as the business is fully attended to.
Mr. Smith, (S. C.) agreed with Mr. Madison—and read that clause in the Constitution which Provides that alterations and amendments when agreed to, shall become part of the Constitution—from whence he inferred that it was evidently the design of the framers of the system, that they should be incorporated—nor is the house at liberty to adopt any other mode. Mr. Smith cited the instance of South-Carolina, who instead of making acts in addition to acts, which had been found extremely perplexing, repealed their laws generally, in order to form a more simple and unembarrassing code.
Mr. Livermore supported the motion of Mr. Sherman—He adverted to the custom and usage of the British legislature, and of the several State Assemblies, in forming laws and additional acts. We have no right, he observed, to make any alterations or interpositions in the instrument—it will be attended with difficulties in some future day.
Mr. Vining observed that he thought the mode was not essential—he therefore adverted to the expediency of the motion—adding amendments, said he, will be attended with a variety of inconveniences—it will distort the system—it will appear like a letter, which, carelessly written in haste, requires a postscript much longer than the original composition—This motion is founded upon the custom of amending acts by additional acts, to explain and amend preceding acts, a custom, which involves endless perplexities, and has nothing in reason to recommend it. I hope, Sir, the motion will not obtain.
Mr. Clymer advocated the motion: I wish, Sir, that the Constitution may forever remain in its original form as a monument of the wisdom and patriotism of those who framed it.
Mr. Stone was in favor of Mr. Sherman's motion. If, Sir, said he, the amendments are incorporated in the instrument, it will assert that which is not true—for this Constitution has been signed by the delegates from the several States as a true instrument—and therefore in this case we must go further, and
say, that a constitution made at such a time was defective, and GEORGE WASHINGTON, and those other worthy characters, who signed this instrument, cannot be said to have signed the Constitution.—According to the observation of the gentleman from South-Carolina respecting repealing laws to make a complete act, we must repeal the Constitution in order to make a new one—but will any gentleman say that this legislature has authority to do this? To incorporate these amendments, the Constitution must however be repealed in part, at least—The moment we prepare ourselves to do this, there is an end of the Constitution, and to the authority under which we act. Mr. Stone then replied particularly to the inference drawn by Mr. Smith from the passage which he had quoted from the Constitution, and observed, that the words could not imply any thing more than this, that such amendments, when adopted, agreeably to the mode pointed out, would be equally binding with the other parts of the system to which they do not specially refer.
Mr. Gerry enquired whether the mode could make any possible difference in the validity of the system, provided the sanction is the same—he conceived it could not—The Constitution in my opinion, said he, has provided that amendments should be incorporated—the words are express, that they shall become "part of this Constitution." The gentleman, (Mr. Stone) says we shall lose the names of the worthy gentlemen who subscribed the constitution—but I would ask, whether the names would be of any consequence, except the constitution had been ratified by the several States? or will the system be of no effect since it is ratified, if the names were now erased?—If we adopt the mode proposed, we shall in all probability go on to make supplements to supplements, and thus involve the system in a maze of doubts and perplexities.—It appears to me, that in order that the citizens of the United States may know what the constitution is, it is necessary that it be comprized in one uniform, entire system. If the amendments are incorporated, the people will have one constitution; but if they are added by way of supplement, they will have more than one: And if in the original system there should any clauses be found, which are inconsistent with the added amendments, the government will be compounded of opposite principles, both in force at the same time.
Upon the idea of gentlemen as to the sacredness of the original system, amendments are made upon their plan, they will be considered in a point of light inferior to the original; in this view, amendments are of no consequence, and had better be omitted. This would tend to defeat the salutary purposes of amendments altogether, by derogating from their dignity and authority.
Mr. Laurence was in favor of the motion made by Mr. Sherman—he said, it appeared to him impossible to incorporate the amendments in the constitution without involving very great absurdities in the supposition—if they should be engrafted in the body of the constitution, it will make it speak a language different from what it originally did—What will become of the laws enacted under the instrument as it originally stood? Will they not be vitiated thereby? The ratifications of the several States had respect to the original system. It is true that a majority of them have proposed amendments, but this does not imply a necessity of altering the original,
so as to make it a different system from that which was ratified. The mode proposed by the motion is agreeable to custom—it is the least liable to objection, and appears to me safe and proper.
