The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1788-03-05 00:00:00

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND GENERAL
WEDNESDAY,
PORTSMOUTH: By JOHN MELCHER,
[VOLUME XXXII.—No. 1643.]
GAZETTE, THE ADVERTISER,
MARCH 5, 1788.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN MARKET-STREET.
“WHEN ANGRY NATIONS PART IN LEAGUES OF PEACE, LET PRIVATE FEUDS AND CIVIL DISCORDS CEASE.”
PROCEEDINGS of the Massachusetts Convention.
(Continued from our last.)
MR. BODMAN said, if Congress possessed the power of levying direct taxes, &c. it was to him a power unlimited. He granted that power was necessary to be delegated to Congress; but they may do hurt, to do good; he contended that the sovereignty should remain in the states, and that they alone should lay direct taxes; his reason was, that if the requisitions of Congress were not complied with, and they should send a power to collect them—there would be no sovereignty left in the states;—and that we ought never to give up this essential point: He was jealous of the liberties of the people—it was right so to be, for without jealousy no republican government ever could exist: Without a better definition of these powers was given, than what he had heard, he never could vote for the federal head.
Hon. MR. SEDGWICK , in answer to the gentleman last speaking, said, if he believed the adoption of the proposed Constitution would interfere with the state legislatures, he would be the last to vote for it; but he thought all the sources of revenue, ought to be put into the hands of government, and in cases of emergency the power of levying taxes had been always unlimited. Congress would necessarily take that which was easiest to the people; the first would be impost, the next excise, and the last a direct tax, which is hard money: Let us suppose, continued Mr. S. that we are attacked by a foreign enemy, that in this dilemma our treasury was exhausted, our credit gone, and our enemy on our borders; and that there was no possible method of raising impost or excise: In this case, the only remedy would be to a direct tax: Could therefore, this power being vested in Congress, lessen the many advantages which may be drawn from it.
MR. SINGLETARY , thought no more power could be given to a despot, than to give up the purse-strings of the people.
Col. PORTER , asked if a better rule of yielding power could be shewn than in the Constitution; for what we do not give (said he) we retain,
Gen. THOMPSON . Mr. President, I totally abhor this paragraph, Massachusetts has ever been a leading State; now let her give good advice to her sister States. Suppose nine States adopt this Constitution—who shall touch the other four?—Some cry out force them—I say draw them. We love liberty.—Britain never tried to enslave us until she told us we had too much liberty.—We cannot have too much liberty. The Confederation wants amendments—shall we not amend it? The Convention were sent on to Philadelphia to amend this Confederation—but they made a new creature, and the very setting out of it is unconstitutional. In the Convention, Pennsylvania had more members than all New-England, and two of our delegates only were persuaded to sign the Constitution. Massachusetts once shut up the harbours against the British. There I confess I was taken in. Don't let us be in a hurry again. Let us wait to see what our sister States will do. What shall we suffer, if we adjourn the consideration of it, for five or six months?—It is better to do this, than adopt it so hastily. Take care we don't disunite the States.—By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.
Major KINGSLEY . Mr. President. After so much has been said, on the powers to be given to Congress, I shall say but a few words on the subject. By the articles of Confederation the people
have three checks on their Delegates in Congress—the annual election, of them—their rotation—and the power to recall any, or all of them, when they see fit; in view of our federal rulers, they are the servants of the people: In the new Constitution, we are deprived of annual elections, have no rotation—and cannot recall our members; therefore our federal rulers will be masters and not servants. I will examine what powers we have given to our masters—they have power to lay and collect all taxes, duties, imposts and excises—raise armies—fit out navies—to establish themselves in a federal town, of ten miles square, equal to four middling townships, erect forts, magazines, arsenals, &c. Therefore should the Congress be chosen of designing and interested men, they can perpetuate their existence, secure the resources of war, and the people will have nothing left to defend themselves with. Let us look into ancient history.—The Romans after a war, thought themselves safe in a government of ten men, called the Decemviri—these ten men were invested with all powers, and were chosen for three years—by their arts and designs they secured their second election but finding from the manner in which they had exercised their power, they were not able to secure their third election, they declared themselves masters of Rome—impossibilised the city—and deprived the people of their rights.—They even suffered themselves to be defeated in the field, thereby the better to subjugate the people of Rome. It has been said that there was no danger, I will suppose they were to attempt the experiment—after we have given them all our money, established them in a federal town, the power of coining money, and raising a standing army; and they should attempt to establish their arbitrary government, what resources have the people left? I cannot see any. The parliament of England was first chosen annually—they afterwards lengthened their duration to three years—and from triennial, they became septennial. The government of England, has been represented as a good and happy government—but I believe it is a mistake.—Attempts are yearly made to shorten the duration of their Parliaments, from septennial to triennial; but the influence of the ministry is so great, that it has not yet been accomplished. From this duration, bribery and corruption are introduced. Notwithstanding they receive no pay, they make great interest for a seat in Parliament, one or two years before its dissolution,—and give from five to twenty guineas, for a vote; and the candidates sometimes expend from 10,000 to £30,000. Will a person throw away such a fortune—and waste so much time, without the probability of replacing such a sum with interest? Or can there be security in such men? Bribery may be introduced here as well as in Great-Britain—and Congress may equally oppress the people—because we cannot call them to an account; considering that there is no annual election—no rotation—no power to recall them, provided for. Adjourned.
TUESDAY, January 22, A. M. Section 8th, still under consideration.
Hon. MR. DALTON . It is apparent, sir, that government should have an efficient power delegated to them: If they have no power, it cannot be said to be a government: A Constitution is now established with that defect; with no money and no dependence; such a government will in time ruin us; from experience, we know sir, here lies the evil: Let us see to whom we are to give this power; is it not to men of our own choosing? The delegation of power to
the federal legislature will prevent the numerous evils: They have the power of saving us from destruction: The danger of accepting this Constitution is not equal to the danger of refusing it: Look to the kingdom of France, there you see, a power however high, cannot be exercised, to the prejudice of the people; in the recent instance of the notables and the parliament of Paris rejecting; and withholding a tax proposed by the King; but when they are exercised it must be for the good of the nation; If Congress have authority to levy a direct tax, it is supposed they will exercise it only in a time of war: In peace the impost and excise will answer the purposes of government, but if a war breaks out, they will not answer, recourse must be had to a direct tax. Some have supposed that the Congress by perpetuating themselves, might introduce a kind of aristocracy: the power after a short time, returns to the people, and they delegate it again: They feel their dependence on the people, and therefore will not abuse the confidence placed in them. Have not other parts of America the spirit of freedom to resist the collection of direct taxes, as well as New-England? The more I reflect on this section, the more I am convinced of the necessity of this power being lodged in the federal head.
