Fowle's New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser ([Portsmouth, N.H.]), 1786-04-13 00:00:00

F O W L E's NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, A N D GENERAL
THE ADVERTISER.
T H U R S D A Y,
A P R I L 13, 1786.
P O R T S M O U T H: By JOHN MELCHER,
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN PAVED-STREET.
VOL. XXX.]
"OPEN TO ALL PARTIES—INFLUENCED BY NONE:—WE AIM ONLY TO BE JUST." No. 1538.
The following upon OECONOMY , divided into three parts, viz. FORECAST, ORDER and PRUDENCE , are submitted to the public for their perusal.
P R U D E N C E.
I f we look abroad into the world, and take a survey of human conduct in general, we shall find, that a great many come to want and poverty, through their own thoughtlessness and imprudence, and we may not unjustly exclaim with the poet,
How few, how very few, can think!
In this sense we may take up the words of the wise man, and say,—The foolishness of man perverteth his way, and his heart fretteth against the Lord!" Instead of tracing effects from their proper causes, and taking the blame on ourselves (as we ought) we are tempted to repine, murmur, and charge God foolishly . The discreet person is described by Solomon, as foreseeing the evil , and then using proper means for the avoidance of it, Prov. xxii. v. 3. The ant, that seemingly insignificant insect, is recommended to our consideration, as a pattern worthy of imitation, for its provident forecast , Prov. vi. v. 6. Is it not said of the wife and discreet woman in the Proverbs (chap. xxxi. ver. 16.) "She considereth a field and buyeth it." And, that this may have its due weight, let it not be forgotten, that these are the words of no less a woman, than the mother of king Lemuel. A discreet and provident forecast , is absolutely necessary in human conduct, to enable us to steer our course through life, with ease and satisfaction; and we may easily conceive, in what a perplexed state his affairs must be, who looks no further than the present moment, and has no regard to the things of the morrow. To look forward to the consequences—to the issue and event of things, is such a conduct, as reason should naturally suggest, scripture warrants, and religion itself enjoins; 'tis what a wise man must approve of, and what a good man cannot condemn. Joseph shewed his sagacity in nothing more, than in the discreet advice which he gave to Pharaoh, to "lay up, in the seven plenteous years, for the seven ensuing ones of famine," and it was this economical advice which he gave to Pharaoh, that so immediately struck the king—"can we find such a one as this is; a man, in whom the spirit of God is?" Gen. xli. v. 38. It was this provident forecast in the steward (Luke xvi.) that attracted the admiration of his Lord (for so must those words be understood "and the Lord commended the unjust steward") the sagacious discernment which he shewed for his future support (had he used justifiable means ) was, doubtless, laudable . Not only ourselves , but posterity , must suffer, from a thoughtless disregard to futurity. In what lively colours hath the wise man painted this, too common, fault—"He begetteth a son, and lo! there is nothing in his hand. Eccles. ch. v. ver. 14. answerable to which, St. Paul avers this great truth, That he has sunk even below infidelity, who is negligent to provide for his own. What stronger instance of improvidence can we have, than in that person who raised up his friends at midnight, to borrow three loaves, having a guest come, and nothing to set before him? Luke xi. v. 5. 6. Or, than in those five virgins (Matt. xxv.) who took no oil in their vessels to supply their lamps. Surely ( si mens non læva fuisset ) (for under that denomination our Saviour bids us to consider them) they would not have neglected this necessary precaution, nor thoughtlessly have trusted to that small scantling in their lamps then consuming. To these instances from sacred, I might adduce some from profane history, e. g. Steel, Sheridan, and Gay, all striking examples of want of forecast. All of them (as Job expresses it) being once affluent, and "washed their steps in butter," Chr. xxix. x. 6. but, by adopting Horace's maxim,
Quid sit futurum cras, fuge quærere,
they so embarrassed their circumstances, that they were ever in straights and difficulties,—ever struggling with want—ever under the pressure of necessity.
Most certainly—in the midst of present affluence, we should take care to provide for future contingencies—we ought to undertake no enterprize, without first revolving it in our minds, without weighing our abilities previous to the execution—or (in the admirable words of our blessed Lord) sitting down first to compute the cost .
But, to form the character of the economist more complete, we must add to Forecast,
ORDER. Observe the divine economy.—Consider that God, who (as the apostle speaks) is not "the author of confusion, but of order," 1 Cor. ch. xiv. v. 23.—Consider him, I say, who is higher than the highest, telling the stars, and calling them all by their names.—By whose decree, the moon is appointed
for certain seasons, and the sun his stated time of going down.—Who doth every thing in order—method and regularity—and giveth his creatures, that wait on him, their meat in due season, Ps. civ. he will, certainly, take most delight in those servants who love (like himself) decency and order .
Observe the conduct of Christ (the image of God)—a perfect pattern to us, inasmuch as he did every thing, by rule, order, and method.—When he fed the 5000, he did not feed them (as the Latin speaks) conglomeratim . No. He ordered them to sit down on the grass—he disposed of them by fifties in a company,—he distributed the bread through the hands of his disciples. Even in that light and trivial circumstance of the naphkin (if any thing may be said to deserve that appellation, in which the Lord of Glory had a share) we may trace the footsteps of that order, regularity, and method, which extends itself to every point of his conduct, and is thus conspicuous, even to the most minute occurrences of his life. The naphkin about our Saviour's head (when he rose from the dead) was not carelessly thrown off—nor loosely cast aside—nor put to the other linen—no: He wrapped it up—he laid it in a place by itself. John xx. v. 7.