Mr. Benion observed, that this question was agitated in the select committee, and the result is contained in the report now under consideration—It should be remembered, that the ratifications of several of the States enjoin the alterations and amendments in this way; they propose that some words should be struck out, and the sentences altered—I do not conceive that incorporating the amendments can affect the validity of the original constitution—that will remain where it is, in the archives of Congress unaltered, with all the names of the original subscribers.—The amendments are provided for in that instrument, and the completing those amendments, is completing the original system—the records of the legislature will inform how this was done; and for my part, I can see no difficulty in proceeding agreeably to the report of the committee.
Mr. Page said, that he supposed that the committee of the whole is now acting upon the constitution as upon a bill—and they have a right, said he, to take up the subject paragraph by paragraph.
I am opposed to the amendments of the preamble of the constitution as proposed by the committee, as well as to the motion of the gentleman from Connecticut—I could wish, therefore, that we may not consume time in settling the mere form of conducting the business—but proceed, after rejecting the first amendment, to consider those that are subsequent in the report.
Several of the gentlemen spoke repeatedly upon the subject, but time will not admit of our enlarging further.—The question on Mr. Sherman's motion being taken, it passed in the negative.
A doubt was then raised, whether it was necessary that the article in the constitution which requires that two thirds of the legislature should recommend amendments, should be attended to by the committee—this occasioned a debate—an appeal was made to the chairman, who determined that the business while before the committee, should be transacted in the usual manner by a majority, an appeal was made from this judgment to the house, and on the question being put, whether the chairman's decision was in order, it passed in the affirmative.
The committee then rose, reported progress, and had leave to sit again tomorrow. Adjourned.
(To be continued.)
COLLECTION LAW of the UNITED STATES.
(Continued.)
AND be it further enacted, That all such entries so authenticated by the collector, together with a copy of the same made out by the party, shall, before any permit is granted for the landing of any goods, wares or merchandise therein contained, be examined by the naval-officer (where such officer is established) who shall countersign the same, and retaining one, shall return the other certified to the party, together with the bills of lading, and invoice or invoices; and on such certified entries being returned to the collector, and the duties thereon paid or secured to be paid, he shall grant a permit for the unlading and landing the goods, wares and merchandise therein mentioned. And at such ports for which no naval officer is appointed, the collector shall grant like permits for the
unloading and landing of all such goods as shall be so entered, and the duties thereof paid or secured.
And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for the collector, naval-officer and surveyor, of any port of entry or delivery, at which any ship or vessel may arrive, to put on board such ship or vessel, one or more inspectors, who shall make known to the person having charge of such ship or vessel, the duties he is to perform by virtue of this act; and such inspector shall suffer no goods, wares or merchandise, to be delivered without a permit from the proper officer, authorising the same; and shall enter in a book to be by him kept for that purpose, the contents of each permit, specifying the marks and numbers of each package, and a description thereof, with the name of the person to whom such permit was granted; and if at the expiration of fifteen working days after such ship or vessel shall begin to unload her cargo, there shall be found on board, any goods, wares or merchandise, the said inspector shall take possession thereof, and deliver them to the district, or to such person as he shall authorise or appoint on his behalf to receive the said goods, taking his receipt for the same, and giving a certificate to the person having command, describing the packages, and their marks and numbers so taken: And as soon as any ship or vessel is entirely unladen, he shall with the collector and naval-officer, compare the account and entries he has made of the goods unladen from such ship or vessel, with the manifest delivered to the collector, and if it appears that there are more goods than are specified in the said manifest, the same shall be endorsed thereon, with a description of the packages, their marks and numbers, or of such goods as may be in bulk, and the same shall be subscribed by such inspector, who is hereby directed to remain on board the said ship or vessel until he is discharged: PROVIDED ALWAYS, that the said limitation of fifteen days shall not extend to vessels laden with salt or coal, but if the master or owner of such vessels require longer time to discharge their cargoes, the wages of the inspector for every day's attendance, exceeding the said fifteen days, shall be paid by the master or owner. And if any goods, wares or merchandise, subject to duty shall be removed from the wharf or place where the same may be landed, before they shall be weighed or gauged (as the case may be) or without the consent of the collector, or other proper officer, all such goods, wares and merchandise, so removed shall be forfeited. All goods delivered to the collector in manner aforesaid, shall be kept at the charge and risque of the owner, for a term not exceeding nine months; and if within that time no claim be made for the same, an appraisement thereof shall be made by two or more reputable merchants and lodged with the collector, who shall sell the same at public auction, and pay the proceeds, retaining the duties and charges thereon, into the treasury of the United States, there to remain for the use of the owner, who shall upon due proof of his property, be entitled to receive the same; and the receipt or certificate of the collector, shall exonerate the master or commander from all claim of the owner. PROVIDED, That where entry shall have been duly made of such goods, the same shall not be appraised; and that where such goods are of a perishable nature, they shall be sold forthwith.