Judge SUMNER . The power in the present section is very important; at present my opinion is in favour of bestowing this power in the general government, nevertheless I may change my opinion. The prosperity and happiness of this country depends in a great measure on the subject under consideration. It is said that this is a great power, but will not the same objection lie against the delegation of any power? They have a power to levy taxes; they may levy more than is necessary, instead of voting themselves 6/8 per day, they may vote themselves £12. If they abuse their power in this manner, the only convenient way is to keep them from office.—They know if they make an undue use of the confidence reposed in them, they will not be re-elected. Again, it is said that the house of representatives is too small. We know all money bills are to originate in the representative body: Can we suppose that Georgia or any small state, will have as strong a voice to tax us, as Massachusetts? But why shall we alarm ourselves with imaginary difficulties. I suppose if the impost and excise should produce insufficient for the exigencies of government, direct taxes must supply the deficiency, and in case of a war, would not the power of raising those taxes be necessary? What would be our case if Congress had not this power? The Hon. gentleman from Newbury Port yesterday adduced proof that such power was requisite, in the example of the United Provinces. The history of our own times shows us that requisitions have been ineffectual; some states have paid, while others have been delinquent.—I think, Mr. President, we shall never get to be a respectable nation without a federal government. Another objection has been made to this Constitution: It is said that the general power destroys the State Legislature. If we consider that the general government depends on the State Legislature, that the President is to be elected by the Senate, the Senate by the State Legislatures, the Representatives by the people; we find the general government cannot exist without the State Legislatures. I hope sir, we shall see the necessity of a federal government, and not make any objections, unless of greater weight.
MR. GORE . This sect. Mr. President, has been the subject of much jealousy; —Gentlemen have compared the dele-
gation of the power of making taxes, to the government of Great Britain—cases which do not agree: It has also been compared to ten men of Rome, chosen to compile a system of laws. These people usurped the power—to what was this owing? To the feeble idea of those people, who had no idea of representation. Can we compare the government of the United States of America, to Rome? Is a government, whose Representatives are chosen from the mass of the people, to be compared to ten men of Rome, who had power over the lives and laws of the people? No more, sir, than a well regulated government to a mob. It is said the Representatives of Great Britain receive no pay; but consider the difference between the Representatives of this country, and the pretended Representatives of Great Britain! Consider the checks upon our Delegates, and the dissimilarity is obvious. Some gentlemen cannot see the necessity of taxation being lodged in the general Government. Let us inquire into the duties of the general Government. We find they are to pay debts, provide for public safety—raise armies—build navies, and support them. Can any one tell what will be the exigencies of government? Where we demand an end, we ought to give the means of attaining it.
The 8th sect. of art. 1. containing the POWERS OF CONGRESS, still under debate.
Hon. MR. PHILLIPS , (Boston) I rise to bestow a few considerations on this section, as it appears to me absolutely necessary.—If social government did not exist, there would be an end of individual government; therefore our very being depends on social government. On this article is founded the main pillar of the building—take away this pillar and where is your government? Therefore, I conceive, in this view of the case, this power is absolutely necessary. There seems to be a suspicion that this power will be abused, but is not all delegation of power equally dangerous? If we have a castle, shall we delay to put a commander in it, for fear he will turn his artillery against us? My concern is for the majority of the people, if there is no virtue there, what will the Congress do? If they had the meekness of Moses, the patience of Job, and the wisdom of Solomon, and the people were determined to be slaves, Sir, could the Congress prevent them? If they set Heaven at defiance, no arm of flesh can save them. Sir, I shall have nothing to do in this government—But we see the situation we are in, we are verging toward destruction, and every one must be sensible of it. Many people cry out—“take time—see Virginia—they are not in haste”—Sir, there are merchants in Virginia, who wish to defeat this Constitution. It will raise the New England States, so that they are afraid we shall become too powerful for them. We shall freight their tobacco, &c.—I suppose the New England States hath a treasure offered to them, better than the mines of Peru: For they who become the carriers of a nation soon become their rivals in trade.—Great Britain and France come here with their vessels; instead of our carrying our produce to those countries in American vessels, navigated by our own citizens, —When I consider the extensive sea coast there is to this State a one, so well calculated for commerce, viewing matters in this light, I would rather sink all this continent owes me, than this power should be withheld from Congress. Mention is made that Congress ought to be restricted of the power to keep an army except in times of war—I apprehend that great mischief's would en-

sue from such a restriction. Let us take means to prevent war, by granting to Congress the power of raising an army. If a declaration of war is made against us, before Congress could collect the means to withstand this enemy, they would penetrate into the bowels of our country, and every thing dear to us, would be gone in a moment.—The Hon. Gentleman from Topsham has made use of the expression "O my country" from an apprehension that the Constitution should be adopted; I will cry out "O my country" if it is not adopted. I see nothing but destruction and inevitable ruin, if it is not.—The more I peruse and study this article, the more convinced am I of the necessity of such a power being vested in Congress—the more I hear laid against it, the more I am confirmed in my sentiments of its expediency—for it is like the pure metal, the more you rub it, the brighter it shines. It is with concern I hear the Hon. Gentleman from Topsham make use of language against the gentlemen of the law.—Sir, I look on this order of men to be essential to the liberties and rights of the people: and whoever speaks against them is speaking against an ordinance of Heaven.—Mr. President, I hope every gentleman will offer his sentiments candidly on this momentous affair—that he will examine for himself—and consider that he has not only the good of this Commonwealth under his consideration, but the welfare of the United States.
