The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1788-08-28 00:00:00

NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND GENERAL THURSDAY, PORTSMOUTH: By JOHN MELCHER,
GAZETTE, THE ADVERTISER.
AUGUST 28, 1788.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN MARKET-STREET.
"WHEN ANGRY NATIONS PART IN LEAGUES OF PEACE, LET PRIVATE FEUDS AND CIVIL DISCORDS CEASE."
For the New-Hampshire Gazette.
On FEMALE INDUSTRY.
Mean time at home, The good wife singing plies the loom.
Mr. Spectator,
I HAVE a couple of neices under my direction, who so often run gadding abroad, that I do not know when to have them. Their dress, their tea, and their visits take up all their time, and they can go to bed as tir'd with doing nothing, as I am after quilting a whole under-petticoat. The only time they are not idle, is while they read your Spectators: which being dedicated to the interests of virtue, I desire you to recommend the long neglected art of needle work. Those hours which in this age are thrown away in dress, play, visits and the like, were employed, in my time, in writing, out receipts, or working beds, chairs, and hangings for the family. For my part I have plied my needle these fifty years, and by my good will would never have it out of my hand. It grieves my heart to see a couple of proud idle flirts sipping their tea, for a whole afternoon, in a room hung round with the industry of their great-grandmother. Pray, sir, take the laudable mystery of embroidery into your serious consideration, and as you have a great deal of the virtue of the last age in you, continue your endeavours to reform the present.
I am yours,—DELIA.
In obedience to the commands of my venerable correspondent, I have duly weighed this important subject, and promise myself from the arguments here laid down, that all the fine ladies of England will be ready, soon to appear covered with the work of their own hands.
What a delightful entertainment must it be to the fair sex, whom their native modesty, and the tenderness of men towards them, exempts from public business, to pass their hours in imitating fruits and flowers, and transplanting all the beauties of nature into their own dress, or raising a new creation in their closets and apartments. How pleasing is the amusement of walking among the shades and groves planted by themselves, in surveying heroes slain by their needle. This is, methinks, the most proper way wherein a lady can shew a fine genius, and I cannot forbear wishing, that several writers of that sex had chosen to apply themselves rather to tapestry than poetry. Your pastoral poetesses may vent their fancy in moral landstucks, and despairing shepherds under silken willows, or drown them in a stream of mo-
hair. The heroic writers may work up battels as successfully; and inflame them with gold, or stain them with crimson. Even those who have only a turn for song or an epigram, may put many valuable stitches into a purse, and croud, a thousand graces into a pair of garters.
If I may without breach of good manners, imagine that any pretty creature is void of genius, and would perform her part herein but very awkwardly, I must nevertheless insist upon her working, if it be only to keep her out of harm's way.
Another argument for busying good women in works of fancy, is because it takes them off from scandal, the usual attendant of tea tables, and all other unactive scenes of life. While they are forming their birds and beasts, their neighbours will be allowed to be fathers of their own children, and whig and tory will be but seldom mentioned, where the great dispute is, whether blue or red is the more proper color. How much greater glory would Sophronia do the general, if she would choose rather to work the battle of Blenheim, in tapestry, than signalize herself with so much vehemence against those who are Frenchmen in their hearts.
A third reason that I shall mention, is the profit that is brought to the family where these pretty arts are encouraged. It is manifest, that this way of life, not only keeps fair ladies from running into expences, but it is at the same time an actual improvement. How memorable would that matron be, who shall have it subscribed on her monument, that she wrought out the whole bible in tapestry, and died in a good old age, after having covered three hundred yards of wall in the mansion house. The premises being considered, I humbly submit the following proposal to all mothers: viz:
1st. That no virgin whatsoever be allowed to receive the addresses of her first lover, but in a suit of her own embroidering.
2d. That before every fresh humble servant, she shall be obliged to appear in a new stomacher at the least.
3d. That no one be actually married until she hath the child-bed pillows, &c. ready stitched, as likewise the mantle for the boy quite finished.
These laws, if I mistake not, would effectually restore the decayed art of needle work, and make the virgins of our country exceedingly nimble-fingered in their business.
From the LONDON MAGAZINE. The singular adventures of Monsieur De Jardin.
