The New Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1796-01-16 00:00:00

THE New Hampshire Gazette.
HERE TRUTH IS WELCOME—CANDOUR GUIDES THE WAY.
PORTSMOUTH: (NEW-HAMPSHIRE)—PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY MORNING BY JOHN MELCHER, PRINTER TO THE STATE, AT HIS OFFICE CORNER OF MARKET STREET, WHERE SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THIS PAPER, ADVERTISEMENTS, AND ARTICLES OF INTELLIGENCE ARE THANKFULLY RECEIVED.
Vol. XL.—Numb. 2042.]
SATURDAY, January 16, 1796.
[9s. pr. Annum.]
Abstract of Randolph's Vindication.
AS the pamphlet which Mr. Randolph has published is secured by law, to the printer, and cannot be republished but by his consent, and as that pamphlet cannot be purchased by one tenth of the citizens of America, we deem it a duty to give the public a brief and impartial statement of his vindication.
The letter of Mr. Fauchet was put into the hands of the Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Wolcott, July 28, 1795, by Mr. Hammond, the British minister, who received it from Lord Grenville. The President was at that time at Mount Vernon—On his return to Philadelphia, Mr. Wolcott laid before him Mr. Fauchet's letter; this was August 11th. The President, surprised at such an incident, replied, like a man of great discretion, and warm friendship for the Secretary of State, I cannot hastily withdraw my confidence from Mr. Randolph, and said he would take the letter into his consideration.
He continued to treat Mr. Randolph with his usual politeness, and invited him to his table. In the mean time the President was about to ratify the Treaty; as Mr. Hammond, who was to be the bearer of the Treaty, to Great Britain, was waiting only for the President's determination and conclusion of the business.
On the 19th of August when Mr. Randolph was going to visit the President, as usual, at 9 o'clock, he was met by the steward, with a request from the President that he would postpone his visit till half past ten. In the mean time the President had a conversation with Mr. Wolcott and Col. Pickering.
At ten o'clock, he went to the President's, and soon after entering the room, the President presented him Mr. Fauchet's letter, requesting him to read it, and make such explanations as he chose. Mr. Randolph read the letter. He then remarked that he could at that time recollect very little which could throw light on the subject—He however said that he could assure the President of two things, first, that he had never made any improper communications to Mr. Fauchet—the second, that no money had ever been received from Mr. Fauchet by Mr. Randolph, nor any overture made to him for that purpose. He mentioned however, that he had some idea that Mr. Fauchet had told him of British machinations against the French Republic, Gov. Clinton and himself, and thought it possible, that No. 6 might refer to that business. Mr. Randolph by desire of the President retired to another room—when he returned, some conversation took place—He then went home and wrote the following letter.
Philadelphia, August 19, 1795.
SIR,
Immediately upon my leaving your house this morning, I went to the office for the department of state, where I directed the room in which I usually sit to be locked up, the key to remain with the messenger. My object was to let all the papers rest as they stood.
Upon my return home, I reflected calmly and maturely upon the proceedings of this morning. Two facts immediately presented themselves, one of which was that my usual hour of calling upon the President had not only been postponed for the opportunity of consulting others upon a letter of a foreign minister highly interesting to my honour, before the smallest intimation to me; but they seemed also to be perfectly acquainted with its contents, and were requested to ask questions for their satisfaction; The other was, that I was desired to retire into another room until you should converse with them, upon what I had said.
Your confidence in me, has been unlimited; and I can truly affirm, unabused. My sensations then cannot be concealed, when I find that
confidence so immediately withdrawn without a word or distant hint being previously dropped to me! This, Sir, as I mentioned in your room, is a situation, in which I cannot hold my present office, and therefore I hereby resign it.
It will not, however, be concluded from hence, that I mean to relinquish the inquiry. No, Sir, far from it. I will also meet any inquiry, and to prepare for it, if I learn this morning, that there is a chance of overtaxing Mr. Fauchet before he fails, I will go to him immediately.
I have to beg the favour of you to permit me to be furnished with a copy of the letter; and I will prepare an answer to it; which I perceive that I cannot do, as I wish merely upon the few hasty memoranda which I took with my pencil.
I am satisfied, Sir, that you will acknowledge one piece of justice due on this occasion, which is, that until an enquiry can be made, the affair shall continue in secrecy under your injunction, after pledging myself for a more specific investigation of all these suggestions. For I here most solemnly deny, that any overture ever came from me, which was to produce money to me, or any others for me; and that in any manner directly or indirectly, was a shilling ever received by me; nor was it ever contemplated by me, that one shilling should be applied by Mr. Fauchet to any purpose, relative to the insurrection.
I presume, Sir, that the paper, No. 6, to which he refers, is not in your possession. Otherwise you would have shown it to me. If I am mistaken, I cannot doubt, that you will suffer me to have a copy of it.
I shall pass my accounts at the Auditor's and Comptroller's office, and transmit to you a copy.
I have the honour to be, Sir, with due respect, Your most obedient servant, EDM. RANDOLPH. The President of the U. S.
To the preceding letter he received this answer.
To Edmund Randolph, Esq. SIR,
Your resignation of the Office of State is received.
Candour induces me to give you, in a few words, the following narrative of facts—The letter from Mr. Fauchet, with the contents of which you were made acquainted yesterday, was, as you supposed, an intercepted one,—It was sent by Lord Grenville to Mr. Hammond:—by him put into the hands of the Secretary of the Treasury; by him shown to the Secretary of War, and the Attorney General; and a translation thereof was made by the former, for me.
At the time Mr. Hammond delivered the letter, he requested of Mr. Wolcott an attested copy, which was accordingly made by Mr. Thornton, his late Secretary; and which is understood to remain at present with Mr. Bond.—Whether it is known to others, I am unable to decide. Whilst you are in pursuit of means to remove the strong suspicions arising from this letter, no disclosure of its contents will be made by me; and I will enjoin the same on the public officers who are acquainted with the purport of it; unless something shall appear to render an explanation necessary on the part of Government;—of which I will be the Judge.
A copy of Mr. Fauchet's letter shall be sent you.—No. 6, referred to therein I have never seen.
Go. WASHINGTON. Philadelphia, 20th August, 1795.
Mr. Randolph on the 20th of August set out for Newport, to procure from Mr. Fauchet, who had gone there to embark for France, such papers as would vindicate him from the charges or suspicions raised by the letter of that Minister. He states that he was detained on the road by a "disappointment in some necessary papers and other unavoidable causes," so that he did not arrive until the 31st August. He immediately
waited on Mr. Fauchet—told him his letter of Oct. 31st, 1795, was intercepted and in the President's hands—and requested an explanation of some points, and a certificate; all which he wished might be consistent with justice and truth. Mr. Fauchet appointed 8 o'clock the next morning to deliver the certificate. Mr. Randolph went to his lodgings, but was informed the certificate could not be ready till 12 o'clock. Mr. Randolph meant to have put some questions to him before Mr. Marchant and Mr. Malbone; but a favourable opportunity presenting for the Medusa to sail, the frigate got under way, hurrying Mr. Fauchet away before he could finish the certificate.
Mr. Randolph dispatched a swift sailing vessel to overtake the frigate, but without success. He has procured certificates from the marshal of the district and from the pilot, to prove that he made every effort to overtake the frigate, and that Mr. Fauchet was hurried aboard, and continued writing while aboard, until he had finished the paper, or certificate.
The certificate was finally prepared, and enclosed to Mr. Adet, the present minister, and sent up to New-port by the pilot, Caleb Gardner. It is as follows:
Mr. Fauchet's Certificate.
Mr. Randolph requests me to examine a Dispatch, No. 10, addressed to the Commissary of exterior relations; which has been transmitted to the President of the United States. I believe that I am bound to no explanation upon my communication to my Government; when they are obtained by dark means of which I am ignorant; are commented upon without doubt and mutilated according to the passions of those who use means so noble and so generous. But I owe to Mr. Randolph full and entire justice. I will render it to him with pleasure. Every thing which could be interpreted to his disadvantage will not leave, I hope, after the explanation which I shall give, any doubt upon the mind even of those who have transmitted the letter to the President. The means which I shall employ will be very simple. This will be to cite the Dispatches to which I refer in my No. 10. Some preliminary reflections are necessary to explain them.