And be it further enacted, That if any goods, wares or merchandise, on which

duties are payable, shall receive damage during the voyage, or shall not be accompanied with the original invoice of their cost, it shall be lawful for the collector to appoint one merchant, and the owner or consignee another, who being sworn or affirmed by the collector well and truly to appraise such goods, shall value them accordingly, and the duties upon such goods shall be estimated according to such valuation; and if any package, or any goods stowed in bulk which shall have been entered as is herein before directed, shall not be duly delivered, or if any of the packages so entered shall not agree with the manifest, or if the manifest shall not agree with the delivery, in every such case the person having command shall forfeit and pay the sum of two hundred dollars, unless it shall appear that such disagreement was occasioned by unavoidable necessity or accident, and not with intention to defraud the revenue.
And be it further enacted , That the ad valorem rates of duty upon all goods, wares and merchandise, at the place of importation, shall be estimated by adding twenty per cent. to the actual cost thereof, if imported from the Cape of Good-Hope, or from any place beyond the same; and ten per cent. on the actual cost thereof, if imported from any other place or country, exclusive of all charges.
And be it further enacted , That all foreign coins and currencies shall be estimated according to the following rates: each pound sterling of Great Britain, at four dollars, forty-four cents; each livre tournois of France at eighteen cents and an half; each florin or guilder of the United Netherlands at thirty-nine cents; each mark banco of Hamburg at thirty-three cents and one third; each rix dollar of Denmark at one hundred cents; each rix dollar of Sweden at one hundred cents; each ruble of Russia at one hundred cents; each real plate of Spain at ten cents; each millree of Portugal at one dollar and twenty-four cents; each pound sterling of Ireland at four dollars ten cents; each tale of China at one dollar forty-eight cents; each pagoda of India at one dollar ninety-four cents; each rupee of Bengal at fifty-five cents and one half; and all other denominations of money in value as near as may be to the said rates; and the invoices of all importations, shall be made out in the currency of the place or country, from whence the importation shall be made and not otherwise.
And be it further enacted , That all duties on goods, wares and merchandise imported, shall be paid by the importer, before a permit shall be granted for landing the same, unless the amount of such duties shall exceed fifty dollars, in which case it shall be at the option of the party making entry, to secure the same by bond, with one or more sufficient sureties, to be approved of by the collector, and made payable as followeth, to wit: For the duties upon all articles of West-India produce, within four months; for the duties upon all Madeira wines, within twelve months; and for the duties upon all other goods, within six months; but in any case the party making entry, shall be at liberty to deposit with the collector any part of the goods, upon which such duties shall arise, of double the value in the judgment of the collector to secure the payment of the duties with the charges, which deposit the collector shall accept in lieu of such bond and security, and shall safely keep the goods so deposited, at the expense and risque of the party, for the term for which such bond would have been given, at the expiration whereof, unless the said deposit shall have been redeemed by the payment of the duties, the said goods shall be sold at public sale, and as much as shall be necessary applied to the payment of the said duties, and the residue, after deducting the charges which have accrued, shall be paid to the owner or owners of such goods. PROVIDED ALWAYS, That where the amount of duties shall exceed fifty dollars, a discount shall be allowed for prompt payment, after the rate of ten per centum per annum on the amount of such excess: AND PROVIDED ALSO,
That no person whose bond for the payment of duties is due and unsatisfied, shall be allowed a future credit with the collector, until such bond shall be fully paid or discharged.
And be it further enacted , That all the duties imposed by law on the tonnage of any ship or vessel, shall be paid to the collector, within ten days after entry made, and before such ship or vessel shall be permitted to clear out; the register of which ship or vessel at the time of entry, shall be lodged in the office of the collector, and there remain until such clearance.