THE Count de Montalto sent Monsieur De Jardin, one of his gentlemen, to Naples, with five hundred pistoles to buy horses; and being arrived there, as he was standing the next evening in the gate of the inn, throwing his purse of gold from one hand to the other, he was observed by a young courtesan, who wanted neither wit nor beauty. The next morning she sent one of her spies, privately, to inquire who the object of her attention was, his business, and what other circumstances related to him, or could be of advantage to her design. Being informed of particulars whereat to found her plot, she dispatched one of her emissaries, a cunning gipsy, to acquaint him that a lady of quality, and a relation of his, intreated the favour of a visit. The crafty deccy hovered at a distance till De Jardin came out, who, as was his custom, standing at the gate, she with a modesty as counterfeit as her innocence, asked if Monsieur De Jardin was within; "Yes, sweet girl," says he, "I am the person." "Signior," says she, my lady commands me to let you know, she has the honor to be related to you; and if it is not too great a condescension, she begs you would spare half an hour from your more important affairs, and bestow it upon her." De Jardin was not much surprized at so obliging an invitation for though he knew of none of his relations, who either bore the title of a lady, or even lived in Naples, yet presuming on the comeliness of his person and good mien, he imagined it was some person of quality who was enamoured of him, and with this pretence courted an opportunity to discover her passion. "Madam," says he, "I could wish myself worthy so great a blessing as I now receive, and since a ready submission to your lady's commands is the best proof I can give of my zeal and affection to her service, I will this minute pay my respects to her." De Jardin, without going to his lodging, went directly with his guide, who led him through several cross streets and bye ways, till they came to the house, which in the front appeared fair and reputable. At the door a person attended, who conducted De Jardin into a room richly furnished, both for pleasure and state. As soon as the lady was informed De Jardin was below, she descended with a portly and majestic grace, which, lest it should strike too great an awe upon her kinsman, she sweetened with an affec-
tionate familiarity and respect. The wily courtesan spread her net so well, that his dull eye could not discover the least deception. She displayed his pedigree with so much artifice, that his obscure family was now derived from one of the noblest houses in Italy, of which she had the honor to be no inconsiderable branch; all which his pride and folly easily credited. Variety of discourse, with mutual congratulations for so happy an interview, had now spent a good part of the evening, when the lady was whispered to that supper was ready. She ordered it to be brought in; and though it was splendid and elegant, she courteously pretended to excuse it, as not good enough for so worthy a guest. Supper being over, De Jardin recollecting it grew late, and that he was a stranger to the streets, was ready with a long harrangue of thanks to take leave of so honorable a kinswoman; a profusion of compliments were mutually exchanged; when, taking him by the hand, "Nay, cousin," says she, "though I am sensible your reception has not been equal to your merit, yet I flatter myself my house can afford you better accommodations than your inn, and if you rob me of your company to-night, you have not that esteem for me I am so ambitious of." De Jardin, whose better genius was absent, accepted the invitation: it soon grew bedtime, and De Jardin was attended to his apartment by the lady and two of her servants, who, after a solemn good night, withdrew. As he was stepping into bed, the wine he had drank began to rumble in his stomach, for it had been physically prepared for that purpose; he therefore asked one of the servants for a necessary convenience, and was directed into a little closet adjoining. His business requiring haste, he boldly stepped in: a loose board, which lay so purposely, fell in, and down he fell to the bottom of the privy. As soon as he had recovered from the fright, (for hurt he received none, except from what was transacting above) he cried out for help; but no body answered, though he heard his kinswoman's voice very merry above: they were too busy in ransacking his pockets, where they found the prize they wanted. In this distress, he discovered a wall which communicated with the street; this he endeavoured to scale, but with repeated slips mired himself over head and ears. At last, however, he succeeded, and found himself in the middle of the street. By the light of the moon he guessed at the house and rung

to loud a peal at the door, that a grim fellow opened a window, and asked what drunken knave gave that unmannerly alarm. "I am," says he, "the lady's cousin,"—— "Sirrah," says he, "you are a lyar; I know no such a person. Be gone in time, or you will too late repent this saucy affront." The approach of the watch at this instant forced De Jardin to break off the dialogue, and secure himself. As he was looking for a place of shelter he spied an open bulk, where in the day time a cobler and a herbwoman kept their shop. Into this he crept as far as he could, to conceal himself till the watch was gone by.—Three fellows, who that night designed to rob the tomb of a cardinal, who had lately been buried in the great church, having hid their tools in the bulk, now came for them. De Jardin hearing men talk, lay close; but one of them groping for the implements, and often complaining of a horrible smell, at last caught De Jardin by the leg. The surprize was equal on both sides: however the fellow had the courage to pull him out, and see what sort of a creature lay concealed there. De Jardin's shirt was so offensive, that they forced him to strip; for considering he might be of use to them in their present design, and had possibly overheard some of their discourse, they compelled him to go along with them. Notwithstanding he was now as naked as he was born, yet the filth was thick crusted on his flesh, and the smell so noisome they could not endure it. For this one of them thought of a proper remedy; hard by there was a deep well with a long chain and a bucket at the end of it: hither they brought De Jardin, and put him into the bucket and let him down into the well, and told him as soon as he had washed himself clean, he must