Dr. WILLARD entered largely into the field of ancient history—and deduced therefrom arguments to prove that where power had been trusted to men, whether in great or small bodies, they had always abused it—and that thus republics soon degenerated to aristocracies. He instanced Sparta, Athens, and Rome.—The Amphictyonic league, he said resembled the Confederation of the United States—while thus united, they defeated Xerxes—but were subdued by the gold of Philip—who bought the Council to betray the interest of the country.
Hon. Mr. GORHAM, (in reply to the gentleman from Uxbridge) exposed the absurdity of conclusions and hypotheses drawn from ancient governments—which bore no relation to the confederacy proposed; for those governments had no idea of representations as we have. He however warned us against the evils which had ruined those States—which he thought was the want of an efficient federal government. As much as the Athenians rejoiced in the extirpation of a Lacedemonian, will, if we are disunited, a citizen of Massachusetts, at the death of a Connecticut man, or a Yorker. With respect to the proposed government degenerating into an aristocracy, the Hon. Gentleman observed, that the nature and situation of our country rendered such a circumstance impossible: As from the great preponderance of the agricultural interest in the United States—that interest would always have it in its power the electing of such men, as would, he observed, effectually prevent the introduction of any other than a perfectly democratical form of government.
Hon. Mr. CABOT, went fully into a continuation of the arguments of the Hon. Gentleman last up. In a clear and elegant manner he analyzed the ancient governments, mentioned by Dr. Willard, and by comparing them with the proposed system, fully demonstrated the superiority of the latter, and in a particular manner the S. under debate.
Mr. RANDAL said, the quoting of ancient history was no more to the purpose, than to tell how our forefathers dug clams at Plymouth: He feared a consolidation of the thirteen States.—Our manners, he said, were widely different from the southern State: their elections were not so free and unbiased; therefore, if the States were consolidated, he thought it would introduce manners among us, which would set us at continual variance.
Mr. BOWDOIN, pointed out other instances of dissimilarity between the systems of the ancient republics, and the proposed Constitution, than those mentioned by the Hon. gentleman from Charlestown and Beverly—in the want of the important checks in the former, which were to be found in the latter—to the want of which, in the first, was owing, he said, the usurpation that took place—He instanced the decemviri, who though chosen for a short period, yet unchecked, soon subverted the liberties of the Romans; and concluded, with a decided opinion in favour of the Constitution under debate. (To be continued.)
MAXIMS and OBSERVATIONS.
The Last Judgment.
THE picture of the last judgment is the most sublime that ever was drawn by the hand of man; it is so grand, so magnificent, so awful, it ought to make a part in the plan of the universe. All hearts laid before the universal assembly of mankind, guilty thoughts, crimes unveiled in broad day light, and the wretch who usurped the homage due to virtue crushed under the weight of infamy. The Judge of the Universe leaving to each of his creatures, as a punishment or reward, the picture of his past life, a faithful living picture that the deceiving hand can no longer palliate with artifice or error; truth blazing forth with all its rays, piercing into the most sacred folds of the human heart; the innocent who stood condemned, triumphs in the face of the universe, whilst the guilty, who escaped by the false opinion of mankind, hears his sentence pronounced by the judge who sees all; falsehood has disappeared from the earth; all darkness is dissipated, no more shades; a pure light which expands over the utility of the eternal degrees; an authentic reparation of the transient calamities the good man experienced; a loud publication of what treachery imagined was buried in the silent grave. A crime arising from the deep abyss on the surface of the glass where Divine Justice presides; the lightning of his glance punishes or rewards; the monarch on a level with the meanest of his subjects; the sword of ambition and the sceptre of pride alike shivered; the hand that offered the glass of water through charity, striking out the proud one that formed the most splendid monument of genius—What ideas more grand, more magnificent, more consoling, more proper to encourage virtue, to deter vice, to draw a man nearer to eternity, which he forgets! Where shall we find in Homer, Pindar, Virgil, in any ancient or modern poet, a description any way equal to the majestick grandeur of this.
Truth.
Truth is scarcely to be heard but by those from whom it serves no interest to conceal it.
Truth, like beauty, varies its fashions, and is best recommended by different dresses, to different minds.
There is no crime more infamous than the violation of truth; it is apparent, that men can be sociable beings no longer than they can believe each other. When speech is employed only as the vehicle of falsehood, every man must disunite himself from others, inhabit his own cave, and seek prey only for himself.
Trade
Nothing dejects a trader like the interruption of his profits.
Travelling.
All travel has its advantages; if the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own; and if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.
He that would travel for the entertainment of others, should remember, that the great object of remark is Human Life. Every nation has something in its manufactures, its works of genius, its medicines, its agriculture, its customs, and its policy. He only is a useful traveller, who brings home something by which his country may be benefited, who procures some supply of want, or some mitigation of evil, which may enable his readers to compare their condition with that of others, to improve it wherever it is worse, and wherever it is better to enjoy it.
Universality
What is fit for every thing can fit nothing well.
Understanding.
As the mind must govern the hands, so in every society, the man of intelligence must direct the man of labour.
Great Understandings.
A large work is difficult because it is large, even though all its parts might be performed with facility, where there are many things to be done, each must be allowed its share of time and labour, in the proportion only which it bears to the whole; nor can it be expected, that the stones which form the dome of a temple, should be squared and polished like the diamond of a ring.
Appearances (often deceitful.)
In the condition of men it frequently happens, that grief and anxiety are hid under the golden robes of prosperity, and the gloom of calamity is cheered by secret radiations of hope and comfort;
as in the works of nature, the bog is sometimes covered with flowers, and the mine concealed in the most barren crags.
A N E C D O T E.
TWO brothers contracted to supply the British army, during a former French war, the one with corn, the other, with rum and other liquors, in which employment they raised fortunes. After their death, the following lines were engraved on their tomb stones.
"To make their fortunes two contractors come,
"And one contracts for corn, and one for rum.
"Which was the greatest rogue we can't explain,
"The rogue in spirit or the rogue in grain."
L O N D O N, Oct. 8.
Extract of a letter from Algiers, Sep. 13.