Observe the order of nature.—"In the darkness of the night, all the beasts of the forest do move—when the sun ariseth, the lions (who were before roaring after their prey) get them away together, and lay them down in their dens." Ps. civ. As then the animal creation—if the beasts of the field (which have no understanding) thus observe a regular order and due course (being, no doubt, the will of our heavenly father, that "to every thing there should be a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven," Eccl. iii. v. 1.) shall man, endowed with reason, but a little lower than the angels, hurry on precipitately, without any regard to regularity and method, when the testimony of his own senses, as well as the pattern of the brute creation, condemns such a practice, and tells him, in as plain terms as possible (would he but attend to the voice) that it is no less for his own interest, than the pleasure of his maker, that every thing should be done decently and in order . 1 Cor. xiv. v. 40.
Thus then, to man, the voice of nature spake; Go, from the creatures thy instructions take. Pope. Was it not the order, economy, and regularity, in the court of Solomon, that so particularly attracted the admiration of the queen of Sheba, and struck her with such surprize, that no more spirit was left in her? 1 Kings, x. 5. Every thing there was conducted by order and method—each had their proper ranks and stations, and every action was (as under such an economical direction it necessarily must be) "beautiful in its season." Eccl. iii.
But, to perfect the character of the economist, we must add to order,
PRUDENCE. This implies a discreet use of those good things which we enjoy,
Deorum muneribus sapienter uti.
The reverse of that unprofitable servant, who hid his talent in the earth, or (in the words of another evangelist) wrapped it up in a naphkin—to endeavour, by an honest industry, and fair means, to improve the little which God hath graciously given us, and, if possible, in time, to gain to that single talent , another talent besides; or, at least, to contract our wishes to the limit of our fortunes, and not "enlarge our desires beyond our abilities."
Et infra
Fortunam debet quisque manere suam." The prudent person hath learned to suit himself to his circumstances, and to whatsoever station Providence hath placed him in: The necessaries, may, even the conveniences of life, lie in so narrow a compass, that to such an one a small portion will prove a competency.—Hear the appointment of the Shunamite woman, with respect to the man of God. 2 Kings, iv. v. 10. "Let us make a little chamber, and set for him there, a bed, and a table,—a stool, and a candlestick." The real wants of life are very few; the imaginary ones are, indeed, innumerable: the prudent person—if he has much, he so enjoys the affluence, as that what is over, is not wasted, or misapplied;—he considers it, as the gift of that God, who would not that any thing should be lost or squandered. This is that happy temper and disposition, which, at the same time that it teacheth us not to spend too profusely, so it teacheth us to enjoy what we have in a proper manner.—It was not imputed to the rich man for sin, in that "he was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously." Luke xvi. v. 19. ( Di tibi divitias dederunt, attemque fruendi. ) The fault of the rich man was, in
that he rather suffered the crumbs which fell from his table to be lost, than (after a sober use of those good things) to gather up the residue, or remains, of what was left, and reserve them. We are prohibited (as by the bounty of heaven we receive our daily bread) from either making waste ourselves , or suffering waste to be made of it; at the same time we are enjoined to gather up the overplus—"the fragments which remain, that nothing be lost." It is our duty to perform what our Lord bids us—to be provident—careful—frugal—equally does it become us to abstain from what he prohibits us; not—thoughtlessly to squander, waste, or make consumption.—"Nothing be lost, implies—nothing be perverted or misapplied,"—as "giving the children bread, and casting it to dogs." Matt. xv. v. 27. All wastefulness is sin—the scripture condemning it, and that should be sufficient, without appealing to experience. However, mark the end: "It shall come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones." It is very observable—no sooner had the prodigal son "spent all, than the famine was fore in the land." Luke xv. Well did he say, when he came to himself, "I have sinned against heaven." From God his affluence originally came, and, therefore, to him he was accountable, for what he had wasted and lost. He, who would thrive in his temporal affairs, must often balance his accounts—examine his gains and his losses, and see what proportion they bear to each other—Consider, where his conduct may have been faulty, in any respect, and how, for the future, to rectify it.—Would he preserve his affairs unembarrassed, let him strictly adhere to the apostolical injunction, "owe no man any thing, Rom. xiii." Let him live within his income: then will his retrospection be without regret, equally as his prospect without terror—able, at any time, to retire from the world into his own closet, and there reflect, with pleasure, on his past conduct. By gathering up the fragments which remain, that nothing be lost, he will find himself enabled to consider the poor and needy, and thereby entitle himself to the blessing the wise man alludes to—"God giveth riches, and adds no sorrow with them, Prov. x. v. 22." He should scatter his bread upon the waters, and give to him that needeth. Extravagance puts it out of our power, and we may every day see its fatal effects. See numbers brought into what are called bad circumstances, rather from small neglects, than from any great errors in material affairs: People are too apt to think lightly of shillings and pence, forgetting that they are the constituent parts of a pound, till the deficiency in the greater article convinces them of their mistake; shews them, by fatal experience, of a truth, which they might have learned from a little attention—that great sums are made up of small, and that, therefore, "be that contempteth small things, must fall by little and little." Ecc. xx. It is worthy of observation—The church hath appointed these words of our blessed Lord (John ix. v. 12.) to be twice read—4th Sunday after Lent, and 25th after Trinity. Thus singularly hath she pointed out this lesson of instruction, so important to our conduct in life; and, by repeating it, gives a plain proof, what her sentiments are, with respect to this domestick duty —(equally incumbent on the high and low—rich and poor—one with another) well judging, it could not be too much inculcated. Let us consider this well, and receive instruction. Certainly it was for us men, and our admonition, that our Lord (who could turn stones into bread, as well as water into wine) gave this command, "Gather up the fragments which remain, that nothing be lost." Therefore, let us remember these words, "let them sink deep into our ears."
TO BE SOLD,
By the hundred or smaller quantity,
Good Clean
CLOVER SEED,
Inquire of JONATHAN MOULTON, of Hampton, or Mr. GEORGE LIBBEY of Greenland.