On my arrival on this continent the President gave the most positive assurance, that he was the friend of the French cause. Mr. Randolph often repeated to me the same assurance. It was impossible for me not to give faith to it, (in spite of some public events relative to France, which gave me some inquietude) especially when the Secretary of State constantly took pains to convince me of the sentiments of good will of his Government for my Republic. It was doubtless to confirm me in this opinion that he communicated to me, without authority as I suppose, the part of Mr. Jay's instructions which forbade him to do any thing which should derogate from the engagements of the U. States with France. My error, which was dear to me, was prolonged only by the continual efforts of Mr. Randolph to calm my fears both upon the treaty with England and upon the effect which it might produce on France. He was therefore far from confiding to me any act, any intention of Government by virtue of any concern with me, or in consequence of any emolument received by him, or for the expectation or hope of any recompense promised, or with any other view than to maintain a good harmony between France and the United States. As to the communications which he has made to me at different times, they were only of opinions, the greater part, if not the whole of which, I have heard circulated as opinions. I also recollect that on one occasion, at least which turned upon public measures, he observed to me that he could not enter into details upon some of them, because by doing so he should violate
the duties of his office. From whence I have concluded and believe that he never communicated to me what his duty would reprove. I will observe here that none of his conversations with me concluded without his giving me the idea; that the President was a man of integrity, and a sincere friend to France. This explains in part what I meant by the terms "his precious confessions," I proceed to other details relative thereto. I could allude only to explanations on his part upon matters which had caused to me some inquietude: And I have never insinuated, nor could I insinuate in that letter, that I suspected on his part even the most distant corruption. These explanations had equally for their object my different conversations upon Western affairs, as may be seen in the sequel of this declaration.
When I speak in this same paragraph in these words, "Besides, the 'precious confessions' of Mr. Randolph alone cast upon all which 'happens a satisfactory light,' I have still in view only the explanations of which I have spoken above; and I must confess that very often I have taken for confessions what he might have to communicate to me by virtue of a secret authority. And many things which in the first instant I had considered as confessions were the subject of public conversations. I will say more. I will say, that I have had more than suspicions that certain confidences which have been made to me were only to found my private opinion, and the intentions of the French Republic; and I must appeal to the testimony of him, who this day claims mine. He knows if I ever endeavoured to meddle in the interior affairs of America, or even to influence by any means whatsoever, the sentiments of men whose talents had called them to the head of affairs.
All that is read from these words, "I proceed then, &c" to these "The first preparing, &c" is to be considered only as my own reflections arising from private information or from any communications of Mr. Randolph.
I have spoken of a conversation which Citizen Le Blanc and myself had with Mr. Randolph, and which I had communicated in my No. 3. It is easy to see that I consider the exclusions which I draw from it, as pure and simple conjectures, as I express myself. This is an extract from that dispatch which I declare to be true. When I relate conversations of Mr. Randolph, I can easily suppose that as he spoke sometimes in English, most commonly in French, and I spoke always French, we might not have understood one another perfectly. And when I have not quoted Mr. Randolph expressly in the whole course of any observations, it is not under his authority that I speak.
As my dispatch, No. 3, treats of different subjects at the same time, I shall extract from it only what concerns him, with the help of my own memory and in consequence of his questions.
The conversation which I cite took place in April, 1794. We were speaking of some political divisions which manifested themselves in different parts of the United States, and of which the public papers gave sufficient proofs. He appeared to me to be deeply afflicted at the idea of a violent conflict between the parties. He hoped to prevent it by the influence which he hoped to acquire with the President, who he said generally consulted him, and to whom he told truths which probably others concealed from him. I had heard mentioned, and I frequently mentioned to him myself the suspicions which were spread abroad, of the artifices of some influential men in the government, who were desirous of seeing the French cause ruined, and of uniting America more closely with Great-Britain than with France. He replied to me upon this: The President is the mortal enemy of England, for the outrages which she heaps upon the United States, and the injustice and perfidy which she shews in her conduct towards them; and
the declared friend of France. I can affirm it upon my honour. He may, like other men who do not mix generally with the world, be circumvented by stratagem, prepared to surprise his judgment; and without doubt if he suffers himself to be taken in by any manoeuvres, his popularity would be affected by it. He desires to give the Government stability; others, under the pretext of giving energy to it, would surround the chief of the Executive with more power than the Constitution delegates to him. But in spite of all the efforts, and notwithstanding the cause of France and the true spirit of the American people are painted to him under false colours, he escapes at this moment from the snares which are laid for him, and nothing will be able to prevent him from conducting himself towards Great-Britain with the firmness, which the repeated outrages of this power demand. This, Mr. Fauchet, is every thing, which I am at liberty to say to you. I will always treat with you with every frankness, which comports with my duty. As to myself, I would quit the post, which he has confided to me, if I could persuade myself, that he could accede to any act, which should affect the rights of the people. The bill, of which you speak, gives, it is true, to the Executive, some powers which if they should be abused, may wound liberty. I am sincerely affected by it. But I see with pleasure, that my reflections on the dreadful crisis, which would result from such an abuse, have produced a deep impression on the mind of the President, who is a man of honour. Let us unite, Mr. Fauchet, let us unite our efforts in drawing close the bonds of the two nations. The friends of liberty are for an intimate union with France. The partisans of slavery prefer an alliance with England.
I now come to the explanation of my dispatch, No. 6. A little after my arrival in America, I had requested Mr. Randolph to recommend to me the most proper persons with whom he was acquainted, in the different states, to be employed in the purchase of flour. This request naturally led him to believe that there were persons employed in it, as there really were. We had frequent conversations upon the insurrection, and in all of them he manifested an unequivocal indignation against the fomenters of it, and a deep affliction at the dangers of a civil war. I had learned, as my dispatch No. 10, shews, that the English were suspected of fomenting and supporting these manoeuvres. I communicated my suspicions to Mr. Randolph. I had already communicated to him a Congress, which at this time was holden at New-York. I had communicated to him fears that this Congress would have for its object some manoeuvres against the Republic of France, and to render unpopular some virtuous men who were at the head of affairs; to destroy the confidence which existed on one hand, between General Clinton and his fellow citizens, and that which united the President to Mr. Randolph. He said to me, that I ought to make efforts to obtain the proofs of this fact, and he added to me, that if I did so, the President would not hesitate to declare himself against all the manoeuvres which might be directed against the French Republic. Things remained in this situation. About the month of July or August, in the last year, he came to see me at my country house. It was in the afternoon. He was to go that evening to Germantown. We had a private conversation of about 20 minutes. His countenance bespoke distress. He said to me, that he was afraid that a civil war would soon ravage America. I enquired of him what new information was procured. He said that he began to believe that in fact the English were really fomenting the insurrection, and that he did not doubt, that Mr. Hammond and his Congress would push some measures with respect to the insurrection, with an intention of giving embarrassment to the United States. He demanded of me, if, as my Republic was itself interested in these manoeu-

wres, I could not by the means of some correspondents procure some information of what was passing. I answered him that I believed I could. He replied on this, that having formed many connections by the means of flour contracts, three or four persons among the different contractors might, by talents, energy, and some influence, procure the necessary information, and save America from a civil war, by proving that England interfered in the troubles of the West. I do not recollect that he gave to me at that time any details upon the manner, in which this discovery would produce this last effect. But I perfectly recollect to have heard it said by some person or other, that the insurgents would be abandoned by the greatest number of those whom they believed to be on their side: that the militia would march with cheerfulness, if it were proved that the English were at the bottom of those manoeuvres. I think therefore, that this was probably the manner in which he conceived that things would be settled; and that he thought that the insurrection would cease from the want of support. At the moment of his mounting his horse, he observed to me, that the man, whom I might be able to employ, might be a debtor of English merchants; that in this case, they might perhaps be exposed, on the slightest movement which they should make in this important affair, to see themselves harassed by process, and even arrested by the pursuits of their creditors. He asked me if the payments of the sums which were due to them by virtue of the existing contracts, would not be sufficiently early to render these individuals, independent of British persecution. I confess, that this proposition, to obtain this intelligence, surprised me. I was astonished that the government itself did not procure for itself information so precious. And I made the reflections, contained in my letter on this affair, because I believed, and do still believe, that all the citizens in the United States, ought to endeavour to furnish intelligence so important without being stopped by the English persecution; and because I moreover thought, when I committed my reflections to paper, that it was proposed to obtain the foregoing intelligence, by assisting with loans those who had contracted with me. But now calling to mind all the circumstances to which the questions of Mr. Randolph called my attention, I have an intimate conviction that I was mistaken in the propositions which I supposed to have been made to me. I declare moreover that no name nor sum was mentioned to me: that Mr. Randolph never received, either directly or indirectly, by himself or by another for his use, one shilling from myself, by my order, or, according to my knowledge, by any other public officer of France. I declare he never made to me in this respect a single overture; and that no part of the above circumstance has the least relation to him personally. Farther I solemnly declare, that from the time of my arrival I have repeated, when an opportunity has presented itself, and without doubt often in the presence of Mr. Randolph, that the morals of my nation, and the candour of my government severely forbid the use of money in any circumstances which could not be publicly avowed. Signed, JOSEPH FAUCHET.
I the undersigned Peter Augustus Adet, Minister Plenipotentiary of the French Republic, certify that the foregoing Copy is absolutely conformable to the declaration which citizen Fauchet, my predecessor, has written and signed with his own hand, and which he has sent me to be lodged in the Archives of the French Legation, and in order that a copy conformable thereto may be delivered to Mr. Randolph. In testimony of which I have signed these Presents at Philadelphia, on the 5th supplementary day, in the 3d year of the French Republic, one and indivisible, September 27, 1795. (Old Style.) P. A. ADET.