"We are at length, thank God! relieved from the dreadful scourge of the plague—It is now forty days since we have heard of any deaths by it; and the ship by which this goes, sails with a clean bill of health. Certificates to the like purport are given by the Spanish consul to all vessels which depart for the coast of Spain, which is to be hoped will obviate every difficulty about their admission. The following numbers have perished here from the first of January, to the first of August, viz.
2 Spanish priests. 1 French priest. 610 Christian slaves. 1,776 Jews. 14,380 Turks and Moors."
16,769.
Anecdote of the duke of Brunswick. When his grace first entered the states of Holland, so eager were the Prussians to engage the patriots, that it was with the greatest difficulty he could repress their military ardour. Having collected the chief officers of his army, he said, "Gentlemen, we have drawn the sword of justice, not of ambition. It will be therefore our great honour to return it "unfulled to its scabbard."
November 6.
Extract of a letter from Barcelona, Oct. 13.
"For some weeks past we have had violent floods of rain, which made great havoc in this and the neighbouring parts; the towns of Lerida and Tortosa are nearly destroyed, and entire villages swept away. It is reckoned, on a moderate computation, that upwards of 2500 people have lost their lives."
Dec. 4. A letter from Stockholm, dated November 23, says, The King of Sweden having taken into consideration the war between the Russians and Turks, has ordered his subjects, not to interfere, directly or indirectly, in the outfitting of privateers, to disturb the trade of either of the two powers, neither by the sale or hire of their ships; his Majesty declaring, that those who act to the contrary shall be out of his protection.
Dec. 5. We learn from Berlin, that his Serene Highness the Duke of Brunswick arrived in perfect health the 24th of last month at Potsdam, and was most graciously received by his Prussian Majesty, who honoured that distinguished General with the most affectionate tokens of esteem.
The Baron de Lynden, minister from the Republick of Holland at this court, is to be recalled, on a proposition made the 21st inst. to the Assembly of the States, by the deputies of the city of Hoorn.
Extract of a letter from Amsterdam, November 30.
"The Deputies from the Prince have at length published to the world that their errand has been to some purpose."
"This day all the Bourgomasters, Justices and Counsellors, who were thought unfit to be permitted to exercise their respective functions of office (their sentiments being inimical to the cause of the Prince) having been deposed by force, and others from the Orange party appointed to fill the vacated seats. In February next their seats would by law have expired. Had they been permitted to remain until then, it would have conveyed ideas, that though they had it in their power, yet no pecuniary motives could induce the present rulers to such encroachments on the freedom and liberty of citizens, for which very act the Patriots were by them so stigmatized."
"The King of France wants money. The new edict which he has obliged the Parliament to swallow, cuts a ridiculous figure. The Dutch will not be so fond of lending him now as they were wont to do. The one hundred and twenty millions which are to be raised for the services of the ensuing year, he may be assured will not be aided by the Hollanders ducats, as was formerly been the case. The assistance usually afforded him by these Provinces on similar occasions,
has been of no small importance; at this time he will materially want it, and want I believe he may."
Extract of a letter from Paris, Nov. 24.
"The Duc d'Orleans' speech in Parliament, on the first day of the sitting of that body, was rather too much in the English style of debates, to pass unnoticed; his highness, therefore, received intimation, that his presence in the capital would be dispensed with and that it was expected he would leave Paris before nine o'clock on Tuesday evening. He lay accordingly that night at Rency, where he received a fresh order the next day to remove to Villers Cotteretes. The cause of this disgrace has rendered the Duke extremely popular, which from his avowed partiality for the people and manners of England, he was not formerly.
"The funds are lower than ever." It should seem that the present is the period destined for this country to recover the respect and dignity, which she lost in her contest with the Americans and their allies. The first William Pitt, conducted affairs when Britain crushed France, by the weight of power. His son has had the chief lead at a time, in which France has not only been deterred from taking the field, but equalled, nay excelled and baffled in council.
When the united forces of the Emperor of Germany and Empress of Russia, are contrasted with those of the Sultan, every one must see that if the two former fall upon the latter, the Turks, unless supported by some great powers, must necessarily be driven out of Europe.—The Austrian army consists of nearly 300,000 men, the most regular and best disciplined in the world. That of Russia, forms 350,000; but as great numbers of these are Calmucks, and other irregular troops, the Russian army ought not to be estimated at more than 200,000 regulars. The Ottoman forces of all denominations amount to 447,454 men, of whom 207,400 are infantry. But in this number are included 170,000 men employed in the navy, and in Constantinople, and some neighbouring cities, where their presence is absolutely necessary to keep the populace within bounds; so that the Turks cannot bring into the field more than 277,454 men: A force infinitely too small to cope with 500,000 of the finest troops in Europe.
Able generals who have seen the Austrian troops, do not hesitate to say, that at the head of the 160,000 men, whom the Emperor is now assembling in Hungary, they would not be afraid to meet the whole force, regular and irregular, that the Ottoman empire can oppose to them.
Extract of a letter from Versailles, Nov. 23.
"Permission having been announced to the Parliament on Monday, that every member should deliver his sentiments without restraint, a debate ensued on the loan, warmly supported in its favor and against it, which lasted until six o'clock in the evening, when his Majesty, observing that the general opinion was for registering the edict: Tired with the debate, and pressed by hunger, he rose and ordered it to be registered. The Duke of Orleans arose immediately and protested against the proceedings of that day. His Majesty, astonished, repeated his orders, and left the Assembly, and arrived about seven o'clock at Versailles, to breakfast.
"Tuesday the Duke of Orleans, was exiled to his seat at Ville Cotteret, and the Abbe Sabatier and another member of the Parliament sent to prison; the first to Mount St. Michael, in Normandy; the second to Hamp, in Piccardie."
Nov. 5. The mails which are to be dispatched to-morrow evening from the general post office to Falmouth, will be conveyed from thence in 2 packets only. One is to proceed first to Halifax with the bag of letters for all the British settlements, which will be conveyed from Halifax (by the inland post to Quebec, New-Brunswick, &c.) and from thence to New-York, and then return directly home—the other, with all the West-India letters, goes to Barbadoes, where all the letters for the leeward islands are to be left, and from thence to Jamaica, returning home by the windward passage to England—the packet is ordered not to stay more than 48 hours at any of the islands, the West-India packet is to sail in future every first and third Wednesday in the month.