¶ No doubt those Farmers who have experienced the benefit arising from the practice of sowing Clover Seed, in old Land, will think it worth their notice to purchase and sow it; if it is only for the benefit of enriching their land, exclusive the advantages and benefits accruing from the produce of the seed.
Hampton. March 20. 1786.
TO BE LET,
A convenient STORE,
At the North End of the Town. Enquire of SAMUEL FERNALD;

Foreign Intelligence.
The following European Advices were brought by the British Packet, Captain Deake, lately arrived at New York from England.
MOROCCO (Tangier) Nov. 11.
YESTERDAY was embarked for Malaga, six ostriches, two lions, one panther, a hyena, several curious sheep, and a goat of an uncommon species.—They are a present from the Emperor of Morocco to the King of Spain.
BERLIN, December 8.
There are computed to be 1,967,320 sheep in Silesia, whose fleeces, this year, amount in weight to 161,469 Reins.
PARIS, December 12.
We are impatient here for the arrival of Mr. Eden, to conclude the treaty of commerce between the two countries. It is thought he will be charged with such instructions as will remove the obstacles to this happy event.
HAGUE, December 20.
The Directors of the West India Company have proposed to the States General to offer a public acknowledgement to the Marquis de Bouille, for the services rendered the Dutch nation by retaking the Isle of St. Eustatia, last war.
LONDON, December 27.
Strange as it may appear, a calculation has been published in Dublin, charging the administration of Ireland with an expenditure of above 8000l. a year to writers in support of their measures.
An English patriot has extravagant notions of the honour and dignity of his country.—He is enraged, if four or five thousand natives do not beat double the number of French or Spaniards. He would honour dear Old England in all her monopolies, prejudices and illiberalities, to which he thinks he can plead the right of immemorial custom.
The late Duke of Orleans, according to the Gazette de Bruxelles, was a great connoisseur in medals. There were found in his cabinet some Greek medals that even expressed the muscles and veins of the body, and some very curious shekels of silver and copper, with Hebrew legends. The Duke and the late King of Denmark were both members of the Medallick Academies of Paris and Geneva.
They write from Antwerp, that an American vessel, bound from Virginia to Leith, loaded with tobacco, was put in there in great distress, having, in a storm of wind, lost her bowsprit and part of her rudder, and started a plank, by which she took in a great deal of water, and they were obliged to unload her to stop the leak. She had been drove about for several days before she could make that port.
On the 19th inst. was executed on board the Sampson, of 64 guns, at Plymouth, Moffat, late boatswain of the Fortune sloop of war, for striking his lieutenant.
Dec. 29. Russia gains strength, opulence and character daily, and the Empress now holds those scales as arbitress of Europe, which once hung over the throne of Great-Britain.
It has been calculated, that no less than 800 negroes have, within these few years, been kidnapped from Jamaica by the Spaniards.—Applications have been repeatedly made, for their restoration, to the Governor of Cuba, but to no effect. He has, even in positive terms, said, "I will not deliver them up."
Dec. 30. The Grange, Capt. Roberts, arrived within these few days from Philadelphia, has brought remittances, to the merchants of this city, for upwards of 100,000l. sterl. chiefly in specie, and we are assured, that a further considerable amount is expected by the next ship from that port. This looks as if our affairs in that quarter are beginning to take a favourable turn: and there is no doubt, if further exports be withheld till their present stock is reduced within a reasonable compass, and a commercial treaty takes place, a very beneficial trade may yet be carried on with that country.
Expresses were, on Wednesday dispatched to the various members of the cabinet, to return to town with the utmost dispatch, in consequence of the alarming intelligence, now made public by the printed advertisement of the Chamber of Commerce, respecting the total prohibition of British manufactures throughout the Austrian dominions. The Privy Council, also, (we mean those members of it to whom the consideration of commercial concerns are entrusted) are summoned to a general meeting.
Dec. 28. An express arrived at six o'clock, on Thursday evening, at an eminent merchant's in this city, with an account of the proceedings now going on in Manchester. It states, that the moment the information was received, that the Emperor's long menaced interdiction, with respect to the English manufactures, was announced from authority, as having actually been carried into effect, the utmost consternation seized all ranks of the inhabitants. An immediate meeting was held of the principal merchants of the place, where it was with one voice admitted, that if the edict in question was not, by some ministerial intervention, instantly abrogated, there was an end put at once to the commerce and affluence of that once flourishing place.—Austria had been for years the great scene of their exportation, and an exclusion there struck at their vitals, as a manufacturing interest, at a single blow; near 70,000 people will be involved in consequences of this regulation; and the terrible apprehensions, which accompany even the remote prospect of certain poverty and distress, had already begun to prevail with the multitude, and to threaten effects highly injurious to the good order, peace and security of the community.
IRELAND.
DUBLIN, Dec. 27. Notwithstanding the enormous number of transports lately sent from our prisons, we are sorry to find, that, such are the depravities daily experienced among us, the ensuing month will probably exhibit as sanguinary spectacles of irritated justice as hitherto known.
Our jails are crowded with felons, and every day continues to croud them. Crimes tread on the heels of crimes, and human enormity seems at its height. Not only in the city, but in the country, are murders and rapine committed; and such will be always the case, if we substitute not some mode of punishment beside death; for eternity has lost its terrors with guilt, and hard labour is more alarming than an offended Deity.
Extract of a letter from Paris, December 22.
"The affair with Holland cost France forty-five millions, and it was more honourable to make that sacrifice than to suffer the continent of Europe to be involved in a long and bloody war."
Miscellanies.
ANECDOTES OF DIOGENES.