Extract from the Political Dispatch, No. 3, of Joseph Fauchet, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"THEN the Secretary of State appeared to open himself without reserve. He imparted to me the intestine divisions which were rumbling in the United States. The idea of an approaching commotion affected him deeply. He hoped to prevent it, by the ascendancy which he daily acquired over the mind of the President, who consulted him in all affairs and to whom he told the truth, which his colleagues disguised from him.
"The President of the United States says he, is the mortal enemy of England, and the friend of France. I can affirm it upon my honor. But, not mixing with the world, he may be circumvented by the dark manoeuvres of some men, who wind themselves in an hundred ways to draw him into measures which will cause him to lose all his popularity. Under the pretext of giving energy to government, they would absolutely make a monarch of him. They deceive him, as to the true spirit of the people, as well as upon the affairs of France. I am sure, that at this moment he escapes from them, and that in all these perfidious manoeuvres they have not been able to dissuade him from pronouncing with vigor against the Ministry of England. He has—but it is impossible for me, in conscience, to make you this confession. I should betray the duties of my office. Every thing which I can say to you is, that it is important for our two nations that you continue to visit him frequently. He will be touched with the proofs of friendship which you shall testify to him; and I am sure, that this will be an infallible means of causing them to be valued. I would quit the post which he has confided to me, if he could be brought to make any attempt upon the rights of the people. A bill has passed the house of representatives, which wounds liberty. They have at least taken away
the article which prevents the sale of the French prizes in our ports. My heart is troubled by it. But I have been with pleasure, that my reflections on this subject, upon the dreadful crisis which would result from an abuse of it, have made a deep impression upon the mind, I will even say, upon the heart, of the President, who is an honorable man. Let us unite, Mr. Fauchet, to draw our two nations closer together. Those who love liberty are fraternizing with the French Republic; the partisans of slavery prefer an alliance with England.
"I, he said to me, (in speaking of the treaty of Jay) *that there is no question in his mission, but to demand a solemn reparation for the spoiliations which our commerce has experienced on the part of England; and to give you a proof, that Mr. Jay cannot enter into a negotiation contrary to what we owe to France, I will give you the part of the instructions which concern it.
"Although the following note which I have written in his own hand, with a promise to burn it, be little important, I annex it hereto.
"If the English ministry shall insinuate, that the whole or any part of these instructions should appear to be influenced by a supposed predilection in favor of France, you will arrest the subject as being foreign to the present question. It is what the English nation has no right to object to; because we are free in our sentiments, and independent in our government."
"The following case is to be unchangeable. As there is no doubt, that the English ministry will endeavour to detach us from France, you will inform them of the firm determination of the government of the United States, not to deviate from our treaties, or our engagements with France."
Extract from the Political Dispatch, No. 6, of Citizen Fauchet, Minister Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the United States.
"Scarce was the commotion known, when the Secretary of State came to my house. All his countenance was grief. He requested of me a private conversation. It is all over, he said to me. A civil war is about to ravage our unhappy country. Four men by their talents, their influence, and their energy may save it. But debtors of English merchants, they will be deprived of their liberty, if they take the smallest step. Could you lend them instantaneously, funds sufficient to shelter them from English persecution? This enquiry astonished me much. It was impossible for me to make a satisfactory answer. You know my want of power, and my defect of pecuniary means. I shall draw myself from the affair by some common place remarks, and by throwing myself on the pure and unalterable principles of the Republic.
"I have never since heard of propositions of this nature."
* The word affirm, appears to have been omitted in the certified copy.
(To be continued.)
Fourth Congress Of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, December 28.
AFTER the disposal of numerous private and public petitions, reports, &c. the attention of the House was arrested by the following
Extraordinary Business.
Mr. Smith, (S. C.) stated, that a person named Randall, after desiring a private conference with, had informed him, that he was lately from Detroit, and connected with sundry Canada merchants, who had it in their power to procure, from the Indians a cession of a tract about 20 millions acres of land, bordering on Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan. He represented, that obtaining this land, a barrier would be formed between the United States and the hostile Indians, whose late treaties he considered as wholly illusory. His plan was to petition Congress for a grant of this tract which was to be divided in 40 shares, 24 of which to be reserved for Members of Congress, 12 for the Eastern and 12 for the Southern, to be secured sub roga to those who should support, and carry through the measure in that house. Mr. Smith said, he immediately communicated this proceeding to Mr. Murray, (of M.) and to the PRESIDENT of the United States, who, on Mr. Smith's making oath before a magistrate of the fame, immediately procured a warrant to apprehend Randall.
Mr. Murray confirmed what Mr. S. had said. He had had a conference with Randall, who said he was to distribute the shares for the Southern Members, with whom he said he was popular. Mr. Murray being previously informed of the object of Randall, was advised to fit him; and on Mr. M. intimating, that he knew nothing of land jobbing, and would be at a loss to know what to do with such property, Randall immediately mentioned, that cash would be paid to those who did not wish to hold the lands. The lands were to be distributed according to the abilities and exertions of the members—larger proportions would be assigned to active members, and lesser ones for "the small fee."
Mr. Giles mentioned, that Randall has privately spoken to him on the subject; and had assured him, that 30 or 40 members had already agreed to support him—However Mr. G. might disbelieve this, it placed him, he said, in a delicate situation, he therefore communicated the matter to several members, who advised Mr. G. to dissemble further in hopes of
further discoveries, as R. had insinuated that he had a paper signed by many of the Eastern members; But this paper never appeared.
Mr. Christie said he knew Randall in Maryland, where he bore a good character; and when he introduced him to Mr. Murray, he knew nothing of him that rendered it improper. Randall, he said, had only spoken to him on the subject in a public point of view.
Mr. Livingston, the Speaker, and Mr. Madison, corroborated Giles's statement.
Mr. Buck, mentioned, that an accomplice of Randall's, named Whitney, had called on him, and made a similar disclosure in Vermont.
Mr. Smith mentioned, that Randall was arrested; and the Speaker issued a warrant for apprehending Whitney, who was soon after taken at a tavern.
Mr. Lyman mentioned, that Whitney had called on him, but spoke only of the matter generally. He was to have seen him again, but did not.
TUESDAY, Dec. 29.
The Committee of privileges having reported on the mode of proceeding respecting Randall and Whitney, and their report being accepted, they were ordered to the bar to answer. Randall was allowed until to-morrow to plead, and Whitney pleaded not guilty, and answered several questions put to him. They were both remanded into separate custody, for further examination to-morrow; and copies of charges against them ordered to be delivered to each.
DECEMBER 30.
The journal being read, an addition to it was moved and agreed to, purporting that Charles Whitney was further charged upon the declaration of Mr. Buck, with having offered a bribe in land and money.
A petition was read from R. Randall, praying that council be allowed him, and further reasonable time for his defence.
After much debate in the house on a variety of motions connected with this request, it was finally agreed, that the prayer of the petition be granted.
R. Randall was then brought to the bar, and informed, that the prayer of the petition was granted, and he being asked what time he desired for his defence, answered, until Friday.
Till Friday was granted and he was remanded into the custody of the serjeant at arms.
The act of association in this land scheme, the speaker informed, was on the clerk's table. It was read.
C. Whitney was then brought to the bar of the house.
The additional charge against him was read, and the speaker asked what answer he made to the same. The prisoner denied it.
He was remanded into custody. After further debate upon the steps proper on the ulterior proceeding upon the business, it was finally resolved, that the committee of privileges should report their opinion thereon. Adjourned.
DECEMBER 31.
A resolution to the following effect, which was laid on the table, was taken up and adopted.
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to enquire into the state of the fortifications of our harbours, what progress is made in obtaining proper stores for arsenals, and replenishing our magazines with military stores. A Committee of three were appointed accordingly.
Mr. S. Lyman observed, that two years had elapsed since, upon an estimate then brought forward, a naval armament was ordered. As progress had been made in the business, he wished that the House should learn how far experience had proved the estimates just. It was interesting to know what sums had been expended in this business. Towards obtaining this information he had laid on the table, a resolution to the following effect.
Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the proper officers to lay before the House a statement of expenses already incurred for the naval armament.
Mr. Livingston, in the name of the Committee appointed to revise the Penal Code, wished the sanction of the House to a resolution, nearly in the words following:
Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the House to be furnished with a list of the convictions which have taken place for crimes under the penal laws of the United States; specifying the crimes, date and place of conviction, and the sentence. This was agreed to, and a Committee of two appointed to wait on the President with this resolution.