shake the chain and they would draw him up. While they stayed for De Jardin, the watch came to refresh themselves with water, the night being sultry, and that the only beverage that could be had at that hour. His companions were now forced to run and hide, and the watch laid down their cloaks and halberts and drew up the bucket. De Jardin with a sudden spring leaped ashore, which struck such a panic upon them, that they fled, leaving the pillage of the field, their cloaks and halberts, to De Jardin and his companions. Having now joined company again, they went directly to the Cardinal's tomb, and raised up the heavy marble; but a dispute arose who should go in. De Jardin would not. "No!" says one of them, "won't you go? but you shall; what did we bring you here for else?" They then forced De Jardin to descend and he reached them out the mitre and crozier, and pulled off the Cardinal's gold fringe gloves, which were richly embroidered. He had heard them mention a diamond ring of great value, and this he slipped off and put upon his own finger to secure something in case of the worst. They still bid him look for the ring; but he told them he could find none, and that they must come in if they either suspected his honour or honesty, and look for
it themselves. "I am sure," said one, "he had a very rich ring; feel upon the other hand." As they were thus arguing, they heard a sudden noise in the church, which they suspected might be some of the officers. This frightened them so, that away they ran, and let the stone fall down, leaving poor De Jardin entombed with the dead Cardinal. This was a misfortune a thousand times worse than any that had befallen him. It was impossible for him to raise up the stone, and if he made a noise to discover himself, he would certainly be executed for sacrilege and robbing the dead. And to lie there and starve, or be poisoned with the stench of the corrupting body, was still more dreadful. It happened that the noise, which frightened his companions, proceeded from some persons who were breaking into the church upon the same design. When they came to the tomb, they raised up the marble, strongly proped it under, and began like the others to dispute who should descend. "What?" says one of them, a bold fellow, "are you afraid the dead Cardinal should bite you; let me come." As he was letting himself down, De Jardin caught fast hold of his legs: the fellow frightened out of his wits, cried out, Help! help! the Cardinal has seized me by the legs; and struggling, got out and following his companions, who, every step they took, expected the Cardinal would overtake them. This gave De Jardin an opportunity of escaping: he immediately quitted the church the same way he entered it, and cloathed with one of the watchmen's cloaks, walked about till morning. When it was light, he inquired out his inn, where he borrowed some cloaths, and gave a terrible detail of his misfortune, but not a word of the ring. That evening he left Naples, and set forward for France without purchasing a single horse; and though he had lost his money and cloaths, yet he was in possession of a ring, the value of which at least balanced the account.
DUBLIN, (Ireland) May 17.
Commercial Bankruptcy.
We are sorry to announce, that the effects of the late failures in England have reached this kingdom, and are woefully felt by a variety of persons in trade, notwithstanding the hopes that were at first entertained to the contrary.
The property lost by this circumstance in the metropolis, is not easily calculated—nor would it be proper to make publick the names of the sufferers. But from the number injured, it is fair to suppose, that in the aggregate the different losses amount to a sum very considerable.
The mischief has extended to the inferior parts of the kingdom, and a trader of much eminence in a country town, is mentioned to be more peculiarly injured. Almost his whole property—the gleanings of prosperous industry for a number of years, was in the hands of the firm—all this may be said to be lost—but that is not all; for he is under acceptance of theirs for many thousand pounds.
A gentleman just arrived from London, by way of Bath, acquaints
us that he was robbed between Bridgeworth and Chester by the following stratagem: Travelling in a post-chaise alone, without any attendant but the driver, a decent looking woman, in appearance, stopped the carriage and most earnestly solicited a seat, being fatigued to death with escaping, as she said, from a cruel husband, who designed to murder her. The compassionate Irishman, not much averse from a female traveller, and willing to serve a lady in distress, consented, and the stranger stept into the chaise, where she amused him with several fictitious stories till they came to a heath; three lusty fellows then bounced from behind a sheep-cote, well armed, and the pretended distressed damsel rising up, put a pistol to her champion's breast, and thus surrounded by four desperate persons, resigned a purse of eighty guineas, a gold watch, and other articles to a considerable amount. It appeared by circumstances that these villains were ignorant of the engagement made by their companion, as they seemed surprised at seeing her, and knew nothing of her picking up the game. It is probable, however, that so daring and abandoned a female would have taken the same advantage, though her confederates had not been so near.
LONDON, May 30.
Last Friday evening a man in Whitecross street, who had lost money by lottery insurance, drank, "to drown sorrow," 14 glasses of brandy; the consequence was, he fell into convulsions, and his life was despaired of. A woman, at the same time elated with success by insurance, drank gin out of a tea pot, till she fell into the fire, & must inevitably have been burnt, had not instantaneous assistance prevented it. A chimney sweeper's boy suffered a tooth to be extracted from his mouth to ensure a ticket; he got two guineas; but as he was coming out of the lottery office, a fellow snatched the money from him, a porter stooped the thief, and recovered the cash, but at the corner of a street, he slipped away from the boy, and the poor lad hanged himself the next day. A gentleman's servant in Charlotte-street broke the knees of his master's horse in pigeonning an office; the horse cost 30 guineas at Tattersall's; the servant eloped. The perniciousness of gaming was held in such detestation by that arch impostor Mahomet, that he prohibited it expressly in the Koran, as a step to every species of vice!