A COURTER passing by Diogenes the philosopher, as he sat in a tub, eating turnips, put this scoff upon him:—"Diogenes," said he, "if thou wouldst but learn the art of flattery, thou needest not sit here in a tub, scratching roots." To whom the philosopher replied—"And thou vain-glorious man! if thou wouldst learn to live contented with my homely fare, thou needest not condescend to the fawning of a spaniel."
But Diogenes, if he was no flatterer, was proud and opinionative: he laid trains for the applause of men, in all his actions, and so taught others to become flatterers, though he was none himself. Of this Plato was sensible, who was a far more excellent philosopher than he. As this sage was walking, with some of his friends, in the fields, they shewed him Diogenes standing up to the chin in water, whose superficies was frozen over, saving one hole, which Diogenes had made for himself:—"Poh!" said Plato, "don't regard him, and he will soon be out; for had he not seen us coming this way, he would not have put himself to this pain."
Another time, this philosopher came to Plato's house; and, as he walked on the rich carpets with which the floor of the hall was covered—"See," said Diogenes, "how I trample on Plato's pride!" "Yes," said Plato, "but with GREATER pride."
LUDICRITY.
AN old gentleman at the point of death called a faithful negro to him, telling him he would do him an honour before he died. The fellow thanked him and hoped massa would live long. "I intend Cato," said the master, "to allow you to be buried in the family vault." "Ah massa," returns Cato, "me no like dat, ten pounds would be better to Cato, he no care where he be buried; besides massa, suppose we be buried together, and de devil come looking for massa in the dark, he may take away poor negro man by mistake."
ANECDOTE.
WHEN MR. S. the late attorney general of Ireland, was studying the law in the Temple, his circumstances were not the best in the world; he often translated and scribbled for the booksellers to support a gentleman-like appearance, but like Charles Surface, "justice could not keep pace with generosity," and he was consequently exposed to the insults and pressure of many creditors. Amongst the rest appeared a very devil, who watched his motions in such a manner, that our good-hearted debtor was obliged to keep his room. As he had many companions to whom he would not refuse admittance, he had a square hole cut in the door, with a slider, and opposite to it he placed a looking-glass, in such a situation, that on his servant's removing the slider, he could from a corner of the room see who called on him, and gave his directions accordingly. A gentleman asked our orator what was his reason for placing the glass in that situation? He archly replied, "That, Sir, is my dunometer."
Advice to the Ladies.
"Learn how to value merit, tho' in rags, And scorn the proud, ill-manner'd fool in office."
OTWAY.
VIRGINS should value nothing less Than titles, figures, shape, and dress! Merit should be forever plac'd In judgment, knowledge, wit and taste. For these, it's own'd, without dispute, Alone distinguish men from brute. A wealthy, gaudy fool can pass, At best, but for a golden ass.
TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF PORTSMOUTH.
FRIENDS and FELLOW TOWNSMEN,
A Number of respectable inhabitants of this town, convinced of the necessity of a reform in conducting our affairs, have formed themselves into a Society for encouraging industry. This measure having met with approbation, and the town having selected us as Overseers of their Poor, we beg your patience and favorable attention to a brief state of facts, together with your support and assistance in the much needed, and desired reform.
In the work-house, or rather the alms-house, are 49 persons, of various ages, and both sexes; these taken collectively, can perform but little toward their support, as they chiefly consist either of aged or infirm persons, or children, some of whom are too young to earn much. Of other poor there are a number in the town, willing, and for the most part able to maintain themselves, but who in times of extremity and particular distress, receive occasional assistance from the overseers: These two classes, providentially reduced to such unhappy circumstances, are the objects of our commiseration, and public charity; and we doubt not you will agree with us in opinion, that they should be comfortably supported: and while on one hand we shall carefully endeavor to see that they are; on the other we know it our duty as your stewards, and almoners, to use all proper economy in the manner.
We reluctantly add that there is another class, we hope not large, of persons of both sexes, too improvident, or too lazy, to obtain an honest livelihood, by their labor. Men who spend their time in sloth and debauchery, and thereby subject themselves to the commission of crimes pernicious to society; and women of idle lives, and loose morals; hence the increasing swarms of begging children, many of whom are sturdy, and well able, in a great measure, to earn their subsistence; yet are they daily seen at the doors of the beneficent, with a kind of effrontery, extorting those alms to support idleness, and extravagance, for the want of which, the modest industrious poor, may often suffer.
You will certainly think with us, that it is high time some measures were taken with the class last described, to reduce them if possible to sobriety and industry, and we are determined to lose no time in effecting so salutary a purpose.
We have only to add our fixed intention, without loss of time, to purchase materials, to employ at their own homes, such honest, industrious poor, as can knit, spin, weave, &c. provided we are properly enabled, of which timely notice shall be given.—In short we are determined, by every method in our power, to give countenance, and support, to those who are willing to work, and at the same time to exert the whole force of the laws, against those who will not; and we hope for the kind assistance of our fellow citizens for these ends.
Dated at Union-hall this 5th day of April, 1786.
DANIEL RINDGE, GEORGE ATKINSON, JOSHUA WENTWORTH, RICHARD CHAMPNEY, JACOB SHEAFE, JUD. THOMAS SHEAFE, JOHN JACKSON, BENJAMIN DEARBORN, } Overseers of the Poor.
Agriculture.
From the New System of Husbandry, vol. I. p. 333 On Sowing, and Land proper for Flax.
THE most proper land for this valuable crop, is that of a loamy clay, either such as has been under tillage, or grass land, but if the former, it must be in good condition, and well and deep plowed, to destroy weeds and make it fine mold, fit to receive the crop. However, old grass or lay land is much the best, and what the English farmers generally make choice of.—It is very common for flax farmers there, to give five pounds sterling an acre to other farmers that do not understand the branch for one crop, —and after the flax is pulled, the land is very fit for a crop of wheat.