Mr. Harper called up his resolution laid on the table, some days ago, that the proper officers of the Treasury Department should be ordered to make out a tariff of duties, on goods imported, and the respective amount of the duty on each article, in the years 1793, and 1794, with a statement of the expenses of collection. Mr. Harper thought it of consequence for the House to know precisely the effect of their operations in imposing duties. On some articles it might be found expedient to reduce, and on others to augment the burden.
Mr. Gallatin proposed that the resolution should be printed, as it was considerable length, in order that members might know exactly its meaning.
Mr. Venable did not entirely comprehend the object of the resolution. He imagined that a tariff of the duties might be obtained from the laws, without having recourse to the officers of the treasury.
Mr. Harper thought it was not unusual for a Legislative Assembly to cause the officers of the Treasury, or other characters of that kind, to select and combine materials for their own information.
The resolution was referred to a committee of the whole House, and made the order of the day for Monday next. The usual number of copies were ordered to be printed.
A letter was read from Robert Randall, addressed to the Speaker. He represented, that at present Counsel were not to be had, because the Supreme Court sits 'till Saturday evening, and 'till it rises, all the gentlemen of the bar are pre-engaged. Sensible of the obligations which he had incurred already to the indulgence of the House, it was painful for him to solicit farther delay. The circumstances of the case made this step necessary. But if the House were to grant him a farther indulgence, he should be prepared with his defence by the earliest part of next week; and at any rate, he should on no account whatever ask longer time.
Mr. Swanwick was for granting Randall a delay 'till Tuesday. To-morrow was the first day of the new year, and it was likely when the House adjourned, that they might adjourn 'till Monday. On some explanation he withdrew his motion, and Randall's letter was ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. Baldwin gave in a further report from the committee of privileges as to the proper mode of proceeding. The committee recommended that Randall should be brought to the bar of the House for examination, and that the judge of the district of Pennsylvania be requested to attend for the purpose of administering an oath or affirmation to any witness whom Randall might produce in his own behalf.
Mr. Lyman wished to know upon what principle the committee had introduced the judge into their report. He could see none. He feared that they would encroach on the privileges of the House. Mr. Lyman moved to strike out the clause. Ayes 12; the motion was not carried.
Mr. Thatcher then moved, to amend the clause thus—witness on behalf of this House, and of the prisoner. After some debate, the motion was withdrawn.
A motion was then made to insert the words sworn to , after the word writing ; referring to the information already given by members to the House.
Mr. Murray had his deposition in his hand. He believed that all the gentlemen who had given information on this affair, would make oath to it. He imagined that the member from Virginia (Mr. Giles) had done so already.
After some debate upon the propriety of members being sworn, Mr. Madison said, that when Randall came to the bar, he would possibly save all this trouble, by confessing his guilt, and casting himself on the mercy of the House. He mentioned an anecdote of a Judge, who had been publicly insulted. He informed his brethren of the bench, and on his complaint, the offender was apprehended. When he was brought before the Court, the oath was administered to the Judge. Mr. Madison related this story to show the propriety of every accusation being sworn to, whatever may be the rank or situation of the accuser.
The motion for amendment was withdrawn. Mr. Sedgwick hoped that the members would be sworn and cross examined. He was decidedly of opinion that this ought to be the case.
Mr. Murray said that if the House were not defensible on the doctrine of privilege, where would an authority be found for what they had already done? We all know, and we all knew at the time of committing Randall, that it was done without any support from law. By carrying this reasoning to its utmost length, the Speaker might be liable in an action of damages; and Mr. Murray would rejoice in the ingenuity of any Lawyer, who should discover that all the House were in the same predicament.
It was then moved to adjourn; the motion was negatived. Another amendment was proposed, and after a few words withdrawn. A member next proposed that when this house adjourn, it shall be 'till Monday next. Negatived. The house then without coming to any decision, adjourned, 'till to-morrow at twelve o'clock.
BOSTON, Jan. 5.
INCENDIARIES.
We find, are scattered over the whole Continent, we have heard of attempts to fire the Cities of Charleston, Philadelphia and New-York, and the towns of Salem and Boston; and we observe in a southern paper a Proclamation by the Governor of Maryland, for apprehending persons, who are supposed to have set fire to a college at Abington, in that state, which was entirely consumed.
A country Editor, in his Note to Correspondents, says, "Plain Honesty is received;" it has with difficulty passed through one reading, and is ordered to lie on the table till the RESURRECTION!
SALEM, Jan. 5.
FROM CORRESPONDENTS. Bill of Mortality for the town of Salem for 1795.
Died in January 13, February 11, March 5, April 9, May 10, June 11, July 10, August 14, September 31, October 27, November 23, December 31—195.
The prevailing distempers this year have been the Dyfentary; slow nervous Fever, Scarlet Fever, and Throat Distemper.
In 1790, 198 persons died in Salem. The prevailing diseases that
year were the Measles and Influenza.
In 1773, by a Bill of Mortality kept by Mr. Eben. Bickford, it appears that 208 persons died that year. The prevailing diseases were the Dyfentary and the Small-Pox. 10 persons were drowned in that year by the Custom-House boat's overloading and sinking. It is supposed that Salem contained in 1773, 6000 inhabitants. If that computation is right, more than a thirteenth part of the inhabitants were swept off in the course of a year, which may be considered as a very great mortality.
Died the last year, of the Tabernacle Society in this town, 54 persons—Males 37—Females 17. A large proportion have died of the Throat Distemper, and of the Fever that usually accompanies that epidemic.—The Deaths in this Society for two years past have exceeded the Births by more than one quarter the number. Salem, Jan. 4, 1796.
Harvard College Lottery.
THE Managers of Harvard College Lottery, present the Public with a SCHEME of the Fourth Class of said Lottery—which will commence drawing on or before the first THURSDAY in April next, in the Representatives Chamber in Boston.
The strict punctuality which the Managers have hitherto observed, as to the time fixed for Drawing, and in the Payment of the Prizes—they flatter themselves, has so far established the Credit of the Lottery—that the Tickets will meet with a rapid Sale, both in this and the neighboring States.
SCHEME OF CLASS FOURTH, Of Harvard College LOTTERY, Not two Blanks to a Prize.
25,000 TICKETS at Ten Dollars each, are 250,000 Dollars, to be paid in the following Prizes, subject to a deduction of twelve and an half per Cent. for the Purposes of the Lottery.
   Prizes. Dollars. Dollars.     1 of 20,000 is 20,000   2 10,000 20,000   2 5000 10,000   5 2000 10,000   10 1000 10,000   20 500 10,000   30 200 6,000   152 100 15,200   200 50 10,000   300 30 9,000   400 20 8,000   7,300 16 116,800  
8,422 Prizes. 245,000 16,578 Blanks. Last drawn No. 5,000
25,000 5000 DOLLARS 250,000
To the last drawn Number, in Addition to what may be drawn against it.
BEN. AUSTIN, jr. } Managers. GEORGE R. MINOT } SAMUEL COOPER } HENRY WARREN } JOHN KNEELAND } Boston, October 22, 1795.
Tickets in the above Class may be had at
H. & B. Penhallow's Store in Market-Street, where the prizes will be paid on demand.
Those persons who have drawn prizes in the third Class, are requested to call and receive their money.
** The Managers of Harvard College Lottery, inform the Public, That the List of Prizes to be drawn in the 4th Class of said Lottery, will be published immediately after drawing, and the Prizes paid on demand.
To be Sold At Public Auction, On MONDAY the 18th inst. at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, On the Premises,
The Dwelling-House
A Sit stands, lately occupied by Mr. Benjamin Chandler, late of Portsmouth, deceased. (The stones of the cellar excepted) said building must be taken off the land on or before the expiration of 30 days from the day of sale.
Conditions of sale will be known at time and place aforesaid. GEORGE WENTWORTH, Auctioneer. Portsmouth, Jan. 8, 1796.

HIEDLEBERG, Oct. 19. At 6 o'clock on the 17th, the imperial army leaving their baggage behind, marched to Mannheim. To aid in this nocturnal enterprise, they carried 600 flambeaux. They marched with little noise and great order and surprised a small French camp of 500 men whom they made prisoners, with their general. After this expedition, the army advanced to the Neckar within half a league of Mannheim, where a severe and bloody action took place. The loss of the French on this occasion was considerable. They were obliged to abandon most of their wounded, and 90 waggons were hardly sufficient to carry them from the field of battle. The imperialists are under the cannon of Mannheim and it is expected momentarily the place will surrender.
At the moment an officer has arrived with the intelligence that the French have sent an armistice to Gen. Wurmsier to offer to surrender the city, if he will consent to let the French garrison pass unmolested out of the city.
The bridge which the French had constructed over the Rhine is destroyed. From the time the imperialists arrived at Rastatt, they have been throwing large trees into the Rhine and have been carrying away the remains of the bridge.
Oct. 13. One of the wings of the Austrian army is under the cannon of Mannheim, and the main body on the Kehl bridge very near to Mannheim. The day before yesterday, they began at night to open the trenches and it is said the town was summoned at the same time and that the Austrian commander had refused to take a surrender of the city on the condition of suffering the French garrison to depart freely. The heavy artillery is constantly arriving, and a severe attack will soon commence.