And be it further enacted , That where any bond for the payment of duties shall not be satisfied on the day it became due, the collector shall prosecute for recovery of the money due thereon, by action or suit at law, in the proper court, having cognizance therein; and in all cases of insolvency, or where any estate in the hands of executors or administrators, shall be insufficient to pay all the debts due from the deceased, the debt due to the United States on any such bond shall be first satisfied.
And be it further enacted , That when it shall appear that any goods, wares or merchandise of which entry shall have been made, in the office of a collector, are not invoiced, according to the actual cost thereof at the place of exportation, and that the difference was made with design to defraud the revenue, all such goods, wares or merchandise, or the value thereof to be recovered of the person making entry, shall be forfeited; and in any such case, or where the collector is suspicious of fraud, and that any such goods, wares or merchandise, are not invoiced at a sum, equal to that for which they have usually sold, in the place or country from whence they were imported, it shall be the duty of such collector to take the said goods, wares and merchandise into his possession, and retain the same at the risque and expense of the owner or consignee thereof, until their value, at the time and place of importation, according to the principles for estimating the same, established by this act, shall be ascertained by two reputable merchants, mutually chosen by the said collector, and owner or consignee, and the duties arising from such valuation shall be first paid, or secured to be paid, as required by this act in other cases of importation.
And be it further enacted , That it shall be lawful for the collector, or other officer of the customs, after entry made of any goods, wares or merchandise, on suspicion of fraud, to open and examine, in the presence of two or more reputable merchants, any package or packages thereof, and if upon such examination they shall be found to agree with the entries, the officer making such seizure, shall cause the same to be repacked, and delivered to the owner or claimant forthwith, and the expense of such examination shall be paid by the collector, and allowed in the settlement of his accounts; but if any of the packages so examined be found to differ in their contents from the entry, and it shall appear that such difference hath been made with intention to defraud the revenue, then all the goods, wares or merchandise, contained in such package or packages, shall be forfeited: PROVIDED ALWAYS, That if the owner or consignee of such goods as shall not be accompanied with the original invoice, should choose to wait the receipt of the invoice, in such case, the collector shall take into his possession, all such goods, wares and merchandise, and store the same, at the expense and risque of the owner or consignee, until the invoice shall arrive, or until they agree to have the same valued.
And be it further enacted , That every collector, naval-officer and surveyor, or other person specially appointed by either of them for that purpose, shall have full power and authority, to enter any ship or vessel, in which they shall have reason to suspect any goods, wares or merchandise subject to duty shall be concealed; and therein to search for, seize, and secure any such goods, wares or merchandise; and if they shall have cause to suspect a concealment thereof, in any particular dwelling-house, store building,
or other place, they or either of them, shall, upon application on oath or affirmation to any justice of the peace, be entitled to a warrant, to enter such house, store, or other place (in the day time only) and there to search for such goods, and if any shall be found, to seize and secure the same for trial; and all such goods, wares and merchandise, on which the duties shall not have been paid or secured, shall be forfeited.
And be it further enacted , That all goods, wares and merchandise, which shall be seized by virtue of this act, shall be put into and remain in the custody of the collector, until such proceeding shall be had, as by this act, are required, to ascertain whether the same have been forfeited or not, and if it shall be adjudged that they are not forfeited, they shall be forthwith restored to the owner or owners, claimant or claimants thereof. And if any person or persons shall conceal or buy any goods, wares or merchandise, knowing them to be liable to seizure by this act, such person or persons shall on conviction thereof, forfeit and pay a sum double the value of the goods so concealed or purchased.
And be it further enacted , That it shall be the duty of the several officers to be appointed or employed by virtue of this act, to make seizure of, and secure any ship or vessel, goods, wares or merchandise, which shall be liable to seizure by virtue of this act, as well without, as within their respective districts.
And be it further enacted , That if any officer or other person, executing, or aiding and assisting in the seizure of goods, shall be sued or molested for any thing done in virtue of the powers given by this act, or by virtue of a warrant granted by any judge or justice Pursuant to law, such officer or other person may plead the general issue, and give this act in evidence; and if in such suit the plaintiff be nonsuited, or judgment pass against him, the defendant shall recover double cost; and in all actions, suits or informations to be brought, where any seizure shall be made pursuant to this act, if the property be claimed by any person, in every such case the onus probandi shall be upon such claimant; and if any person shall forcibly resist, prevent, or impede any officer of the customs, or their deputies, or any person assisting them in the execution of their duty, such persons so offending shall for every offence be fined in a sum not exceeding four hundred dollars.