Amidst all the preparations for war, the Vienna Gazettes announce from authority, that negotiations for peace are on the carpet. It would be a wonder if the great Joseph continued in one mind above six months.
Yesterday no fewer than forty nine commissions of bankruptcy passed the great seal, and such is the present situation of many persons in trade, that as many more are expected to take place hourly.
A club on a principle of general and very humane information, has been formed at St. Alban's Tavern, to enquire into the manners, form of government, and local knowledge in the interior parts of Africa. The members, the Bishop of Landaff, Lord Galloway, Mr.
Beaufoy, and other public spirited men. The obvious intention, to send out proper persons, to report to them the different informations which they may collect on the different subjects.
KINGSTON (Jamaica) June 14: The following is an abstract of a letter, dated Orleans Mississippi, 18th March, to a mercantile house in this town.
"The principal of the Indian forces at war with the State of Georgia, were laid to stand formerly in November last as follows.
"M c Gillevry, a native Indian, but of a Scotch extraction, supreme chief.—Thompson, an Englishman, second in council and war.—M c Leod, Scotch, third.—Rowley, Irish, fourth.—Moncrieff, Scotch, fifth.—The second and third looked up for supremacy of different tribes, which occasioned much jealousy and discord: Being then doubtful of success, is supposed to be the means of deferring the cause they had undertaken.—This plainly shews the Indians are not governed by their own conduct, but by that of needy adventurers, who are endowed with assurance sufficient to aspire, and grasp at the empty title of kings, princes and chiefs."
Letters received in town lately from the Cape, mention that some regiments and recruits had arrived there from Old France, in several armed transports.
By a gentleman from St. Domingo, we learn, that about three weeks ago, as a small Spanish sloop was laying under Cape Altavella, near the Friar's Rocks, on the coast of Hispaniola, an English built brigantine, crowded with men, mounting ten carriage guns and a number of swivels, beat up under her stern after sun set; but, getting into shoal water, she suddenly hove too, and sent a boat with armed men on board the sloop; the Captain of which observing that his intended visitors were in a state of hostile preparations, instantly slipped his cable, made sail, and ran into shoal water; upon which several shots were fired at him from the brig: but night coming on, the Spanish Captain made his escape, his vessel being a fast sailer, and himself well acquainted with the navigation of the coast. Before the sloop was out of sight, the boats belonging to the brig boarded a small Spanish schooner, and carried her off. Our informant adds, that the brig carried a blue flag at her ensign staff, bespangled with stars, and to all appearance was an American pirate.
WATER TOWN July 30, 1788. A rare example of industry and economy in this luxurious age.
"A young lady now 16 years of age, daughter of Mr. Jeremiah Peck, an industrious taylor in this neighbourhood, has for three or four years past, been picking up shreds of wollen cloth, of every colour, and at her leisure minutes piecing them together, till she made herself a bed-quilt of a good size, which was yesterday quilted by a number of her neighbouring young females, and in which there is four-teen hundred pieces of cloth."
We learn from Southold, Long Island, that on the 13th ult. 14 cattle were killed by lightning in that town.

L O N D O N, JUNE 21. Dispatches received in town yesterday contain the most positive advices, that an immediate declaration of war will take place on the parts of Sweden against the Empress of Russia.
The immediate object of his Swedish Majesty, is first, to recover the very valuable province of Finland, formerly belonging to the crown of Sweden; and secondly, should he succeed in this endeavour, to enter the province of Livonia, on opposite shore, one of the most productive territories throughout Europe.
The King takes the field in person. There is an army of near 50,000 men in Finland, well provided in every respect, and the troops eager for conquests.
A treaty of defensive alliance has been some time negotiating between Sir James Harris, on the part of Great-Britain, and the Baron Alvensleben on the part of Prussia, which was finally concluded and signed by each party at Loo, on the 31st inst. and a messenger arrived with it on Thursday last, at the Marquis of Carmarthen's office.
PETERSBURGH, (Virg.) August 7. By a gentleman from Hillsborough, N. Carolina, we learn, that on Thursday last the Convention of that state finished the discussion of the new constitution—when the question was put on previous amendments , which was carried by a majority of near one third—Amendments were accordingly agreed upon, which are to be submitted to the consideration of the citizens of the United States.
On Friday and Saturday following the Convention was debating on the subject of fixing the seat of the government of that state, and at length concluded on appointing Commissioners to fix on the most eligible situation in Wake county, any where within 10 miles of the Court-House of that county, for that purpose. After having concluded this business, THEY ADJOURNED.
CARLISLE, (Penn.) August 6. It is currently reported through several channels, that the people of Kentucky, have applied by petition to the King of Spain for his protection in the government of that country, as Congress, they say, will not or cannot afford them such accommodations as to them appears satisfactory; added to this, that by being annexed to the Spanish government, they are in expectation of enjoying the free navigation of the Mississippi, which is the only and most likely means of establishing them a great and happy people.