The French are deprived of the means of safety since the Austrians, by constructing large rafts have broken their bridge. It is said that Merlin of Thionville and Pichegru are shut up in Mannheim. In the late affair, the Austrians have lost above 25 officers, and between 5 and 600 men.
PARIS, Nov. 5. From Laval we learn that the Chouans multiply in that neighbourhood, and become more and more cruel. They have intercepted all the routes, except that to Paris. They inspire the inhabitants with fanaticism, and even cry, Vive Le Roy; for which they sometimes get a severe chastisement.
The tribunal of the Eure and Loire, has acquitted Pache, Bouchotte, Jourdeuic Audouin, d'Aubigny, Clemence, Marchand and others.
This day the death of Gillet, Representative of the people, was announced to the council of five hundred. His disease was the consequence of the fatigues he suffered when with the army of the Sambre and Meuse.
A Member of the council deputed from la Vendee department proposed a commission to inquire into the means of terminating the civil war that laid waste that part of the Republic. "Philippeaux, said he, told the truth, and he was assassinated. We have a constitution—let us maintain it and Charette is lost. He is not a Proteus, nor could he be sometimes feeble and at other times powerful, but for the changes in the government, which is now an exterminator, now feeble; one month warlike, the next pacific." He proposed vigorous measures to be speedily pursued and the establishment of a commission.
It was however remarked that the installation of the directory rendered this measure unnecessary.
The Council of ancients received letters from Merlin, Lacroix and Carnot announcing the acceptance of their appointments. Carnot expressed himself thus; "I accept my nomination to the executive directory, with a fear inspired by my feeble talents, but with a confidence derived from my zeal and habits of labor. I swear my love to the prosperity of my country and the maintenance of the Republic."
Merlin announced his nomination as Minister of Justice. "Were I to consult, said he, my own inclination, I should prefer the duty of a member of the legislative body, to which I have been called by the confidence of my fellow-citizens; but I perceive that by accepting the office to which the directory has just appointed me, I may be able to serve the Republic in a laborious station; therefore I do not hesitate to accept it, and to this consideration only I sacrifice the honor of a seat in the Council of Ancients."
Charles Lacroix informed the Council that although he deemed the burden of the office of Minister for foreign affairs, above his ability, he thought it his duty to accept it.
On counting votes for a person to fill the place of Lacroix, as Secretary, Franchet and Vernier had each 55 votes—Franchet, being the eldest, was appointed.
LONDON, Nov. 6. We observed with some concern in our paper of yesterday, that very serious contents had arisen among all the officers of the navy at Portsmouth, in consequence of the order issued by the Duke of York, that regular troops serving on board men of war, should not be subject to naval discipline. This subject originated in the trial of a military officer serving on board the fleet in the Mediterranean, who was tried by a naval court martial, held at Gibraltar, and broke. The officer on returning home appealed to the Duke of York; and hence arose the question in dispute.
Not pretending to be competent masters of the subject, we forbear to make any observation. So serious did this dispute appear, that we now know from the best authority, that the West-India expedition was stopped in consequence of it, and still remains suspended, as far as regards the failing of the men of war, having troops on board.
This dispute has very maturely claimed the attention of ministers for some time past; but we have reason to believe that a decision was adopted by the cabinet on Wednesday, which is likely to reconcile both parties. The whole fleet will now sail when the wind is fair.
The transports having troops on board bound to the West-Indies, which have been detained so long in Torbay by contrary winds, failed from thence on Monday morning, with a fine wind at N. N. E.
The celebrated Thomas Paine died lately, at the house of the American Minister in Paris, of an abscess in his right side.—His will is now in London, in the possession of a Gentleman, who is on his way to America.
The AUSTRIANS and FRENCH. A gentleman, extremely well known in London, arrived in town on Wednesday from Offend, and reports the following, which was communicated, as we have said, to the King at the Levee, in the following terms:
Gen. Wurmsier had had a general engagement with the French near Mannheim, and defeated them. The division under Gen. Jourdan having lost several of their magazines in their retreat across the Lahn, were reduced to very short allowance of provisions, and had scarcely any time to eat for four days. Gen. Clairfayt being made acquainted with this distress, attacked Gen. Jourdan, and after a very obstinate engagement, completely defeated him, and drove his army across the Rhine, leaving behind them all their stores, cannon, and even muskets. Gen. Pichegru has likewise been attacked and defeated, and the whole of the French armies have repassed the Rhine with the loss of thirty-five thousand men!
Miscellaneous En. paragraphs. By the treaty of definitive alliance, lately concluded between this kingdom and Germany, the mutual military succours are to be 20,000 infantry, and 6,000 cavalry. By the treaty with Russia, the empress is to supply 10,000 infantry and 2,000 horse, if any part of the British possessions are attacked; and if the Russian dominions are attacked, Great Britain is to furnish 12 ships of war, 2 of 74, 6 of 60, and 3 of 50 guns. The great object of the treaties is a triple alliance of the contracting parties for the mutual guarantee of all their possessions.
The Russian frigate Prince Potemkin, of 36 guns, has captured in the North sea, four Dutch merchantmen, and a French privateer, belonging to Dunkirk.
The committee of the whole on the supplies, have voted 100,000 seamen, including 18,000 marines, for the year 1796—at 41. per man, per annum.
The French assignats experienced the following rapid depreciation in 5 days—October 27; the Louis d'or was worth 2000 livres—October 29, 2925, October 30, 3400.
Price of Stock, Nov. 6.—3 per cent. 68 3/4.
Total Defeat of the French Army. November 9.
On the authority of an evening paper of yesterday, we present the following articles respecting the operations of the war between the French and Austrians, said to have been taken from German papers brought over by a private vessel from Hamburg.
MARBURGH, on the Lahn, Oct. 16. Since the defeat of the French army of the Sambre and Meuse, on the Mayn, they re-crossed the Lahn, and took an advantageous position to secure their artillery, ammunition and provisions; but Gen. Clairfayt sent 27,000 horse over the mountains and the forlorn, who, by forced marches, arrived in the rear of the French army on the 15th inst. in the middle of the night. The 16th, in the morning, General Clairfayt made a general attack on that army in front, while the Hungarian Cavalry fell on them in the rear by surprise, and made a dreadful havoc with their sabres, which obliged them to fly in confusion; a great part threw their arms away. This morning the returns were made of the loss. The Austrians lost 1100 killed, 900 wounded. The French lost 9700 killed, an immense number wounded, 7300 taken prisoners. The Austrians are still on the pursuit. 73 heavy cannon are taken, and all the provision and ammunition.
DENIZ, on the Rhine, Oct. 21. We have had here since the 17th dreadful fights. The French army has taken flight from the Lahn, and their soldiers run in every direction; those who could get boats from Oberhackerstein down to this place, crossed the Rhine towards Bonn and Cologne, and immense numbers of wounded were brought here and sent over the Rhine to Cologne.
The 19th, at two o'clock in the afternoon, the Austrian army arrived in pursuit of the French, and cut off the remnant of their passage over the Rhine, of about 21,000 men, who made a stand, and formed a square. At six o'clock on the morning of the 20th, the attack of Gen. Clairfayt commenced; the little French army fought desperately with the greatest bravery till 9 o'clock, when they were obliged to surrender to the infinitely superior force of the Austrians, who killed 7000 and took prisoners 19,000, of whom 9,000 are wounded—40 pieces of heavy artillery, all the camp equipage of immense value drawn from Holland, ammunition and magazines are left.
This morning, the 21st, at five o'clock, we received the intelligence that the French had left Cologne by order of General Jourdan, last night, who has withdrawn all his troops from Bonn up to Andernach, and the island near Nouwied, and has retreated towards Bergen.
12 o'clock. This moment arrived here a deputation from the magistrates of Cologne, who invited Gen. Clairfayt to take possession of the city of Cologne, and offered that 9000 men, citizens, able to bear arms, should join Gen. Clairfayt.
COLOGNE, Oct. 30. The loss of the French in the battle of the 26th inst. was 1370 killed, 1680 wounded, and 700 taken prisoners, with 28 pieces of cannon; the Austrians have pursued them, and entered Aix-la-Chapelle on the 28th in the evening, which was evacuated by the French, who are still retreating.
"Very extraordinary accounts arrived at Aix-la-Chapelle, from Maastricht; that the inhabitants having received the news of the Austrians crossing the Rhine, and being joined by 2400 Dutch soldiers there in garrison, had in the night, surrounded the 3500 National soldiers in that garrison, made them prisoners, and surrendered the city to Gen. Clairfayt. We doubt, however, the truth of this news, but it is an undoubted fact that the Austrians are received at every place with open arms."