And be it further enacted , That every collector, naval-officer and surveyor, shall within three months after he enters upon the execution of his office, give bond with one or more sufficient sureties, to be approved of by the comptroller of the treasury of the United States, and payable to the said United States, conditioned for the true and faithful discharge of the duties of his office according to law; that is to say, the collector of Philadelphia in the sum of sixty thousand dollars, the collector of New-York, fifty thousand dollars, the collector of Boston, forty thousand dollars, the collectors of Baltimore-town and Charleston, thirty thousand dollars, the collectors of Norfolk and Portsmouth, fifteen thousand dollars, the collectors of Portsmouth in New-Hampshire, of Salem and Beverly Wilmington, Annapolis, Georgetown in Maryland, Bermuda-Hundred and City-Point, and Alexandria, ten thousand dollars each, the collectors of Newbury-Port, Gloucester, Marblehead, Plymouth, Nantucket, Portland and Falmouth, New-London, New-Haven, Fairfield, Perth-Amboy, Chester, Oxford, York-town, Dumfries, George-town, in South-Carolina, Beaufort and Savannah, each five thousand dollars, and all the other collectors, in the sum of two thousand dollars each. The naval-officers for the ports of Boston, New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore-town and Charleston ten thousand dollars each, and all the other naval-officers, in the sum of two thousand dollars each. The surveyors of the ports of Boston, New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore-town, and Charleston, five thousand dollars each, and all other surveyors, one thousand dollars each, which bonds shall be filed in the office of the said comptroller,
and be by him severally put in suit for the benefit of the United States, upon any breach of the condition thereof.
And be it further enacted , That there shall be allowed and paid the collectors, naval-officers and surveyors, to be appointed pursuant to this act, the fees and per centage following, that is to say; to each collector, for every entrance of any ship or vessel of one hundred tons burthen or upwards, two dollars and an half, for every clearance of any ship or vessel, of one hundred tons burthen and upwards, two dollars and an half; for every entrance of any ship or vessel, under the burthen of one hundred tons, one dollar and an half; for every clearance of a ship or vessel under one hundred tons burthen, one dollar and an half; for every permit to land goods, twenty cents; for every bond taken officially, forty cents; and for every permit to load goods for exportation, which are entitled to a draw-back, thirty cents; for every official certificate, twenty cents; for every bill of health, twenty cents; for every other official document, (registers excepted) required by the owner or master of every vessel, not before enumerated, twenty cents; and where a naval-officer is appointed to the same port, the said fees shall be equally divided between the collector and the said naval-officer, apportioning to each his moiety of the necessary expenses of stationery and the rent of an office to be provided by the collector, in the place of his residence most convenient for the trade of the district, in which the said collector and naval-officer shall each have at least one separate room; and the said fees shall be received by the collector, who shall settle the accounts monthly, and pay to the naval-officer the balance which may be due to him on such monthly settlement. To each surveyor there shall be allowed; for all the services required by law, to be performed by such surveyor, on board any ship or vessel of one hundred tons and upwards, having on board goods, wares and merchandise, subject to duty, three dollars, for the like services on board any ship or vessel of less than one hundred tons burthen, having on board goods, wares and merchandise subject to duty, one and an half dollars, on all vessels, not having on board goods, wares and merchandise subject to duty, two thirds of a dollar; all which fees shall be paid to the collector, by the master or owner of the ship or vessel, in which the services are performed, and the said collector shall pay weekly to the surveyor the fees so received; to each inspector there shall be allowed for every day he shall be actually employed in aid of the customs, a sum not exceeding one dollar and twenty-five cents, to be paid by the collector out of the revenue, and charged to the public; to the measurers, weighers and gaugers respectively for their services, shall be allowed, and paid by the collector out of the revenue, for the measurement of every one hundred bushels of salt or grain, eighteen cents; for the measurement of every one hundred of coal, twenty-five cents; for the weighing of every one hundred and twelve pounds, one cent; for the gauging of every cask, six cents. There shall moreover be allowed to the collectors at each of the following ports, to wit: Boston, Salem and Beverly, New-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk or Portsmouth, and Charleston, one half a per centum on the amount of all monies, by them respectively received and paid into the treasury of the United States; and to the collector at each of the other ports by this act established, one per centum on the amount of all monies by them respectively received and paid into the treasury of the United States. Every collector, naval-officer and surveyor, shall cause to be affixed and constantly kept in some public and conspicuous place of his office, a table of the rates of fees, and duties demandable by law, and in case of failure herein, shall forfeit and pay one hundred dollars, to be recovered with costs, in any court having cognizance thereof, to the use of the informer; and if any officer of the customs shall demand, or receive any greater or other fee, compensation or reward, for executing any duty or services required

of him by law, he shall forfeit and pay two hundred dollars for each offence, recoverable in manner aforesaid, for the use of the party grieved.