If lay land be your choice, it must be plowed only once, and that six or seven inches deep, so as to raise a good deep mold when harrowed, which must be done without tearing up the sod. When it is well harrowed, both cross and length ways, in order to raise what mold you can, you must pick up the sods, stones, &c. and throw them into the furrows, then sow the seed at the rate of two bushels to an acre, and harrow it over once in a place after sown, with the harrow drawn the wrong end foremost, which will give covering enough; when the flax is two or three inches high, roll it. If weeds grow, they must be eradicated, as flax, above all other crops, will not agree with them, which is one reason that grass land is better than such as is under tillage, because it is generally clear of weeds.
N. B. YOUNG, "in his six months tour through the north of England," says, flax they sow generally on an old swarth (i. e. sward) plough but once.

American Intelligence.
CHARLESTON (S. C.) March 14.
At the request of the French Consul, a warrant is issued out by T. Hall, Esq. for the apprehending a person lately arrived here from Cape Francois, for robbing a gentleman at the Cape of 94993 livres, and other property. He is not yet taken; but on searching his lodgings, a variety of pieces of gold were found, to the amount 400l.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at the Wateree, dated March 19.
"I have just heard of a matter from the Hills, which from its singularity I am led to relate.—A householder wench of Capt. James having behaved amiss, her husband, from pride, forsook her: she immediately took three children she had by the fellow, into an adjacent swamp, cut off the heads of two, and drowned the third.—This brutal mother was burnt on Thursday last."
A disturbance happened this afternoon, between two men who are said to be Algerines, dressed in Asiatic habits, and who have travelled from Virginia here; one of them, on a question being asked, drew a dirk and made a pass at the person, which happily missed him.—They are since taken into custody, and will undergo an examination.
NEW-YORK, March 29.
Extract of a letter from London (received by the packet) dated January 6, 1786.
"I HAVE the pleasure to inform you that I have just heard that the negotiation between Great-Britain and the United States, is in a fair way of being soon brought to a conclusion; but few obstacles remaining. Those of the most consequence being—the laws made by some of the Southern States to obstruct the recovery of debts due to Merchants of Great-Britain, contracted before the war; and a law passed since the peace by the State of New-York, called the Trespass Act , which affects numbers of British subjects; the British Ministry regarding them as violations of the treaty, makes their repeal an express condition of the evacuation of the Forts on the Lakes. It is expected these points will be given up by Mr. Adams, they appearing so perfectly reasonable."
April 1. Tuesday arrived here the Schooner Patty, William Van Dueren, master, from Cape Francois, in 23 days; 5 days before he sailed, arrived the sloop Fortune, Capt. Johnson, from this port, belonging to Hudson, with a cargo of horses. The most that horses sold for was two joes a head.
Capt. Van Dueren has also furnished us with materials for the following curious story:—That a few days before he left the Cape, a large ship called the Ark, arrived there, commanded by Mr. Baker. This ship was fitted out at Newport, Rhode-Island, by the fraternity of Shakers , with an intention of setting sail for the New Jerusalem . Capt. Baker, one of the fraternity, but more arch than fool, and pleased with the idea of having the ship fitted for him, suffered them to enjoy their infatuated notion until the ship was ready, when he advised them to send her to the West-Indies, stating to them the impossibility of going to Heaven by water!
There is a curiosity in Virginia which seems unparalleled anywhere.—In the county of Fincastle, there is a small running water, or spring, possessed of a quality which cannot be defined (though supposed to be a mineral water, strongly impregnated with sulphur, or some such thing) however, by snapping the pan of a pistol, or tinder-box, with a little gunpowder, the water will instantly catch fire, and burn in the same manner as spirits would, until the water is entirely consumed, or dried up, when the channel, which is common earth, is left as ashes. There being no more water left to feed the flame, the spring bubbles out from the crevices of earth as usual, and in the space of half an hour the current goes on as formerly. The water continues, when such experiments are tried by people, for two or three days before the whole is consumed.
BOSTON, April 10.
By a gentleman, lately arrived from the West-Indies, we are favoured with the following particulars:—Nothing (he says) can exceed the severity exercised towards every vessel suspected to be American, touching, or coming near, any British port. Orders arrive, by every packet, to the commanders of the ships of war, to cruise against the Americans. Government brigs and Schooners are fitting, from every island for the same purpose. The governor of St. Vincents declared his instructions were, to take any American within three leagues of the island. The gentleman himself was chased within that distance, and his ship fired upon with round and grape shot, and musketry, by the government Schooner, for being suspected to be an American ship. A ship, belonging to Mr. Robert Morris, put into Barbadoes in distress, bound to Lisbon; they gave the Captain liberty to stop his leak; but before he had accomplished the business, they came on board, threw in his powder (400 barrels) and turned him out. He asked the Admiral, where he should go, or what he should do, in that condition? Admiral Hughes replied, "to Hell—to leeward, among your allies." Three vessels were seized and condemned in Dominico, for trifling causes; one for putting into an out-bay to water, and one of the people, unknown to the Captain, exchanged a few pounds of fish for a few pounds of coffee, by way of stores on-
ly:—Another, belonging to the island, trading to Virginia, for hoisting American colours in that state, and English ones under them, with the union downward. The American whalers are fired at whenever they approach near their islands. The ministry suppose they have now put a finishing stroke to the building and increase of American vessels : An act has lately been passed in England, and instructions arrived in February, That no American-built vessel should be employed or owned by British subjects, on any pretence whatever, except such as were built before the year 1776; and in case of dispute, the carpenters of the ships of war are to determine the built. Prizes taken by the King's ships, are allowed, and no others. American vessels which may be here after being taken, and condemned for smuggling, are not to be sold as formerly, but burnt. In consequence of the late act, upwards of 300 sail of brigs, Schooners, and sloops, which were usually employed among the islands, are rendered useless to the owners; also many capital ships, purchased since the peace took place. The gentleman (our informant) saw several vessels in St. Martins that had been obliged to leave St. Kitts on account of the act, and the owners were offering them for sale. The British ministry seem determined to sacrifice their islands to revenge themselves upon us. The planters were very much dissatisfied before, but this last stroke greatly distressed them. The gentleman had sufficient opportunity of conversing with planters and merchants in the islands, and they all said, if America did not relax, by admitting British ships to trade with them, the British must form a treaty, or ruin the islands. By the last packet, the Custom-House in London writes to that of Dominico—"We expect to send you further instructions, not to admit any of the produce of the United States by way of French or Neutral islands, only directly from the States, in absolutely British-built ships, navigated according to law."