Aug. 21. On the 12th of July, a committee of Congress, to whom was referred sundry letters and papers from the Governor of the Western Territory, made their report, which was agreed to, and purported a request, that the executives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, would order, that not exceeding 1500 of their frontier militia be ready to co-operate with the federal troops, under the directions of the Governor of the Western Territory, as he may judge proper for defence of the frontiers against the Indians, &c. It was recommended, that all hostile measures be avoided if possible.
N E W Y O R K, Aug. 16.
On Monday last, embarked from
West-point for New-Windsor, a company of Connecticut recruits, whence they are to proceed to the Western country. This company are completely clothed and equipped as soldiers, and are to serve for 3 years. They are chiefly young likely men of reputable families, and mean to settle on the fertile lands of the Ohio, at the expiration of their enlistment.
Extract of a letter from the Post-Master at Philadelphia, dated August 12, 1788.
"I am sorry to tell you that the Post Master at Richmond writes us a note that the Convention of North-Carolina has rejected the Constitution by a large majority—100"
B O S T O N, August 27. Of NORTH-CAROLINA.
We have yet hopes, that the information given the Post-Master, at Richmond, that the Convention of North-Carolina had Rejected the new Constitution, was not authentick—as several accounts from that quarter have been received, none of which confirm it—nor the account that the question for previous amendments, or conditional ratification had been carried: On the contrary, by last night's Mail we received the following from a friend at New-York,
dated Aug 21, 1788.
"The report of the rejection of the Constitution by North-Carolina, is not yet confirmed; and a gentleman who left Wilmington the 1st inst. says, it cannot be true : He saw letters from members of the Convention, at Hillsborough, dated but three days before, which informed, that they had gone through the business of the contested elections, and just entered on the Constitution, which was to be debated by paragraphs"
Gov. JOHNSON was chosen President of the North-Carolina Convention, the first day it met.
FRENCH SQUADRON.
We have the pleasing satisfaction of announcing the late arrival in our harbour, yesterday, of the squadron of the Naval Armies of His Most Christian Majesty, under the command of the Right Hon. the MARQUIS DE SENNEVILLE. The squadron sailed from Cape Francois the 2d inst. and consists of seven sail, viz. the Superbe , of 80 guns, (the Admiral's Ship,) l'Achilles , of 74 guns, commanded by the Chevalier MACARTY DE MARTEQUE, four Frigates from 32 to 36 guns, and one Twenty gun ship.
Their allies, the citizens of Boston, bid the officers and crews of the above fleet, a hearty welcome to the American shores, Experiencing, as they have, the civil, polite gentleman-like deportment of the officers, and the good order of the seamen, of the squadrons which have heretofore visited them, and being still actuated by that friendship which has so long subsisted between the subjects and citizens of the two nations—they cannot but anticipate on this opportunity, such interchanges of good offices, as must while it will strengthen that friendship and good understanding, and thereby give pleasure to both parties; evince to the commander of the squadron, that his partiality for our port was not ill-founded.
Monf. de Senneville had it at his option which of the American ports to harbour in.
SHIP NEWS.
By letters brought in the Packet we learn, that Captains Barnard and Scott, from this port, both arrived at London in 29 days.
The British July Packet, is arrived at Halifax.
In the gale of wind on Tuesday last week, the Sloop of war, belonging to the Marquis de Senneville's squadron was dismasted—and was towed into the Road, on Sunday last.
PORTSMOUTH, Aug. 28.
The station at the head of our Superior-Court, the dignity with which he has presided there, and the many proofs of real learning and abilities, which our worthy citizen; The Hon. Samuel Livermore, Esq. has for many years exhibited, through the late contest with Great-Britain, both in the legislature of the State and great Congress of America, present him to his countrymen as worthy a station in the new government. It will be no disparagement to many valuable characters there, to say that none excelled this deserving man, in the late Convention of this State, in zeal, arguments and influence, to lead to its adoption, which caused such general joy, through the Continent. His line of life has furnished him with every requisite to fit him for the science of legislation, whereby he will afford much benefit to the community and honor to the States, should he be distinguished in the expected election, as one of the Senate of the new government.
Liberality of sentiment is the surest characteristic of a real christian—strike this Godlike virtue from the soul of man, and he appears a compound of ignorance, prejudice and contractedness. When it is believed by many warm christians that three fourths of the world will be d—m—d, is it not matter of astonishment to see a rational being set careless and inattentive to those denunciations of eternal punishment so liberally dispensed by our smooth, merciful divines?
A chearful christian is a most amiable, enviable character, but to see certain persons walk with solemn step to church, utter a few hypocritical sighs, distend their muscles, look, grave—shed ONION TEARS—and turn up their eyes, with pious dissimulation, like a dying calf—to hear such ceremonies called religion, must always excite our contempt and detestation—"Ibis tutissime in medio."