And be it further enacted , That the duties & fees to be collected by virtue of this act, shall be received in gold and silver coin only, at the following rates, that is to say, the gold coins of France, England, Spain and Portugal, and all other gold coin of equal fineness, at eighty-nine cents for every penny weight. The Mexican dollar at one hundred cents, the crown of France at one dollar and eleven cents and all silver coins of equal fineness at one dollar and eleven cents per ounce.
(To be concluded in our next.)
L O N D O N , June 15.
A body of 15,000 foot, and 2,500 horse, part of the Russian army, under Field Marshall Romanzow, have marched to join the Prince of Saxe Cobourg: when this junction is effected, he intends to sweep the Turks from Moldavia, and begin his operations in Wallachia.
A letter from Ancona mentions, that the Russian fleet has destroyed the first division of the Turkish fleet near the port of Warna.
July 2. We are assured from respectable authority, that the controverted question France has received its final determination. The two superior orders, have yielded to the Commons in consequence of a letter from the King. On Saturday last, the three orders met, and formed one house; none of the clergy dissenting, and of the Nobles, only 45; so that now every thing is peace and concord without doors.
Extract of a letter from Abo, (Sweden) dated May 29.
Last night a courier passed through this place on his way to Stockholm, from the Frontiers, with the news of an action having taken place between the Russians and Swedes, in which the former had 500 men killed on the spot, the Swedes lost only 19. A baggage magazine belonging to the Russians was burnt."
ANTIQUITY.
Yesterday, in the House of Commons, on the subject of the slave trade, Mr. Henriker begged permission of the House to read a curious relick of antiquity; a letter presented to him by the present Duke of Chandos, and found among the letters of the African company. This communication was written by a Chief of an African kingdom, and translated and transmitted to England by the first white man that had ever been seen in that dominion. It was addressed to King George the First, and was substantially as follows:
"Sensible of your mighty walls, and mighty ways, by a white man among ye I had never seen, and whom I look upon as equal to our Great Gods, I wished him to make me known to your Majesty, that I might make you a present of forty slaves, nay, forty times forty; and because this white man can write, it must come from the Great God over all our Gods."
"By request of this white man I have desisted making war against my neighbours, though my father was a warrior, and fought seventy-five battles, and I too have fought two hundred and nine battles, and have five hundred thousand men all bred to battle; while my women stay at home to cultivate the land, and raise provisions. When my warriors are abroad, I have, to guard my person, an armed force. I have the King's head of a neighbouring nation, which I took, preserved with all the flesh and hair upon it, and placed upon all the walls of my Palace which is three miles round, together with other heads of prisoners that I took, ranging in a line along the walls, the top of which I shall in time completely fill around."
The purpose of producing this letter, Mr. Henriker said, was to prove that these black people were, long before the intercourse with the Europeans, in a state of internal warfare and savage barbarity—and that they were not provoked to the frequent wars in which they were involved, by the encouragement given by Great-Britain in purchasing their slaves,
and of this imputation they ought to be exculpated.
On Friday last the workmen employed in repairing St. George's Chapel, Windsor, observing the pavement in one part to be sunk, took up some of the stones, when a fracture in one arch appeared. On this they proceeded to dig, and soon after discovered a coffin, which, from the carved trophies upon it, proved to contain the Royal remains of Edward IV.
Sir Joseph Banks, Dr. Herschel, and Lord Mornington, the several Canons of Windsor, and other gentlemen, were present, when the lid of the coffin was lifted. The body of the Monarch appeared entire; the lineaments of his face very distinguished; and the dress, which consisted in part of very fine lace, not apparently decayed. That the Royal corpse appeared thus perfect, is to be attributed to a liquid preparation, in which it was immersed. Sir Joseph Banks brought away part of this liquor in order to have it analyzed before the members of the Royal Society.