The states of Utrecht have published an order, requiring all the armed societies & volunteers of the province to lay down their arms, cockades and colours, within 25 days; those who refuse, to be punished.

On Wednesday next the new intended plan proposed by Mr. Todd, for sending off a mail from the General Post office, Lombard-street, to Falmouth, from whence it is to be forwarded to the West-Indies on the first and third Wednesday in every month, will begin to be put in execution. This is, however, only a trial on a small scale, till a more extensive one for the benefit of the British merchants trading to the West-Indies and America, can be put in practice, which is proposed to commence the ensuing spring.
The expences of the preparations for war have been much over-rated. One month of the madness of the American war is supposed to have cost the nation twice as much. The loan will not exceed a million, and the minister may have it on his own terms.
CHARLESTON, (S. C.) Feb. 7. On Tuesday evening a fire was discovered in the senate room, at the State-House, which in a few hours reduced that building to a pile of ruins. This building was begun in 1753, the first stone thereof was laid by J. Glen, Esq. then Governor on the 22d of June, attended by the Council, the General Assembly, &c. The expence amounted to 59121.78, sterling.
Major Butler lately stated to the house of representatives, that he had just received a letter from a member of the legislature of Georgia, mentioning that they had sent several dispatches to Congress, earnestly requesting assistance against the Indians, but received for answer, that there not being a sufficient number of members to constitute a Congress, no relief could be sent. That Georgia could not raise any men, which had given additional spirits to the Indians, who were preparing for war in greater force than before.
WINCHESTER, (Virginia) Jan. 18. There were cleared out, at the Custom-House in Charleston (S. C.) from November, 1786, to November, 1787—735 American vessels—41,531 tons 148 British - - 16,787 43 Spanish - - 1,073 8 French - - 715 and 12 others, belonging to various ports, in the whole 947 vessels, measuring 62,118 tons.
NEW YORK, February 15. Private accounts from Portsmouth and Plymouth say, that the British fleet was not disarmed on the 1st of December; that there had been recruited 40,000 men for the sea service, who were then actually under pay; that the press had not ceased; and that the late negotiation between the courts of Versailles and London, was thought a success.
Feb. 18. The utmost order and good humour prevailed throughout the entertainment yesterday, for the celebration of the ratification of the Federal Constitution by Massachusetts: And broke up, under the impression, that those who had been opposed to the new Constitution in this State, would be convinced, after the candid and able discussions of it by their eastern neighbours, that their jealousies were ill-founded; and that their own reputation as well as the welfare of the State, would be best promoted by imitating the patriotick conduct of the minority of Massachusetts. One of the toasts was, May the patriotick declarations of the minorities of Connecticut and Massachusetts, serve as an example throughout the union.
By a gentleman lately from London, we are informed, that Lewis Littlepage, Esq. (a native of Virginia, and formerly Secretary to the Hon. Mr. Jay) Chamberlain to his Majesty the King of Poland, is appointed Minister Plenipotentiary from the court of Warsaw to that of Versailles.
BOSTON, March 1. It is with much pleasure we learn, that the opinion of that able statesman, his Excellency JOHN ADAMS, our late Ambassador at the Court of London, on the federal Constitution, is decidedly in its favour: This information is the more pleasing, as we are now confirmed in a sentiment we have long entertained, that not one of those AMERICAN PATRIOTS, with whose names and actions the history of the eighteenth century will be embellished and enriched, are opposed to the Constitution now under the consideration of THE PEOPLE of America.
On Tuesday morning last, departed this life, in the 63d year of his age.
His Honour THOMAS CUSHING, Esquire, LL. D. and A. A. S. Lieutenant-Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
At Windham, (Connecticut) Mr. ARTHUR BIBEINS, aged 107 years, and ten months. He was remarkably healthy and cheerful through life and his mental faculties continued until his death.
SHIP NEWS. Capt. Scott, in the Neptune, arrived in the Downs, 2d January, in 33 days from this port.
The Brig Briton, belonging to Whitehaven, was spoken with on the 8th December last, then three weeks from Philadelphia, bound to Cork, by the ship Neptune, Capt. Scott, from Boston to London.—In a severe gale of wind a day or two before, the Briton had shipped a very heavy sea, that cleared her decks, and carried away her mainmast, about twelve feet above the deck, washed one man overboard, and wounded several others—Capt. Scott offered any assistance in his power, but was told, that they needed none, as the vessel made no water, and they had spare spars to put up, when the weather would permit—which had then become more moderate.
PORTSMOUTH, March 5. On Sunday the 24th ult. the following unhappy circumstance happened at New-Durham, which in the humane mind claims a tear of pity;—Mrs. Thomas, of that town, went with her youngest child to see her unhappy consort in Dover gaol, (convicted for lately killing Captain Peter Drown, of New-Durham) left her remaining five children in care of the house, night coming on they retired to rest, and slept secure, till the rustling of the flames awoke them. The fire took place by means of the chimney, which, as is usual in the country, was built of stone and slabs, the slabs took fire at the top, and communicated itself to the house, which was in flames before the children were all alarmed, the eldest, a son, immediately jumped thro' a window and escaped destruction; another leaped out of bed, and attempted to follow his brother, but was intercepted by the flames and perished with the three others. They were heard to scream for help, but the house being at considerable distance from any other, none could be afforded 'till too late for relief.
The Fire-Wards have ordered that Mr. N. S. Griffith immediately demolish his shop in Daniel Street, which has repeatedly of late alarmed this town by STRANGELY taking fire, or they will cause it to be done at his expence.
We hear from Jaffrey, in this State, that on the night preceding the 12th ult. the dwelling house of the Rev. Mr. Ainsworth, was consumed by fire, together with all his household furniture, &c. A promising youth, of about eight years old, son of Dea. Spafford of that town, student with Mr. Ainsworth, perished in the flames. Mr. Ainsworth, and his wife, providentially escaped by leaping out of a chamber window, by which Mrs. Ainsworth unfortunately received a dangerous wound.