We learn that the first Wednesday in January next is appointed for the Choice of Electors under the new Constitution—the first Wednesday in February for electing a President and Vice-President—and the first Wednesday in March, for the new Legislature to commence Proceedings.
In order that the people of Rhode-Island might not be induced to accede to the union, until those who "grow fat" on the iniquities of that State, are satiated, their leaders have propagated a story that Britain has agreed in case of coercive proceedings against them, by Congress, to succour them with 40 ships of the line, and 15,000 troops from Canada:—And many are so weak as to believe it.
The politicks of some of the great powers of Europe, at this moment are truly inexplicable. Sweden, without remonstrating against the great naval expedition fitting out by Russia, and without having any apparent cause for either making or apprehending an attack, is arming with all possible dispatch, a squadron of eleven sail of the line and several frigates.
Spain is actually in a state of preparation for a naval war. Her professions of friendship and good will to England, enabled her to carry
on her armaments without interruption. The late orders of the Spanish Ministry to the commanders of the different ports in Spain, to receive in a friendly manner such Russian ships of war as may put into them, shew that the arms of Spain are not likely to be diverted against the Empress of Russia. The size and number of ships either actually sent to sea by the Catholic King, or in readiness for it, (we understand there are at least twenty of the line) shew they are intended to act against the xebecs and frigates of the Barbary states. The connection between France and Spain is such, that we cannot for a moment entertain an idea, that the latter is likely to be hostile to the former. For what purpose, then can Spain, whose finances afford no surplus, or exuberance of resources, have put herself to the heavy expense of fitting out, and maintaining, so very considerable a squadron.
England, the leading principle of whose government at present is economy, is also arming and preparing a squadron of large ships for sea. Whilst all the southern powers of Europe are professing peace and good will to each other, why are preparations carrying on, which so strongly indicate the prospect of war? Time alone can tell: To time therefore, we shall leave the task of clearing up the (at present mysterious) conduct of the great potentates of Europe not actually at war.
SHIP NEWS.
Extract of a letter from Elsinore, May 6.
"The 3d inst. the Good Hope, Capt. Foster, of Salem, (in America,) struck on the Anholt reef, where, it is supposed, she will be lost. She has a rich cargo of fruit, wine, and oil in from Lisbon. Several sloops from hence, are dispatched to her assistance."
The French squadron, we are told, brought in the Captain and crew of an American vessel, which was shipwrecked near Cape Francois. They were put on wages, on board the squadron, and assisted in piloting the fleet to our coast.
DIED. Mr. Richard Evans, aged 86 years; Mr. John Cutts, aged 64 years; Mrs. Elizabeth Nickerson, aged 61 years; Mrs. Elizabeth Lewes, aged 32; also—a daughter of Mr. John Pitman, in the 15th year of her age;—all of this town.
NAVAL OFFICE.
Port of Piscataqua, August 28, 1788.
ENTERED
From Schooner Polly, Currier, Trinidad. Schooner Industry, Paul, Baltimore. Brig Olive, Shores, Trinidad. Ship Ann, Graves, Barbadoes. Brig Astera, Salter, Cape-Francois.
CLEARED
for Brig Nancy, Brown, Madeira. Schooner Nancy, Sellars, Philadelphia.
For sale by Auction,
Thursday the 4th of September next, 3 o'clock, P. M.
At DEARBORN'S Auction-Room, TWO OF THREE HUNDRED VOLUMES of very valuable Books, sundry pieces of new and second-hand
FURNITURE,
and many other articles.
Portsmouth, August 27th, 1788.
ALL persons having any demands on, or that are indebted to the estate of Lieut. SAMUEL CATE, late of Portsmouth, deceased, are requested to exhibit the same well vouched to the subscriber, administratrix to said estate, in order for a speedy adjustment.
MARY CATE.
Portsmouth, August 28th, 1788.

Parnassian Spring.
An answer to the important Queries in our last, on the Fall of Man, by the same hand.