The historians of the times relate, that Edward died of an ague at Westminster, April 9, 1483; and was buried at Windsor: But all enquiries after the Royal tomb appeared ineffectual; 'till the present discovery.
Two of the ships which are already taken up by government, and fitting out in the river for Botany Bay, are to be laden entirely with bricks, mortar, iron, and other implements for building.
Monday, at half past three o'clock, a balloon of an immense size passed over the city. There was something attached to it, but from the great height, it could not be distinguished whether any person was in it. It passed with great velocity, and went over St. George's Fields, the left side of Clapham.
KINGSTON , (Kentucke) June 13.
On Wednesday the 3d instant, two men and three boys were fishing on Floyd's Fork of Salt River, when a party of Indians fell in with them, killed the two men and took the boys prisoners.
We are since informed, that one of the boys have returned, and informs that the Indians gave him a tomahawk and kicking, ordered him to return and inform his people what had become of his companions.
CHARLESTON , August 10.
Mr. Montgomery of Holstein in Virginia, on his way to Georgetown, was attacked between the 14 and 15 mile stones, on Goose Creek road, by a white person and two negroes, and robbed of his horse-furniture, saddle bags, &c. all of which are since recovered, but the bags were gutted of their contents, containing among other things several bonds and notes.
WINCHESTER , August 12.
Tuesday the 4th inst. about 5 o'clock in the evening, came on a sudden and severe gust, attended with rain and hail, the latter of a size very uncommon, many of which weighing upwards of an ounce. Great damage was done to the tobacco, corn, &c. in this neighbourhood. At Cape Capen, whole fields of the most thrifty corn were cut to pieces, and the hail remained on the ground for some time, near half a foot in depth.
NEWBURY-PORT , Sept. 2.
Last week the wife of Mr. Bartholomew Spooner of this town was safely delivered of three fine girls, who on Sunday were baptized by the Rev. Mr. Andrews.—They are all likely to do well.
P O R T L A N D , Sept. 4.
The Brig Home, Capt. John M'Lellan, arrived here on Friday last from Madeira, after a passage of 29 days.
Capt. M'Lellan left there the ship Harcatus, Capt. Fletcher from Boston.—The ship Nathaniel, Capt. Downes, from Boston, was to sail the 17th of July for the East-Indies.—The Brig Cooper, Capt. Fernald, from Portsmouth, bound to the Cape Deverds, was to sail the first day of August.
By Capt. M'Lellan we received the
following extract of a letter from Mar-seilles, dated June 30.
"The Algerines have recently commenced hostilities against the French flag."
"Capt. Mersunne, in a ship from Cape Francois, has been conducted to Algiers, under pretext of his pass not being exact, and the cargo declared a lawful prize, and sold."
"Capt. Maket in a ship from this port to Cape Francois, has been also conducted to Algiers, but he was afterwards released."
"The ship Le Desire from Cape Francois, was likewise taken; but happily the Portuguese squadron retook her from the Algerines under Turkish colours. His fate is not yet known."
"A Tartana laden with timber, for ship building, on account of the king of France for the arsenal of Toulon, sailed from Naples under French colours, was also taken and carried to Algiers."
"It is not known what measures our government will take to stop these hostilities."
"Our underwriters are alarmed. They ask 10 per cent. to Madeira and back, which they would have done before at 2 or 3 per cent."
Capt. M'Lellan further informs, that two French frigates had been sent to Algiers, to demand a release of the above-mentioned vessels, and to know decisively the intentions of the Dey—whether for peace or war.
About three weeks ago, Mr. Joseph Eddy, of Raymondtown, formerly of Taunton, went on board a canoe, with an intention to cross the Sebacook Pond. The canoe, his hat, and some kegs of rum which he had with him, have since been taken up; but the body has not been found.
"Last Monday evening the following melancholy accident happened at Gorham:—A girl about ten or eleven years old daughter of the late Col. Isaac Holbrook, was passing near the edge of a high bridge, fell off into the river, and was drowned. She was taken up in about twenty minutes; but the means used to restore her were ineffectual."
P O R T S M O U T H , September 10.