Whilst the gentleman was at Martinico, 12 ships, brigs and snows were from Barbadoes, St. Vincents, and Grenada, purchasing lumber, horses, &c. to supply those islands; and were obliged to bring the cash, while their rum is to them of little value, and which formerly purchased all those articles. Lumber in Martinico at 5l. 5s.—in the English islands, from 10 to 12l.—but, say the English, in a year or two Nova-Scotia will supply them fully.
From the foregoing account, we can form a full idea of the resentment which still influences the politics of Britain against this country.—America, however, has only to pursue a proper system of commerce, by prohibiting all British vessels from carrying supplies to the English islands ; which method, it steadily pursued on our part, together with their own ill judged policy, will reduce the West-Indies to such distress as finally to force the haughty nation of Britain to a commercial treaty, greatly advantageous to this country.
Mr. William Studivert, mate of the Schooner William, from Plymouth, bound to St. Eustatia, arrived here on Wednesday last, who informs that the above Schooner on the 22d Feb. last, in the evening, struck on the Burmuda reef, and went to pieces immediately; that the company consisting of Messrs. Charles Dyer, master, Nathaniel Brown, Reuben Totman, Waterman Thomas, himself and a negro, all belonging to Plymouth, endeavoured to save themselves by fastening to different parts of the wreck; that the next day they all got on a piece of the deck, except the negro who was drowned; that they continued in this miserable situation, exposed to a rough sea, and destitute of any subsistence, several days; that on the third day Brown died; the Master, Totman, and Thomas died on the fourth day; that he must have famished himself, had he not, when it rained, adopted the following expedient to obtain drink, he untied his hair, which was very long, and taking the ends of it in his mouth, as the rain fell on his head, he sucked it in thereby—Providentially on the sixth day he was taken up by a fishing boat from St. Martins, where he was carried, and kindly treated; that from St. Martins he took passage to Falmouth, and from thence came to this town.
CHARLESTOWN, April 7.
On the 24th of January, his Britannick Majesty opened the session of his Parliament with a speech;—in which he mentions, that the disputes which threatened to disturb the tranquillity of Europe were brought to an amicable conclusion—that his subjects begin to enjoy the happiness consequent upon peace, in the augmentation of commerce, the increase of the revenue, and public credit of the nation—Ardently desires, that the strictest economy may be observed in every department—and is persuaded, that the flourishing state of the revenue will enable them to make every necessary provision for the public service, for maintaining their naval force upon the most solid and respectable footing, and for the diminution of their publick debt.
PORTSMOUTH, April 13.
A correspondent laments the local prejudices the different states in the union retain. At no era, says he, did they ever want a junction of hearts and hands more than at present—America, like a youth just come to adult age, in possession of abundance, wantons in the gifts that nature, with a lavish hand, had bestowed on her, and will not attend to her true interest until dire necessity urges the matter.
A writer in a late London paper thus observes, "As it is from the progression of science & art that spirit which we justly admire in the Americans originally sprung, so by the same means the same spirit is diffused, and will continue to be diffused, over the world. Already we every where discern the influence of the great revolution across the Atlantic on commerce, on the balance of power, and the genius of nations."
A London paper of the 3d of January, contains a statement, for the year 1785, of the number of Bankrupts in England, which amount to five hundred and nine.
In the late snow storm, Capt. Samuel Pearse, in a brig from the West-Indies, belonging to this place, was cast ashore on the beach, to the southward of Plymouth harbour, 'tis supposed that the chief of the cargo will be saved, and probably the vessel got off again.
*A piece, entitled 'A FRIEND TO JUSTICE,' came too late for this day's paper, but will appear in our next.
NAVAL OFFICE,
PORT OF PISCATAQUA, April 13, 1786.
ENTERED, none.
CLEARED,
  Brig Dispatch,  TIBBETS,  for West-Indies.    Brig Lydia,  TIBBETS,  ditto.  
NOTICE is hereby given, that on Monday the 18th day of May next, at three o'clock, P. M. will be sold by public vendue, at the north meeting house in Portsmouth, a number of PEWS in said meeting house, for taxes due thereon, to the subscribers, collectors of taxes for said parish, unless prevented by the delinquent owners paying said taxes, viz.
   No. years l. f. years l. f.     Joseph Alcock, 46 17 83 1 to 17 84 1 16   Jonathan Ayers, jr. half 26 82 1 to 85 1 16   Samuel Beck 116 82 83, 1 to 16 84 85 1 11   George Libbey half 8 ditto 1 to 15 84 0 18   Thomas Priest half 96 ditto 1 to 84 85 0 12   Thomas Roach 110 ditto 0 to 18 ditto 1 4   Tho's Thompson, Esq. 85 ditto 1 to 4 ditto 1 4   Fernald & Alcock 50 ditto 2 to 12 ditto 3 12   John Low's heirs 108 ditto 1 to 4 ditto 1 4   John Seward's ditto 98 ditto 1 to 4 ditto 1 4   Richard Sabey ditto 106 ditto 1 to 4 ditto 1 4   H. Wentworth, Esq. 21 ditto 3 to 6 ditto 3 12  
WINTHROP BENNETT, JOSEPH WHITE, JOSHUA PIKE, jr. } Collectors.