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 7. Extract of a letter from a gentleman of respectability, to his friends in this city, dated Mule, St. Nicholas, Dec. 12, 1795. "The markets are not brisk; my intention is to sell little here, I shall then proceed to Port-au-Prince, and on the great risk attending American vessels in the Bite, and elsewhere in the island, from pillage and maltreatment by the brigands, we shall wait for a convoy to the next port, three vessels being in government service for that purpose. Recommend to your friends bound up the Bite, to call in here for convoy."
"This day failed from hence, the Swiftsure and Leviation, each of 74, and the Intrepid of 64 guns, with transports, 'tis said to join a fleet off the east of the island, (Old Castle) with 15,000 troops expected from England, to go against the ports of Port Dauphin, Cape Francois, and Port de Paix."
NEW LONDON, Dec. 31. Capt. Brooks arrived here informs that 35 days ago, he left at St. John's, Antigua, the barque ship Sea-Horse, belonging to Boston, Joseph Smith master—said ship lost two crews at Guadaloupe, had got the third, and was proceeding to Boston; when among the islands she was brought too by an English ship, her crew all taken out but the Capt. and first mate; the last mentioned lay at the point of death. There was a crew sent from the said English ship to take possession of Capt. Smith's vessel, and convey her to Antigua, where she was when Capt. Brooks failed. He says, it is impossible for her to get away, without the owner's sending out a crew; the ship was immediately released on her arrival at Antigua, but her crew were all detained on board the ship that took them, then on a cruise.
BOSTON, January 9. The New-Hampshire Legislature has granted 24,500 acres of land, to Dartmouth College. An example worthy imitation.
The salaries in N. H. for 1796, are to be, Governor 1000 Dols.—Secretary 250 —Attorney Gen. 334—Treasurer 800.
JANUARY 11.
SHIPWRECK! On Wednesday night last, during the then violent snow storm, about 2 o'clock, the ship Margaret, Capt. John Mackay, from Amsterdam, for and belonging to this port, was cast away on the Gooseberry, near Baker's Island, off Salem harbour, and the Captain (who was unwell) a Dutch gentleman passenger, one of the seamen and the cabin boy, were unfortunately drowned. The vessel went to pieces immediately, and the cargo it is supposed will be entirely lost. Among the survivors is Mr. James Lamb, of this town, merchant, and part owner of the ship. Those who saved their lives did it by plunging into the swell and were washed on shore, while those who sprung in when the surf was receding, were drowned.
On Friday evening the remains of Capt. Mackay, were brought to town and yesterday were interred, attended by a great number of sympathising friends—the Shipping in the Harbour hoisted their colours half mast high as a mark of respect to the deceased. He has left an amiable widow to lament his loss.
Translations from Paris Papers. The Convention terminated its sittings as a constituting power on the 5th of Oct. by decreeing on the proposition of the Committee of Eleven, that from the epoch of a general peace, the pain of death shall be abolished in the whole extent of the Republic.
The punishment to twenty five years in irons shall be provisionally substituted for the punishment of the guillotine.
All decrees of accusation, all prosecutions and judgments for facts merely relative to events of the revolution, cease from the 5th Brumaire, fourth year of the Republic (from Oct. 27, 1795.) All those arrested in consequence of the same events shall be immediately set free, unless they have been concerned in the conspiracy of Oct. 6.
The French papers put it beyond a doubt that the instigators of the late massacres at Paris were almost to a man of that class of citizens, who June 1794, were
arrested as abettors of Royalty, kept in prison to the 27th of July, 1794, and afterwards released and treated as peaceable, innocent citizens, victims of Robespierre's tyranny.
Final ratification of the treaty. From the Philadelphia Aurora. It is reported, and we have heard it from such a quarter as leaves not a doubt on our minds of the truth of the report, that a duplicate of the treaty, as exchanged with the King of Great Britain has been received by the President—We cannot therefore doubt, but that it will be immediately communicated to the House of Representatives, agreeably to his promise in the address to both Houses.
It was yesterday strongly reported in town, that the French had fallen in with the English Newfoundland fleet, and captured many sail.
CONTRADICTED. From the N. Y. Minerva, Jan. 1. We are authorized to contradict the report that the ratification of the treaty between the United States and Great Britain has arrived; a copy only and not the original of that instrument has come to hand.
JANUARY 13. The monies paid into the Treasury of the United States, the last year, it is said, exceed Nine Millions of dollars!
During the last week the capital of the Providence Bank was increased to 328,000 dollars; 370 shares, at 400 each.
Another Shipwreck. On Monday evening last, about 8 o'clock, the brig—Capt. Ward, owned by Capt. Waters, of Salem, was cast away on the Island called Misery, between Salem and Cape-Ann, and has since entirely gone to pieces. She was from London, and it is supposed had a short passage; but we do not learn any particulars by the crew, who were taken off the island yesterday forenoon. Seeing the violent snow storm coming on, she was running for a harbour, which she unfortunately missed, and went upon the ledges.
ANOTHER. The ship Industry, Capt. Barnes, from Portsmouth, Eng. for Boston, is also said to be cast away in the above storm, near Cape Ann, and every soul lost.
SALEM, Jan. 12.
Further particulars of the loss of the Margaret, Capt. Mackay.
Last Wednesday night in a snow storm, the ship Margaret, Capt. John Mackay, from Amsterdam, belonging to Boston, drove ashore upon the Eastern Gooseberry, laying S. 26 W. about half a mile from Baker's Island. She struck about ten minutes before she touched the Gooseberry, on the rocks without, and was ashore about 2 o'clock in the morning. They left the wreck about 9 o'clock. The ship went to pieces about 10. They were discovered to be on the island soon after they landed, by Mr. Cabot of Beverly. A boat from Beverly went instantly to their relief, but not being able to land, it gave notice at Marblehead, and the survivors were taken off the island about 5 o'clock, P. M., by Skippers Roles and Hooper. Marblehead on this, as well as all occasions which call for bold exertions to relieve distress, deserves the highest praise. The captain, and three other persons perished on the wreck. One of them was a passenger. The cargo was dry goods, steel, gin, &c. and very little of it has been saved. A passenger was put ashore upon the Isle of Shoals, to whom the letters and papers were delivered, who has passed thro' this town to Boston.
Position and distance of the Gooseberry Islands and Rocks, from the Beacon, on Baker's Island:
The north part of Gooseberry great rock, with the north of Cat-Island, bears S. 54 W. The western Gooseberry S. 41 W. The distance nearly 3/4ths of a mile. The Northern part of the Western Gooseberry is viewed from the beacon over the point of sand running out from it. The Eastern Gooseberry bears S. 26 W. and it is shoal as far as the Western breaker. The Eastern breaker lays S. 35 E. and the Western breaker S. 29 E. The Eastern breaker is about the same distance from the Beacon as the Western Gooseberry, but the Eastern Gooseberry falls within that distance. Satan appears S. 32 W. and Half-way Rock S. 3 W. at the distance of 2 1/2 miles. The inner part of Cat-Island is above two miles from the Beacon, and with the Beacon to the southward the Gooseberry Rock bears only 12 minutes. The western Dry Breaker extends from 28 to 32, and the eastern from 31 to 32. Half-way Rock with the Beacon from Cat-Island is 6 3/4 to the southward.
Sailing from Salem. The Gooseberry Islands open the dry ledge between them, when Black Rock shuts in part of the rock, and Ram Island just opens beyond Marblehead neck, and Satan appears over the last part of Eagle-Island.
INTERESTING. Extract from a London paper, entitled "The Courier and Evening Gazette," of Monday, October 26, 1795.
"One of the very last literary acts of Dr. Kippis's life, was his candid and manly retraction of his error, in having said that the American Congress issued orders to their cruisers to seize Captain Cook, if they had an opportunity of doing so. "I intend," said he in this apology, "more fully to state the matter in the addenda to be prefixed to the sixth volume of the Biography." Alas! scarcely was the intention expressed, before the venerable writer became incapable of fulfilling it."
From NEW-YORK, Jan. 6. A gentleman who arrived yesterday from the Isle of France, informs that a corvette had arrived from France, and failed immediately for the coast of Malabar. This vessel (as our informant was told by a person in the administration) had on board Ranoux, a commissioner from the National Convention to excite Tipoo to war with the British. He had already landed and the vessel remained on the coast waiting his return.
Private accounts by the Rose, pourtray, London in a state of great confusion; riot upon the back of riot, they have even set their faces towards the Royal palace. The people throughout the country continue to call aloud for peace, but ministers, being backed by the monied aristocracy of the Kingdom, bound the whole, and still Cry havoc.
We learn (says the Diary of last evening) that citizen BOLLMAN, who refused the Marquis DE LA FAYETTE has arrived in this city; it is also reported, that the Marquis himself is in town.
PORTSMOUTH, Jan. 16. MARRIED —In this town since our last, Mr. Walter Smith of Newmarket, to Miss Polly Shepley, of this town.