Two persons, father and son, belonging to Old York, were lately returning from fishing, the boat accidentally struck upon a rock near the shore, and upset, by which accident they were both instantly drowned.
By two of the hands which arrived here since our last, we learn, that about 12 hours after Capt. Hopley Yeaton left this port, (Dec. 9) he met with a severe gale of wind, which blew him off the coast, and entirely disabled his sails and rigging. On the 14th he ran ashore upon a reef of rocks off Bermuda; where he, with his crew, remained until ten o'clock next morning. They were then taken off and safely landed at Bermuda. The sloop was lost, but part of her rigging with a considerable part of her cargo was saved. Capt. Yeaton and the remainder of his crew was at Bermuda, when our informants left that place.
The following is a state of the thread manufacture in Scotland last year; only it is to be observed, that as it has been on the rise for some years past, the calculation is rather under than over the real account.
The number of machines employed is at least 500,200 of which are employed in twining ounce threads of different species included under this denomination, and will consume, upon an average 2400 spindles of yarn each, which amounts to 480,000 spindles. Four hundred and eighty thousand spindles at 4/6 when manufactured into thread amounts to 108,000. sterling—There are three hundred machines employed in twining, stitching, or pound threads, white coloured and osnaburgh, which consume
each 2000 spindles, which make 600,000 spindles. Six hundred thousand spindles 3/9 when manufactured, is 112,000. sterling. Total value 220,000. Total spindles 1,080,000.
This manufacture, in performing all the various operations, from the spinning of the flax to the finishing of the thread, employs upwards of 20,000 women, besides four or five thousand men.
Circumstanced as this country is at present, a correspondent queries whether the above account should not operate as a stimulus to the citizens of America, to encourage and support the manufactures that this country necessarily requires, and which may so easily be accomplished, instead of continuing in that indolent and ruinous mode of depending upon a people, who, both at home and abroad, are using every endeavour to distress, and if possible ruin us. The present low prices of provisions, and numerous poor, industrious, unemployed women, in and about the large towns on the continent, would, if encouraged by those whom Providence has blessed with affluence, prevent large sums from being sent out of the country, and enable thousands to support themselves who now are, or soon must be, a charge to the community.
Died since our last, Mrs. Margery Nutter, wife of Capt. Henry Nutter, of this town, aged 44 years.
WEEKLY ALMANACK For PORTSMOUTH.—Lat. 43. 5 N. Mar. 1st O. S. Sea. 1st. ☉ 11 Calendar.    5 6 216 9 9 4 36 B. m. 1777   6 6 206 9 51 5 5 Perhaps   7 6 196 10 35 6 35 rain.   8 6 176 11 19 6 35 Oil cl. 11m.   9 6 166 12 4 7 41 5th in lent.   10 6 146 12 52 8 48 Cloudy.   11 6 136 14 1 9 55 Snow. 
By the UNITED STATES in Congress assembled, Feb. 12, 1788.
RESOLVED, that the Secretary for foreign affairs for the time being, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, upon application made to him for that purpose, to grant in the usual form SEA LETTERS to any vessel or vessels owned entirely and navigated chiefly by citizens of the United States, and bound on long and distant voyages, at his discretion; provided always, that it be made appear to him by oath or affirmation, or by such other evidence as shall by him be deemed satisfactory by the person or persons applying therefor, that the vessel or vessels for which such sea letters shall be required, shall together with all and every part of her cargo, be owned entirely, and commanded by officers, citizens of the United States, and shall be navigated for the most part by the same. That for this purpose the Secretary for foreign affairs be and he is hereby instructed to procure a sufficient number of blank SEA-LETTERS, draughted in the usual form, and signed by the President of Congress for the purposes aforesaid; and that the same when filled up, be sealed with the seal of the United States, and certified by the Secretary of Congress.
CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.
The several Printers of the State are desired to publish the foregoing act of Congress.
JOHN SULLIVAN, President of the State of New Hampshire.
All persons indebted to the Printer hereof for Newspapers, Advertisements, &c. are earnestly requested to call and settle their accounts up, as he is under the necessity of having them closed immediately, he hopes none will neglect this reasonable request.
All persons indebted to, or that have any demands upon the estate of George Medar, late of Rochester, joiner, deceased, are requested to exhibit the same immediately for settlement, to the subscribers, executors to the last will and testament of said deceased.
MARGARET MEDAR. PELATIAH CARTLAND. Rochester, March 4.
Cash will be given For a small quantity of Flax-Seed. Inquire of SUPPLY CLAP. Portsmouth, Feb 25.
State of New Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the non resident proprietors and owners of land in Wentworth, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1786, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before Thursday the 20th day of March next, so much of their land as will pay the same together with incidental charges will be sold at public vendue at one o'clock on said day, at my dwelling house in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
1st D. 2d und. 2d D. und. 2d D. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.    J. Evans 26 26 00 19 00 13 00   ditto 19   ditto 13   Wm. True 00 26 13 19 01 13 08   C. L. March 00 00 13 00 11 00 08   C. L. Greely 00 00 13 00 11 00 08   Moses Page 00 00 13 00 11 00 08   T. Stevens 00 26 13 19 01 13 08   EBEN R. GOVE, Collector. Wentworth, February 5, 1788.
State of New Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the non resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Sanbornston who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the years 1785 and 1786, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber on or before the first Wednesday in April next, so much of their lands as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the dwelling house of John Thorn in said town, at one o'clock in the afternoon, unless prevented by previous payment.
Certific. J. M. v. cert. facti. 1785 1786 1787 1788 N. D. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.    John Fogg 24 2 3 11 2 8 1 2 3 8   Jona. Calley 43 2 3 11 2 8 1 2 3 8   Lawnt No. 1 51 2 2 4 2 2 0 11 2 9   Josiah Rollins 52 2 2 6 2 4 1 0 3 3   N. Longfellow 39 1 2 5 2 0 0 11 2 9   M. Sanborn 62 1 3 2 2 8 1 2 3 8   Messrs Banchard 4 2 0 0 3 0 1 4 4   Abra. Sanborn 36 2 0 0 3 8 1 7 5 1   Sally March 79 2 0 0 1 4 0 7 1 10   Sam'l Hardy 50 1 0 0 1 4 0 7 1 10   John Moffatt 78 2 0 0 1 8 0 9 2 4   Paul Lord 23 2 0 0 1 0 0 5 1 5   Josiah Fogg 57 2 0 0 2 4 1 0 3 3   J. Sanborn 42 1 0 0 0 8 0 3 0 11   Ditto bas 40 2 0 0 0 1 1 9 1 8   JOSEPH CLARK, Constable. Sanbornton, February 18, 1788.