Portsmouth, April 7, 1786.
A genteel Fallback Chaise,
TO BE SOLD CHEAP FOR
English or West-India GOODS,
OR Part CERTIFICATES.
Enquire of the Printer.
Genteel Boarding
For Young Masters and Misses, from the country, on reasonable terms, in a creditable family, and proper care taken that they shall be fitted for their daily schools. Enquire of the Printer.
Clover, Herd's Grass and Red-Top.
The best of CLOVER, HERD'S GRASS, and RED-TOP, by the hundred, bushel or smaller quantity,
TO BE SOLD BY
JOSEPH BASS,
at his Shop in Portsmouth; where may be had,
A COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF Kitchen GARDEN SEEDS.
WANTED
A genteel SADDLE HORSE, Enquire of the PRINTER.

Parnassian Spring.
N I G H T.
No smiles of fortune ever blest'd the bad, Nor can her frowns rob innocence of joy.
NOW silence reigns, & solemn darkness spreads O'er all the earth the gloomy veil of night, Guilt tremb'ing, and is seiz'd with sudden dread, And waits with horror the return of light.
Light will return—but not to them return, In whose dark souls no ray of virtue shines: Not all the splendor of the sprightly morn, Can chase the pang that racks the guilty mind.
Though fashion throw a veil before their crimes, And guilt may pass, conceal'd in pleasure's name, Yet conscience will be heard—remorse at times Will hold a mirror that reveals their shame.
Though conscience from their breast awhile may She never totally gives up her reign; (stray, But soon or late she will resume her sway, And bring remorse and anguish in her train,
But darkness brings no horror to the mind, Where virtue fair, and pure religion dwell: Were chaos to return again they'd find An inward light that would its gloom dispel.
LINES upon a Tavern-Keeper of the Name of DEATH.
O! CALL not here ye sottish wights, For wine, nor punch, nor gin; For if you stop, whoe'er alights, By Death is taken in!
Where having eat and drank your fill, Should ye (O hapless case!) Neglect to pay your landlord's bill, Death stares you in the face!
With grief sincere, I pity those— Who've drawn themselves this scrape in; Since from his dreadful gripe, Heav'n knows, Alas! there's no escaping!
This one advice, my friend, pursue, Whilst yet you've life and breath; Ne'er pledge your host—for if you do— You'll surely—drink to Death.
TO BE LET
For one Year, or a longer Term, the Large and elegant HOUSE
lately occupied by NATHANIEL SPARHAWK, Esq. with the Land adjoining, being about two acres, laid out in Gardens, Walks, &c. abounding with a variety of excellent Fruit Trees.—For further particulars ap- ply to JOHN SPARHAWK.
Portsmouth, March 16, 1786. t. f.
State of New-Hampshire, Rokingham ss.
THE Subscribers being appointed commissi- oners by the Hon. Joseph Badger, Esq. judge of probate of wills, &c. for the county of Straf- ford, to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of JACOB DURGIN, late of New Durham, deceased, represented in- solvent, give notice that we will attend that busi- ness on the third Monday in March, at two of the clock in the afternoon, and on the five follow- ing months, from two to six o'clock, P. M. on each day, at the house of Benjamin Meads, inn- holder in Newmarket.
JEREMY BRYENT, } Commissioners. BENJAMIN MEAD, }
Newmarket, February 26, 1786.
NOTICE is hereby given, that Daniel Picker- ing, of Greenland, has a Note of Hand, sign- ed by Thomas Brackett, late of Greenland, de- ceased, for the sum of Twenty-two pounds five shillings, dated April the 4th 1782;—this is to forbid any person purchasing said note, as it has already been paid.
MARTHA BRACKETT,
Administratrix to said estate.
Greenland, March 8th, 1786.
ALL persons indebted to, or that have any de- mands against the estate of John Rice, late of Exeter, Esq. deceased, or the estate of Anna Rice, late of said Exeter, his widow, deceased, are desired to make speedy settlement with the sub- scriber, executor of her last Will.—No accounts will be received unless they are attested to.
BILEY LYFORD, Executor.
Brintwood, March 2, 1786.
THE Managers of DARTMOUTH COLLEGE LOTTERY, inform the publick, that by reason of the great scarcity of money, the sale of the TICKETS in the first Class has been retard- ed, and the time of drawing necessarily prolong- ed, however, they have fixed upon the first Wed- nesday of June to begin drawing at the State House in this town, and all persons who have been intrusted with the sale of Tickets are re- quested to make return of the same by the last day of May, with those that may then be on hand (if any).
The managers flatter themselves that notwith- standing the present scarcity of money, a gene- rous publick will enable them to go on with said lottery, especially, when they take into consider- ation the great utility and advantage designed thereby, viz. to encourage and promote the educa- tion of youth, which is of the last importance to this and every other republick.—Tickets may still be had of the managers in this town, and at Exeter, of Mr. George Pierce at Newbury Port, —Mr. Vans of Salem,—Mr. Storer of Boston, —Col. Pain of Lebanon, and at the College. Portsmouth, February 22, 1786.
ALL persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of Cornet Thomas Wiggins, late of Stratham, gentleman, deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts to John Folsom, of Stratham, administrator to said estate, in order for a speedy settlement. Stratham, March 10th, 1786.
RAN AWAY from me the subscriber, on the night of the 6th inst. an apprentice boy, named Henry Nash; whoever will take up said boy and return him to the subscriber, shall have one penny reward, and no charges paid:—All masters of vessels and others are cautioned against harbouring, or trusting him on my account, as they would avoid the penalty of the law. MICHAEL DWYER. New-Holderness March 9, 1786.