ETERNAL wisdom form'd the mighty plan, Of the creation and the fall of man; Without these two concurring causes, nought Of false or true religion had been taught. Attend and hear what says the Great Supreme: What mortal dares to scan th' Almighty's scheme, Who dares to ask why this or that was done, What none can fathom but a God alone? When I the Earth's foundation first did lay, Where then wast thou, O man, declare and say, Have I ye shewn to you the gates of death? Or hast thou seen its doors since thy first breath? Canst thou bring forth great Mazzaroth in season, Or guide Arcturus and his sons by reason? Canst thou Pleiades bind with thy own hands, Or loose Orion's great and mighty bands? Canst thou my heav'nly ordinances know, Or set their dominion in the Earth below? Then cease to ask how came the fall of man, Since none can know, or my redemption plan? They're form'd alone in my omniscient mind In glory to myself, salvation to mankind. I am the Builder of the mighty frame, The great I AM, JEHOVAH is my name: The seeming fall has into being brought That great and glorious plan above all thought, Founded in mercy, favour and mere grace, In kind compassion to my creatures case; All glories, all important to Mankind, Raising him kindred to th' angelic mind. Then cease, ye sons of men, nor with to know From whence alternate grace and judgment flow, Suppose I have permitted man to fall, Is there not one, who has redeemed all? Jesus my son, in whom I am well pleas'd, Who from their fears, my creatures has releas'd, To him alone I have made known the plan In depth of wisdom form'd,—the fall of man; The scene is not yet clos'd nor curtains drawn, Nor will they be, until the morning dawn Of that all-glorious resurrection day, Big with the fate of all the sons of clay. Then will my son of righteousness arise, And spread with healing wings the azure skies; Then will his love present th' intire race Of fallen man, before the throne of grace; Then shall all nations Iopeans sing, And heav'n's high arch, with Hallelujahs ring, Thus spoke to man, the great and mighty Lord, Which we may find recorded in his word. Struck dumb with silence, let us henceforth love All acts of grace and justice to approve, And humbly walk through all the scenes of life With minds serene, content and without strife. Adore our God with reverential praise, And contemplate his mercy all our days. This is religion, this will bear the test, Compar'd with this all vanity's the rest. Z. Z.
In a cause lately tried in the Supreme Court (Pennsylvania) as the Council were pointing out the boundaries of the land in question, on a map, one said, "we lie on this side;"—"and we," replied the other, "lie on this side." "If you lie on both sides," exclaimed a juryman, "whom are we to believe?"
MILITARY ANECDOTE.
IN the year 1777, two soldiers took a fancy to go hear a sermon; the orator Mr. — well known for his doctrine of universal salvation. In the afternoon of the same day, another preacher exhibited; but his doctrine was diametrically the reverse of what they had heard in the morning. Tom, said one of them, do you hear how different these fellows preach? Which of them do you intend to believe? I'll be d—n'd, says Tom, if I believe either of 'em yet a while, till I see it come out in general orders.
A FURTHER time of 6 months being allowed for the settlement of the estate of JOHN WENTWORTH, Esq. late of Dover deceased, the commissioners will attend that service, at his late dwelling house, in said Dover, on the first Tuesday of the next, and of the four following months, from two to six o'clock in the afternoon. MOSES WINGATE } Commiss's. W. ATKINSON Dover, July 17th, 1788.
TO BE SOLD,
All that Tract of Land that was taken off Packerfield and annexed the town of Sullivan, in the county of Cheshire, and State of New-Hampshire, by a late act of the General-Court. For further information enquire of the subscriber, or Joshua Bracker, Esq. of Portsmouth. THO'S PACKER. Greenland, August 11.
(CHESTERFIELD.)
State of New-Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Chesterfield, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1777, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before the 25th day of September next, so much of their land will be sold at public vendue, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, at the dwelling-house of Eleazer Marble, innholder in said town, as will pay said taxes together with incidental charges, unless prevented by previous payment.
   N. R. s. d.     Wilder Willard 9 3 4 1   Benjamin Lynds 10 4 4 8   John Kindall 5 3 3 9   E. Day 6 3 3 10   Thomas Smith 2 4 2 4   Simon Hunt 2 8 5 0   Oliver Butler 5 2 3 6   William Spaulding 8 2 4 8   8 7 3 6    JOHN PEIRCE, Constable. Chesterfield, May 30th, 1788.
THE creditors to the estate of Cornet THOMAS WIGGIN, late of Stratham, deceased, represented insolvent, are hereby notified, that six months from the date hereof are allowed them to exhibit their claims against said estate; and the subscribers are appointed commissioners to receive and examine said claims, will attend for that purpose, at the dwelling-house of the widow Martha Folsom, innholder in Stratham, on the second Monday in September and of the five following months, from three to six o'clock, P.M. JONAT'N WIGGIN, } Commissioners. SAMUEL LANE, jr. ANDR'W WIGGIN, jr. Stratham, August 21st, 1788.
WAKEFIELD.
State of New-Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the town of Wakefield, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1784, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber on or before Tuesday the 23rd day of September next, so much of their land will be sold at public vendue at ten o'clock on said day, at the dwelling-house of Captain David Copp, innholder in said town, as will pay the taxes together with incidental charges, unless prevented by previous payment.