ENTRIES at the CUSTOM-HOUSE, District of Portsmouth, N. H. CLEARED FOR Sch'r Dove, Tredick, North-Carolina. Brig Orion, Rice, West-Indies.
To be sold by Daniel Huntress, TEN hogheads Ja- maica Rum. 5 hogheads Sugar. 100 hogheads Turks-Island Salt; Coffee; Beef; Pork; Hogs-Lard; Salmon; 200 Quintals Pollock Fish; 400 Quintals Jamaica Fish; Cordage; Duck; few bbls. Liver Oil; —ALSO—
A sett of second handed Rigging, fit for a Brig of 130 or 140 tons. —LIKEWISE—
A HOUSE to let, inquire as above. Portsmouth, Jan. 15, 1796.
WE the subscribers, owners of more than a sixteenth part of the town of Shelburne, in the county of Grafton, in the State of New-Hampshire, request you to call a meeting of the owners and proprietors of said town to be held at the house of Mr. John Greenleaf, inn-holder in Portsmouth, in the county of Rockingham, in said State, on Wednesday the 10th day of February next, at 4 o'clock, P. M. to transact the following business.
1st. To choose a moderator to govern the meeting. 2d. To vote and assess such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the State and County taxes that have been laid on said town from time to time, and also to defray the charges that have or may arise on account of the roads in said town. 3d. To know if the proprietors will encourage any person that has or may agree to build a Saw-Mill on the spot where the old Mill stood that was burnt. 4th. To choose assessors to proportion the taxes that may be then and there voted. 5th. To choose a collector to collect the same. 6th. To choose a treasurer. 7th. To choose a committee to settle and adjust any and all accounts that may be brought against the proprietors. 8th. To do and transact any other matters that may be then tho' necessary and expedient to promote the further settlement of said town.
THOMAS MARTIN, ISAAC RINDGE, MARK ROGERS, for MEHITABLE ROGERS. JOHN PIERCE, Esq. Prop'r's Clerk. Portsmouth, Jan. 9, 1796.
Agreeably to the foregoing requisition, I do hereby notify and warn the owners and proprietors of said town of Shelburne, to meet at the time and place, to transact the business therein mentioned.
Given under my hand at Portsmouth, this 11th day of January, 1796. JOHN PIERCE, Prop'r's Clerk.
NOTICE.
THE proprietors of New-Hampshire Hotel and Portsmouth Pier, are hereby notified that their annual meeting will be held at the Hotel, the 3d MONDAY of January inst. at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, for the choice of President, Directors, Treasurer, Clerk and Wharfinger, and to vote a further sum of money for the improvement of the present year, and to determine what further improvements shall be made.
By Order of President & Directors. GEO: LONG, Proprietors Clerk. Portsmouth, Jan. 15, 1796.

THE Copartnership of LUTHER & PHINEAS ELLIS under the firm of L. & P. ELLIS (Market-Street) is this day by mu- tual agreement dissolved, all per- sons indebted to said firm will please to make payment, and all who have any demands to exhibit their accounts to
Luther Ellis,
Who will continue the business in that place,
Has Imported
In the Neutrality, Captain Jenkins, and the Ann Capt. Moores (recently ar- rived in Boston) from London and Liverpool,
A large assortment of
GOODS,
which will be sold by  Wholesale & Retail (as the season is far advanced) at a very reasonable rate,  CONSISTING of the following articles, viz. \frac{1}{2} , \frac{3}{4} ,  \frac{1}{2} red, green and crimson Baizes; white and yellow Flannels.
Broad Cloths of the most fashionable colors, all prices; best and common Cassimeres; Forest Cloths; Serges; Duffsils; Lamb- skins; Coatings; Ratinets; Half Thicks; twill'd and plain Velvets; Thickfets; Corduroys; Denims; Jeans and Fustians; fancy Waist- coating.
Camblets for Mens' Cloaks; Wildbores; Camblets; Floren- tines; Satinets; Taborences; Mo- reens; Joans; Calimancoes; Sha- loons; Durants and Tammies.
A large assortment of Ho- liery, viz. Mens' plated Silk and Cotton; fancy twill'd, white, ribb'd and plain Cotton; plated Silk and Worsted, ribb'd and plain Worsted; Boys' Worsted; Ladies' white Cot- ton, some very fine.—Mens' and Boys' Worsted Gloves; Mens' Wor- sted Caps.
A great variety of Chintzes and Calicoes, all prices, figures and qualities; Patch color'd, and purple Shawls, all sizes and prices; Cotton and Linen Handkerchiefs; black, Barcelona, Bandanno, Romal and Suftefey Handkerchiefs; \frac{1}{2} Irish Sheetings; \frac{1}{2} , \frac{3}{4} and \frac{1}{2} Linens; Dow- lares; Cotton and Linen Checks; Muslinets and Dimothies; Book, Jaconet, Cobweb, strip'd, check'd, sprig'd & Tambor'd Muslins; Mus- lin Handkerchiefs; Lawns & Lawn Handkerchiefs.
Lustrings; black Modes and Satins; Silk Florentine, and Satins for Mens' wear; color'd Sar- tinets and Tiffanies.
A beautiful assortment of fancy and plain Ribbons and Taffes; black and other color'd Plumes and Feathers; long & short Kid Gloves.
Oil'd Silk Hat-Cases.
Portsmouth, Dec. 31, 1795.
NOTICE is hereby given to the following proprietors in the New Hampshire Hotel and Port- mouth Pier, who are delinquent in paying the assessments made on their respective shares by the directors thereof, that unless the same are paid me by the 4th day of February next, their respective shares will be sold to pay the same, with incidental charges, at public auction at 3 o'clock, P. M. on said day, at the New Hampshire Hotel.
Delinquent Proprietors.
Jonathan Sherburne, Esq. 1 share. 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, as- sessments due 225 Dollars.
Capt. John Seawards, 1 share. 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th as- sessments, due 225 Dollars.
NATH'L A. HAVEN, Treasurer. Portsmouth, Jan. 8, 1796.
HATS.
James Rundlet
Has just received an extensive assortment of Ladies', Gentlemens' & Youths'
Beaver HATS,
which are for sale at a small advance.
Other Goods as usual.
Portsmouth, Jan. 7, 1796.
A general assortment of  BLANKS,
Printed on good paper, are constantly kept for sale at J. MELCHER'S Printing Office, corner of Market-Street.
Land in Tuftonborough for sale; apply to John Goddard, Portsmouth.
Fashionable Fresh GOODS
Just Imported,
And now opening for sale cheap for cash at
Edward Parrys' Store,
SIGN OF THE
LAMB AND FLAG, Market-Street,
AMONG which are
the following, 5000 yards of ele- gant assorted Chintzes, and printed Calicoes from 2s. to 5s. pr. yard; new fashion Lawn Dresses with Fes- toon borders; a large assortment of Book and Jaconet Muslins from 1/8. to 12s. pr. yard; Tambore, sprig'd and Japan Muslins from 5s. to 18s. pr. yard; a good choice of Muslinet and Corded Dimothies; Book and Jaconet Muslin Handkerchiefs; Gentlemens' Neck Handkerchiefs, sprig'd and color'd borders; a beau- tiful assortment of new fashion Mus- lin Shawls with clouded borders, from \frac{1}{2} to \frac{3}{4} wide; Chintz and purple Shawls; Linen & Pocket Hand- kerchiefs; Silk Bandanno, and black Silk Handkerchiefs.
Best superfine and middling Broad Cloths, various colors, and fine Cloths for Ladies' Habits; su- perfine Kersseymere, all colors; For- est Cloths and Devonshire Kersseys of the best quality; Drab and plain do; Baizes and Flannels; Duffsils and twill'd Lambkins; Rose and Duffil Blankets; best twill'd Velvets & Corduroys and Thickfets; Satinet; & Florentines; Russels and Calli- mancoss; Durants and Tammies; black Mode; Satins.
A good assortment of the best Lustrings; Sash and fancy Ribbons; French & English Thread Laces and Edgings; Ladies' new fashion Beaver Hats; Gentlemens' do; Silk, Cotton and Worsted Hose; a good choice of Irish Linens by the bolt, piece or yard; Irish and Rus- sia Sheetings; Bed Ticks, &c.
Good Tow-Cloth taken as cash for any of the above articles.
* * * Cash and the highest price given for FLAX-SEED. Portsmouth, Jan. 7, 1796.
CHICHESTER.
State of New-Hampshire.
Rockingham, ss.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors & other owners of land in the town of Chi- chester, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1795, that so much of their land will be sold at public ven- due, on Thursday the 18th day of February next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. at the house of Jonathan Kenney, innholder in said town, as will pay the taxes, together with the inciden- tal charges, unless prevented by pre- vious payment.