State of New Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the non resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Mason, who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the year 1785, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before the last Wednesday in March next, at one o'clock in the afternoon, so much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the dwelling house of Capt. William Chambers, in said town, unless prevented by previous payment. s. d.    Part of lot No. 7 16th Range  7  1    Lot No. 9 in the South slip  7  1    Part of lot No. 10 South slip  2  0    ANDREW ELIOT, Constable. Mason, February 13
State of New Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the non resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Mason, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1785, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before the last Wednesday in March next, so much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue at one of the clock on said day, at the dwelling house of Capt. William Chambers, in said town, unless prevented by previous payment. s. d. q.    Lot No. 1 in 14th Range  3  9  2    Lot No. 5 in 10th Range  3  0  3    JOHN BUZZELL, Constable. Mason, Jan. 19, 1788.

Parnassian Spring.
MARCH. MARCH was anciently dedicated to Mars. When figured by painters it is drawn in tawny, with a fierce aspect, and a helmet on the head to shew to whom it is dedicated. Some of the learned have thought this a good month to marry in; whilst others have supposed it much better to clear the stomach of its load of bilious matter engendered during the winter.
REVOLVING suns now loose the fet- ter'd stream, Earb to her bosom clasps the fast'ning beam; The genial dews the teeming earth pervade, And future harvests fall beneath the spade: While from their drowsy death the songsters rise, And warble gratulations to the skies.
STREPHON and CELIA.
LET sensual boast their transient bliss, By virtue disapprov'd, Hedy'd. For what can equal this, To love and be belov'd? But yet th' involuntary sigh Stole from his labouring breast, When Celia thus, with soft reply, Its rising force suppress'd: These, Strephon, from thy breast remove, Nor own untimely fear; If, as you say, you Celia love, Is not your Celia here? I to thy with my heart resign, My faithful virgin heart, Then in return be constant, mine, Henceforth we'll never part. The bliss, my Celia's, sure too great. To last without alloy; 'Tis this alarming doubts create, And damps my rising joy. But, charm'd to peace, his bosom now, The boding sigh forbore, When both exchang'd the mutual vow, And thus alternate swore: When I forget my Celia's love, And seek another fair, Yon circling orbs shall cease to move, Or quit their lofty sphere; The swans shall leave sweet Avon's stream The turtle slight her dove, The moon no more court Phœbus beams, When I forget my love. He bore her pail; with kisses sweet Delighted, both return; She joy'd the Strephon chanc'd to meet, He bless'd the happy morn.
ALL persons having any demands on the estate of Capt. Edmund Roberts, late of Portsmouth, mariner, deceased, are desired to exhibit the same, and all those indebted, are requested to make immediate payment to SARAH ROBERTS, Administratrix. Portsmouth, Feb. 6, 1788.
All Persons indebted to the subscriber, are requested to make immediate payment:—He will receive State Notes, Interest Certificates, Final Settlements, and Indents, at the highest passing value:—Orders on the Treasury will be received equal with Silver and Gold. John Sullivan. Durham, February 26, 1788.
Nahum Ward
CALLS on the gentleman southender, that has put a piece in manuscript in the hands of the Printer of the Spy, for insertion, to give his name at large, as said Ward stands ready to vindicate any assertions that are, or may be to his damage; the southender has been guilty of fibing! fibing! fibing!—the black barber has witness'd on his conduct on Judge Langdon's wharf, at a late auction, when every article would have been shewn, if requested, the sale was adjourned, and still stands adjourned. Take care of the Press.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non resident proprietors or owners of land in Canaan, who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the year 1781, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before Thursday the 20th day of March next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, so much of their land as will pay said taxes with incidental charges, will be sold on said day at the dwelling house of Robert Barber, in said town, at public vendue, unless prevented by previous payment.
   Certificate. New Emission. Certificate.   1st 100 2d 3d 1st 2d 3d 1st 2d 3d     Thomas Gustin, 1st right 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Ebenezer Harris 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0   Amos Wallworth 0 0 2 8 0 0 0 0 0 0   Joseph Eames 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0   Allen Whiman, half 1 9 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0   Thomas Wells 0 0 2 8 1 6 0 2 1 2   Thomas Gustin, 2d right 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Jedediah Lathrop 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   Abner Chamberlain 3 5 0 0 0 0 2 7 0 0   William Fox, jr. 3 5 0 0 1 6 2 7 1 2   Stephen Killogg 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   John Trible 0 0 2 8 0 0 5 0 2 0   Samuel Dodge 3 5 0 0 0 0 2 7 0 0   Samuel Meacham 3 5 0 0 1 6 2 7 1 2   Isaiah Rathburne 0 0 2 8 0 0 0 0 0 0   William Chamberlain 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0   Wm. Chamberlain, jr. 3 5 0 0 0 0 2 7 0 0   Jonathan Beebe 0 0 2 8 1 6 0 0 1 2   Thomas W. Waldron 3 5 2 8 1 6 2 7 2 1   Capt. W. Wentworth 3 5 2 8 1 6 2 7 2 1   John Newman, Esq. 0 0 2 8 0 0 0 0 0 0   Gov. B. Wentworth, 2r 6 10 5 4 1 6 5 2 4 1   E. Eames, mill lot 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0   Thomas Miner 0 0 2 8 0 0 0 0 0 0  
JOSEPH FLINT, Constable.
Canaan, February 13 1788.