On Monday last, the Hon. JOHN LANGDON, Esq. (one of the Senators from this State to the United States) with his Lady, arrived at his seat in this town, from New-York.—On his arrival he was waited on by the principal gentlemen of the town and heartily welcomed to his native place.
Thursday last a squadron of his Most Christian Majesty's navy, consisting of the following ships under the command of M. le Viscount de Ponteves, arrived at Boston from the West-Indies, viz.
L'Illustre of 74 guns, commanded by M. le Viscount de Ponteves.
Le Leopard, of 74, by M. le Marquis de la Galissoniere.
L'Andromaque, of 40, by M. le Chevalier de Sauzannet.
La Sensible, of 36, by M. le Chevalier de Braye.
L'Active, of 36, by M. le Marquis de Traversay.
If Congress sits 300 days in the year—as it will for many years to come, the expence of their annual meeting of 130 members will be 230,000 dollars, and the expence of travel 40,000 dollars, making in the whole 270,000 dollars; and we have certainly as good reason to suppose they will set 300, as 70 days in the year.
It is said that the salary of the door-keepers of Congress is to be considerably lowered; it having been agreed on all hands that they (the door-keepers) will not be permitted to keep a public table.
The commissioners appointed by the British government, to enquire into and ascertain the claims of American loyalists, have finally determined, that no compensation shall be allowed for alledged losses on mortgages, bonds and book debts, because those debts are recoverable by the treaty of peace; so that if a loyalist was possessed of a real estate, which the commissioners allowed to be worth 2000l. mortgages, bonds and
debts, 5000l. but owed the subjects of the United States 3000l. in common justice there would be a balance in his favour 4000l. but the amount of what he owes being 1000l. more than the value of his real estate, and nothing being allowed or his personal estate, in fact, in such an instance the loyalist will be left 1000l. worse than nothing.
Congress have agreed to a recess from September 22d, to the first of December.
DIED —At Fredericburg, Mrs. WASHINGTON, mother of the President of the United States.—In this town, two infants.
CUSTOM-HOUSE , Portsmouth.
ENTERED from Brig Polly, Smith, St. Johns. Schooner Antelope, Logie, Hispaniola.
CLEARED for Schooner Industry, Brayn, Shelburne. Schooner Betsey, Salter, St. Peters. Brig Betsey, Lord, West-Indies. Ship Westbury, Fisher, Bristol. Schooner Nancy, Sellars, St. Peters.
FROM NEW-YORK.
NEW-YORK , Sept. 3. Yesterday the House was engaged in taking up the amendments to the TREASURY-BILL, chief of which were negatived. The House also confirmed the election of the sitting members from New-Jersey.
This day the business of a PERMANENT RESIDENCE has been on the carpet—and a very warm debate ensued. There is a majority against moving from New-York until a permanent residence is established. Mr. Goodhue proposed a resolution to this purport, That the North-East banks of the Susquehannah be the spot for the permanent seat of the General Government, and that until accommodations are there provided, Congress shall continue its sessions in New-York. The House sat until near four o'clock, and then adjourned without a decision—The Virginia and some other southern members, were earnest for the Banks of the Potowmack, much heat was engendered in the discussion.
A gentleman who left New-York on Saturday, informs that the above motion obtained.
The following curious story is related by Monsieur BAYLE, in his critical Dictionary under the article of Lewis XI.
THE Abbot de Baigne, a man of great wit, had invented many things relating to musical instruments; and being in the service of the King, was once commanded by him to procure harmonious sounds from the cries of hogs, imagining the thing to be absolutely impossible. The abbot was not in the least perplexed at such a command, but asked of the King money to perform it, which was immediately delivered to him and he effected the most surprising and remarkable thing that ever was heard. He got together a large quantity of hogs, all of different ages, and put them into a tent or pavilion covered with velvet, before which tent there was a wooden tableau painted; made an organical instrument with a certain number of stops, so contrived that when he hit upon those stops, it answered to some spikes, which pricked the hogs that stood behind in due order, made them cry in such harmonious manner that the King and all his attendants were highly delighted with it.
MOSES FRENE
BEGS leave to inform the publick that he grinds razors in the best manner: likewise cleans and repairs guns, locks and jacks, at his shop near Swing-bridge, Portsmouth.
Just Published and ready for subscribers, The Rev. Mr. THURSTON'S S E R M O N on the death of his amiable consort.