Rockingham ss. NOTICE is hereby given, that JOEL LEIGHTON, of Newington, in said coun- ty, has petitioned the judge of probate, for said county, representing that he, in right of his wife and the rest of the heirs of William Huntress, late of said Newington, deceased, with Joseph Huntress, of said Newington, are tenants in com- mon of about forty acres of land in said New- ington—that to the said heirs, belong two thirds thereof, and to the said Joseph, one third—that, for the benefit of the said heirs, it is necessary partition thereof should be made—that one of the said heirs is under disability of making par- tition by deed, and therefore, praying that the said judge would order partition thereof, to be made pursuant to the law, in such case made and provided, upon which the said judge ordered, that the petitioner cause the substance of said petition and order thereon, to be published in some publick News paper, three weeks succes- sively—that any person concerned, may appear at the court of probate, to be holden, according to law, within and for said county, on the third Wednesday of April next, to shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
W. PARKER, Reg.
Exeter, March 15, 1786.
ALL persons having demands on the estate of the Honourable MESHECH WEARE, Esq. late of Hampton Falls, deceased, are hereby desired to exhibit their claims for settlement:— and those indebted, are requested to make spee- dy payment to
THOMAS W. WEARE, } Executors. REDFORD WEARE, }
N. B. All persons having any Books, belonging to the Library of the deceased, are requested to re- turn them as soon as possible to said Executors.
Hampton-Falls, 26th March. 1786.
Rockingham ss. THE subscribers being appointed commissi- oners to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to estate of JOHN DREW YEATON, late of Portsmouth, mariner, de- ceased, represented insolvent, hereby give notice, that they will attend that business at the house of Col. WM. BREWSTER, in said Portsmouth, on the last THURSDAY of this and the five following months, from 6 to 8 o'Clock, P.M.
RICHARD HART, } Commis'rs. ISAAC RINDGE, } JEREMIAH LIBBEY. }
Portsmouth, March 18, 1786.
State of New Hampshire.
WHEREAS by a warrant to us directed by the Treasurer of said State, we find it in- dispensably necessary to assess the taxes for the current year, immediately, in order to discharge our quota of the interest due on the foreign debt of the United States, which is required to be paid by the first day of May next: THE INHABITANTS of this town are therefore earnestly called upon to make out true and exact inventories of their ratea- ble polis and estates, and bring them in to us by the 15th day of April next, otherwise they must expect to be DOOMED according to law.
Given under our hands at Union-Hall, in Portsmouth, the 28th day of March, A. D. 1786.
John Noble, Peter Coues, } Select- Nath'l Folsom, } men. Wm. Gardner, }
ALL persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of Capt. RICHARD BROWN, late of Hampton Falls, Gentleman, deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts (for a speedy settlement) to JOSEPH BROWN of Kensington, an attorney for
RACHEL BROWN, } Administratrix to said estate.
Kensington, 22d March, 1786.
ALL persons that are indebted to the estate of RICHARD JENNESS, late of Rye, tanner, deceased, are desired to make payment; and those who have any accounts against said estate, are de- sired to bring them in immediately for settlement, to the subscriber, executor to the last will of said deceased. JOHN BEAN JENNESS. Rye. March 17, 1786.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of WIL- LIAM HUNTRESS, late of Newington, de- ceased, are desired to make payment; and all persons to whom said estate is indebted are de- sired to exhibit their demands to JOEL LEIGH- TON. Attorney to the Administratrix. Newington, March 16, 1786.
TO be sold at PUBLIC VENDUE, to the highest bidder, on MONDAY the 17th day of APRIL next, at TEN of the Clock before noon, at the house of ELIZABETH McCLARY, in Epsom, all the real estate of JOHN CASEY, late of Epsom (in the county of Rockingham) trader, deceased, represented insolvent:
   Part of the lot No. R. Qty.     part of lot 119 4 43   part of lot 11 1 20   part of lot 13 34   part of lot 8 23   lot 6 100   part of lot 36 12   lot 78 3 56  
Conditions of sale to be seen at time and place. ELIZABETH McCLARY, Administratrix. Epsom, March, 22 1786.
THE subscribers being appointed commissi- oners by the Hon. Judge of Probate of Wills for the county of Rockingham, to receive and ex- amine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of JAMES HICKEY, late of Portsmouth, deceased, represented insolvent, and six months, from the 15th inst. being allowed therefor, give notice that we will attend said business on the fourth Wednesday of this and the five following months, at the house of Col. WILLIAM BREW- STER, innholder in Portsmouth, at six o'clock, P. M. JOHN SPARHAWK, Portsmouth, SUPPLY CLAP March 19. THOMAS MARTIN.
TO BE SOLD
At PUBLIC VENDUE,
BY virtue of a licence from the hon. Judge of Probate, at the house of Mr. BENJAMIN GARLAND, innholder in Rye, on Wednesday the twenty-sixth day of April, at three o'clock in the afternoon, part of the real estate of Mr. NA- THANIEL COTTON, late of Portsmouth, de- ceased.
HENRY ELKINS, Administrator.
Rye, April 4. 1786.
TO BE SOLD.
By JOHN SALTER, Pitch, Tar, Turpentine, Tobacco, Hogsfat, Poik by the barrel, Carolina Pease, Deer- Skins, cheap for cash,—ALSO— A SCHOONER, of fifty-four Tons burthen, well found. Portsmouth, April 1, 1786.
SUBSCRIPTIONS for this Paper, at Four shillings and six pence for six Months (exclusive of Postage) are taken in at this Office, and at the Printing-Office in Exeter, where Advertisements are received, the Favours of Correspondents, and all Orders in the Art of Printing attended to with Punctuality and Dispatch.