TO BE SOLD By Joshua Wentworth , AT HIS STORE, NEAR HIS DWELLING-HOUSE, RUSSIA-Dock, new Cordage of all sizes from two yarn spun yarn to four inch Rope Hawser from three and an half to five inch, Bar Iron, Ship B read, Connecticut Pork, common and super fine Flour.—Cash Scale or Cod Fish received in payment for either of the Articles. Portsmouth February 13, 1788.
State of New Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non resident owners of land in the following towns, viz. Chesterfield for 1777, 1781 and 1783, Rumney for 1783, 1784 and 1785, Exeter for 1783, 1784, 1785 and 1786, New Castle for 1783 and 1784, Moultonborough for 1784 and 1785, Unity for 1781, 1782, 1783 & 1785, Amherst for 1782 and 1785, Campton for 1784, 1786 and 1787, Lyme for 1785, 1786 and 1787, Wendell for 1785, Hancock for 1784, Cornish and Marborough for 1786, Northwood, Epping, Society and Lyman for 1786 and 1787, Portsmouth, Weisborough, Ossipee, Sandwich, Gilmantown, Dearing, Andover, Alton, Campbell, Gore, Cardigan, New-Bradford, Wentworth, Stoddard, New-Ipswich, Lempster, Packerfield, Acworth, Washington, Fishersfield, New-Boston, Tamworth, Francestown, Dublin and Rindge for 1787, that their lands in said towns are taxed for the years aforesaid, and if they are not paid within eight weeks from the first publication of this advertisement, to the collectors, or the subscriber, they will be advertised for sale. THO' ODIORNE , Receiver of non residents taxes. Exeter, Jan. 21, 1788.
ALL persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of JAMES COLMAN, late of Newington, deceased, are requested to exhibit their accounts for settlement to MARTHA COLMAN, administratrix. Newington, Jan. 22. BLANKS of all sorts for sale at this Office, at the lowest Boston prices.
All persons indebted to the subscriber, by Mortgages, Bonds, Notes, Bank Debts, or otherwise, are requested to discharge the same, or endeavour to promote a discount with ANY person who may have any just demands on him of any name, nature or kind, as he earnestly wishes and determines to settle and close every account in the course of the present year, if possible, with every person. He has many valuable lots of land of 75, 85, 100, 150, 200 and 300 acres in each, in well settled towns in the centre of this State, which he will dispose of on a generous credit, and easy terms of payment, for which he will receive any of the produce of the country, Continental or any State's certificates or securities at their current discount.—He will also exchange fifteen lots under improvement in well settled towns, for others nearer to his inspection, upon equitable proposals.—He will give 100 acres to five men each, who will first apply, and 50 acres each to the next ten good men who will engage as settlers in a township adjoining north of Rumney and west of Thornton, none need apply but such as can be recommended for their industry and temperance. John Wendell. Portsmouth February 19.
State of New Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non resident proprietors and owners of land in Acworth, who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the year 1784, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before Thursday, the 27th day of March next, to much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges will be sold at public vendue at the dwelling house of Henry Silsbie, Esq. in said town, to o'clock. A.M. unless prevented by previous payment. N. R. Q. y. s. d. q Samuel Fitch 17 1 100 1 7 3 Ditto 18 1 100 1 7 3 Ditto 17 2 100 1 7 3 Ditto 18 2 100 1 7 3 JOHN DUNCAN Constable. Acworth, February 13, 1788.
State of New-Hampshire.
To MOSES DOW, Esquire, a justice of the peace and of the Quorum throughout said State.
WE the subscribers owners of more than a sixteenth part of the township of Concord, in the county of Grafton, and State aforesaid, request you, pursuant to the laws of said State, to call a meeting of the proprietors of said township, to be held at the dwelling house of Major Samuel Young, in said Concord, on Thursday the fifteenth day of May next, at one of the clock in the afternoon, to vote and act on the following particulars, viz.
 1st, To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.  2d, To ratify and confirm any or all the former votes and proceedings of said proprietors at any of their meetings held since the first of November, Anno Domini 1786,—or reconsider any that have been or may be passed by them before said fifteenth day of May.  3d, To raise such sum or sums of money as may be judged expedient, for prosecuting or defending any actions, for or against said proprietors; for laying out, making or repairing highways and bridges;—for making surveys and allotting out lands in said township—or for any other purposes that may then and there be thought conducive toward the settlement of said town, or to the interest of said proprietors.  4th, To choose assessors to assess, and a collector to collect such sum or sums of money as may be voted.  5th, To agree upon and establish an efficient method for calling proprietary meetings in future.  6th, To see if said proprietors will agree and vote to have all their meetings in future held in said town.  7th, To choose a proprietors clerk, agents, committees and other proprietary officers as occasion may require.  8th, To transact and vote any other matters and things that may be thought necessary to be voted and transacted at said meeting. 
BENJAMIN WHITCOMB, SAMUEL YOUNG, JOHN YOUNG, JOIAH LITTLE, JOHN G. BAYLEY, ISAAC MOORE. February 5th, 1788.
State of New Hampshire. February 6th, 1788.
AGREEABLY to the above request, the said proprietors are hereby notified to meet at the time and place aforesaid, for the purposes above mentioned. MOSES DOW, Justice Peace.
PUBLICK notice is hereby given, that the EXCISE on spirituous liquors and other Excised articles, from the first of October, 1787, to the first of October, 1788, agreeable to an act of this State, passed in September last, will be sold for the county of Strafford on Thursday the 6th day of March next, at public vendue, at the house of Mr. Jona. Gage, innholder in Dover, at two o'clock in the afternoon.—Conditions of sale may be known at time and place aforesaid. EBEN'R THOMPSON, JOSHUA WINGATE, } Committee. JOHN ROLLINS. Dover, February 12, 1788.
ALL persons having any demands upon the estate of SAMUEL HALE, late of London (formerly of Portsmouth) Esq. deceased, are desired to exhibit the same, and those indebted to make payment to JOHN PARKER, administrator. Portsmouth Jan. 30.
SUBSCRIPTIONS for this Paper, at Two Shillings and Three Pence per quarter, exclusive of postage, are taken in by the Publisher, at his Printing-Office in Market-Street, Portsmouth; where Advertisements are received, the favours of Correspondents carefully attended to, and Printing performed reasonably.