Div. No. R. Q'ty. Cents
  Hunking Penhallow 4 17 1 50 10   Peter Weare, jr. 1 32 1 26 4   Daniel Seavey 1 8 1 50 16   Capt. R. Currier 4 19 1 50 10   Joseph Wells 1 19 8 50 17   Joseph Jennens 4 13 1 50 11   John Cram, Esq. 1 29 2 50 11   ditto 4 77 12 50 8   Jonathan Lock 4 23 1 32 5   William Pepperill 1 34 1 26 4   Stephen Sanborn 4 75 12 44 5   S. Sanborn, half paid 4 68 11 50 13   Owner unknown 4 69 11 46 8   Doctor Gale 1 15 4 32 8   Ditto 1 24 1 50 10   William Burns 4 2 1 50 13   Jennens & Garland 4 6 2 50 11   ditto 4 7 2 50 11   ditto 4 8 2 50 11   ditto 4 9 2 50 11   Thomas Rand 4 20 1 50 10   ditto 1 16 3 50 16   ditto 1 25 2 50 8   ditto 4 80 12 5 8   Owned by town of 4 3 2 50 11   Pittsfield 4 4 2 50 11   ditto 4 4 2 50 11   Ebenezer Lane 4 7 1 50 11   Owner unknown 1 17 4 6 3   JOSEPH DOW, Collector.   Chichester, Jan. 4, 1796. 
State of New-Hampshire, Grafton County, ss.
PUBLIC notice is hereby given to the proprietors and land own- ers in the township of Whitefield, in the county of Grafton, and State of New-Hampshire, who have not paid to me the tax of four shillings and six pence on each right granted by said proprietors, on the first day of November 1774; the tax of ten shillings granted February 9th, 1775, and the tax of six shillings granted May 23, 1776; making in the whole twenty shillings and six pence on each right in said township; that so much of their lands as will pay said taxes with incidental charges, will be sold by the subscriber, at pub- lic vendue, at the dwelling house of Col. Joseph Kimball, innholder in Plainfield, in the county of Cheshire, on the third Tuesday in February next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, unless previously paid.
The names of the delinquents, or- iginal grantees, with the sum of 20/6 due from each, are as follows: Josiah Lang, Wm Farrington, Samuel Cate, jr. Ben'g Wentworth, Aaron Sargent, jr. Josiah Harris, Timothy Nash, Paul Wentworth, Henry Gerrish, Esq. William Simons, Joseph Hart, Ichabod Weeks, Jere'h Clough, Esq. Holten Johnson, John Hurd, Esq. Samuel Langdon, William Sargent, jr. Josiah Harris, Mat'w Farington, James Merrick, William Norton, Edward Berdean, Eleaz'r Richardson, Samuel Nutter, Josiah Harris, Benjamin Hurd, Nathan Johnson, Benjamin Rand, Joseph Hurd, Joseph White, Samuel Bartlett, Benjamin Hurd, jr. Aaron Newhall, John Flagg, Esq. Increase Newhall, John Lewis, James Gibson, Levit Clough, Nehemiah Rand, Isaac Hurd, Eliphalet Neal, Nathan Wait, Samuel Pickering, Thomas Clough, John Hodgdon, Patrick Dougherty, Samuel Harris, Phinehas Merrick, Benjamin Johnson, Abner Hains, Henry Oliver, Phinehas Hodgdon W. Frothingham, Stephen Greenleaf Jonathan Moody, Obed Merrick, T. M'Donnough, Aaron Merrick, Samuel Boltwood, N. Easterbrook, Roger Barlett, John Marshall, Henry Clough, Stephen Gerrish, William Harris, Benj. Newhall, Thomas Rand, Samuel Cole, Abraham Stafford, Prop'rs Collector. Plainfield, Nov. 6th, 1795.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to all the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the town of Croydon, in said State, that are de- linquent in paying the taxes assessed thereon for the year 1795, that unless they pay said taxes to me the sub- scriber, on or before the 8th day of February next, so much of their land will be sold at public vendue, as will pay said taxes with inciden- tal charges at the dwelling-house of Ebenezer Fletcher, innholder in said town, at 10 of the clock, A. M. on said day.
   No. Div. Q'ty. Dimes Cents     Jonathan Hail 15 2 100 1 5   Seth Chase 32 1 100 1 8   Jonas Warrin 54 2 100 1 4   Meddow 26 60 0 5   Timber 29 0 3   Timber 5 0 3   Ebenezer Rawson 42 1 100 1 8   Samuel Sharman 8 2 100 1 1   Meddow 63 60 0 5   Timber 30 0 3   Timber 5 0 3   Josiah Pease 13 2 100 1 8   John Downing 48 2 100 0 9   Benjamin Wood 11 2 100 1 1   Benjamin Leland 16 60 0 4   Timber 55 2 100 1 4   Daniel March 2 0 3   Timber 69 1 100 1 8   Timber 3 2 100 1 8   Timber 59 60 0 8   Eph'm Sharman 2 0 3   Meddow 46 60 0 5   Timber 13 0 3   John Holland 17 2 100 0 9   Meddow 76 60 0 5   Timber 11 0 3   Antipas Holland 11 2 100 0 9   Meddow 66 0 3   Rev. Mr. Parsons 67 1 100 1 5   James Whipple 42 60 0 7   Phinehas Leland 1 2 100 1 4   Solomon Leland 70 0 7   Jonathan Aldrich 39 1 100 1 8   Solomon Chase 36 2 100 0 9   Timber 57 1 100 1 8   E'm Sharman, jr. 45 2 100 1 4   Garshom Wate 35 2 100 1 1   William Wate 59 1 100 1 8   March Chase 61 60 0 5   Meddow 47 1 100 1 8   SHARMAN COOPER, Collector. 44 60 0 4   Croydon, Dec. 16, 1795. 22 0 3  
State of New-Hampshire, County of Grafton.
To the Hon. Moses Dow, Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace, and Quorum in and throughout said State.
THE undersigned owners of more than one sixteenth part of the township of Coventry, in said county, request that you notify and warn the proprietors and grantees, owners of lands in said township, to meet at the dwelling house of Obadiah East- man, Esq. in said Coventry, on Wed- nesday the 24th day of February next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, to vote and act upon the following articles, matters and things, viz.
 1st. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.  2d. To choose a proprietors clerk.  3d. To choose a committee to examine into the appropriation and expenditure of monies heretofore raised and granted by the proprietary, and to examine and settle the de- mands of all persons to whom the proprietary are justly indebted for services and expenditures.  4th. To vote, grant and raise such sum or sums of money as may then be adjudged expedient for making and repairing public highways in said town, and for such other purposes as may be deemed for the benefit of said proprietary.  5th. To choose and appoint assess- ors and a collector with necessary powers. 
6th. To ratify and confirm any former votes and grants heretofore made by said proprietary.
7th. To pass all votes necessary to confirm or to regulate former pitches made upon certain lots of land by proprietors, and to direct how and in what manner pitches shall in future be made upon lots in said town.
8th. To vote to choose a commit- tee in behalf of said proprietary to lay out roads, and to do and transact all such other matters and things as may be committed to their charge for the advantage of said proprietary.
9th. To vote and transact such other matters as may be thought proper for the good of the proprie- tors.
Nathanial Peabody, Jonathan Hale Jr. N. Peabody, Obadiah Eastman. Coventry, Dec. 1, 1795.
State of New-Hampshire, County of Grafton.
IN compliance with the a- forewritten request to me made, I do hereby notify and warn all the proprietors & grantees, owners of lands in said township of Coven- try, to meet at the time, place and for the purposes mentioned and set forth in the said aforesaid request.
Given under my hand and seal at Haverhill in said county, this first day of December, 1795.
MOSES DOW, Justice Peace, and of the Quorum in and throughout said State.
ANTRIM.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the town of An- trim, who have not paid their penny acre tax for the two years past, as- sessed on their land for repairing roads and bridges in said town, agreeable to an act passed June 18, 1792; that so much of their lands as will pay the said tax, with reasonable inciden- tal charges, will be sold at public ven- due, at the house of Mark Woodbury, innholder in said Antrim, on the first Tuesday in February next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. on said day, unless prevented by previous payment.
Margaret Green, } Acres. years. £. s. d. in the great lot } No. 5, lot No. 10, } 250 2 2 1 8 11, 13, } George Jaffrey, Esq. } 900 2 4 10 0 in great lot No. 6, } William Bradford, } 20 2 0 3 4 Robert Holmes, } 100 2 0 16 8 Tomlinson & Ma- } lins, intervalle farm, } 150 2 1 5 0 Doctor Rogers, } 50 2 0 8 4 Judge Wyband, } intervalle farm, } 200 2 1 3 4 William Moor's heirs, 403 1 1 14 5 JOHN DUNCAN, Collector. Antrim, Dec. 1, 1795.
NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors and owners of land in the township of Rumney, in the State of New-Hampshire, that the said proprietors at a legal meet- ing held in said Rumney, on the fif- teenth day of December 1795, did vote to raise two dollars on each right in said town, to defray proprietors