   first division. 2d division.   N. ac. s. d.q.     John Hayes 2 110 2 0 2   Nath'l Meservy 12 50 2 11 1   M. H. Wentworth, Esq. 21 110 1 9 2   Thomas Miller 22 62 1 9 2   William Stiles 23 26 0 8 1   Love Roberts 25 11 0 10 3   Richard Hosey 26 110 2 8 1   Paul Gerrish 27 110 1 9 2   Benjamin Roberts 28 110 1 9 2   N. ac. s. d. q.   E. Downs 30 100 26 2 0 110 1 9 2   Step. Varney 38 70 3 7 0   Step. Evens 42 110 2 8 1   Nath'l Horn 43 71 1 7 2   J. Brown 57 50 1 9 2 57   J. Roberts 58 100 5 7 2   A. Howard 60 50 3 7   G. Downs 63 100 3 7   S. Gerrish 66 50 2 8 1   E. Cromwel 62 100 8 0 3 110 2 8 1   T. Downs 72 110 1 9 2   J. Cady 75 66 1 1   Solley & March 77 1 0 10 5   W. Hussey 79 110 1 9 2   John Ham 82 70 3 1   John Miller 83 18 1 9 2   Benj. Horn 84 50 2   T. Wallingsford, Esq. 85 110 3 11 2   W. Downs 86 100 2 8 1   W. Gerrish 87 100 3 7   R. Downs 92 100 1 9 2   S. Downs 93 40 9   T. Nock 94 100 1 9 2   S. Emerson 95 100 1 9 2   John Horn 48 110 3 1   Samuel Page's Gore 147 11 10 3    WILLIAM MOOR, Collector. Wakefield, August 19, 1788.
(CANAAN.)
State of New-Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors and other owners of land in Canaan, in the county of Grafton, that at a legal meeting held in said Canaan, the 25th day of December, A. D. 1786, a vote was passed to lay a tax of eighteen shillings and nine pence lawful money, on each right of said proprietors for the purpose of making or repairing a state road through said town; also, another vote passed on said day, to pay for settling the lines of said town: This is therefore to notify said proprietors, that unless they pay said taxes to me the subscriber, on or before the 20th day of September next, so much of their land will be advertised for sale in this paper, as will pay said taxes together with incidental charges, unless prevented by previous payment. DANIEL BLASDEL, Collector. Canaan, August 22, 1788.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of JOHN TUFTON MASON, late of Buckden, in the kingdom of Great-Britain, Esquire, deceased, are desired to make speedy payment—and all who may have demands upon, or accounts open with said estate, are requested to settle them with THOMAS MARTIN, Attorney (to the Executrix). Portsmouth, August 7th, 1788.
BLANKS of all sorts printed and sold at J. Melcher's Printing-Office, in Market-Street, very cheap.
THREE months longer from the 19th of June last, are allowed the creditors to the estate of JOHN MOFFATT, Esq. deceased, to exhibit their claims. Portsmouth, July 21st, 1788.
State of New-Hampshire, Strafford, ss. THE honorable the Judge of Probate for the county of Strafford, having allowed six months from the 8th day of July, instant, for the creditors to the estate of JOHN GRIFFIN, late of Durham, in said county, Esq. deceased, represented insolvent, to exhibit their claims: The subscribers being appointed commissioners to receive and examine such claims, hereby notify all persons having demands against said estate, that they will attend upon that business at the dwelling house of Mrs. Hannah Griffin, in Durham, the afternoon of the first Monday in August, and the afternoons of the first Mondays of the four following months. JOHN SULLIVAN. } Commissioners. EBEN'R THOMPSON, } Durham, July 24th, 1788.
PIERMONT.
To JOSIAH MOULTON, Esq. Clerk of the Proprietors of Piermont. WE the subscribers, owners of more than a sixteenth part of said township request you to call a meeting of the Proprietors of said Piermont, to be held at the house of Col. Brewster in Portsmouth, on Monday the 8th day of September next, at two o'clock in the afternoon, to act on the following particulars,—viz.—
 1st. To choose a Moderator.  2d. To see if the Proprietors will receive the report of the Agents who were employed to lay out the common and undivided lands, and establish the same.  3d. To see if the Proprietors will confirm a certain pitch or pitches, that have been made on the common land, or make such exchange of any of the same as they may see fit.  4th. To take some measures concerning the sale of certain lands confirmed to the said township, by the settlement of the line between Piermont and Haverhill.  5th. To adjust all demands that remain unsettled against the Proprietors.  6th. To see if it is necessary to renew any rate bill due from the said Proprietors, and act thereon as to them shall seem meet.  7th. To take some method to oust trespassers upon the common land, and to prevent any person from taking up, and improving any of the undivided land, under the pretence of owning common rights.  8th. To see if they will settle with such as have entered on, and made considerable improvements on some of the common land, who may be entitled to some indulgence for reasons they may give. 
THOMAS LEAVITT } One of the Executors of General Moulton's Will. DAN'I HUMPHREYS, } Executor of the Will of George Atkinson, Esq. dec'd.
SAMUEL SHERBURNE, JONATHAN WARNER, JOHN WENDELL, A. R. CUTTER. Portsmouth, August 5, 1788.
PURSUANT to the above request, I do hereby notify said Proprietors of Piermont to meet at time and place, and for the purposes aforesaid. JOSIAH MOULTON, Prop. Clerk. August 5, 1788.
SUBSCRIPTIONS for this Paper at TWO SHILLINGS and THREE PENCE per quarter (which has a very extensive circulation) 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.—This Paper contains a copy of all the Laws of this State, passed since January 1787.