The New Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1799-03-20 00:00:00

THE New Hampshire Gazette.
— MY COUNTRY'S GOOD SHALL BE MY CONSTANT AIM —
PORTSMOUTH: (NEW-HAMPSHIRE)—PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY 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. XLIII.—Numb. 2207.]
WEDNESDAY, March 20, 1799.
[One Dollar & half pr. Annum.]
Published by Authority.
Acts and Resolves passed at a Session of the General Court held at Concord, December 1798. [Continued from the last Gazette.]
An ACT to further postpone the operation of an act, entitled, "an act to regulate scale beams, fleeyards, weights and measures," passed the 12th day of December 1797.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the operation of the aforementioned act, and every matter and clause therein, be postponed for the term of one year, from and after the passing of this act, and no longer.
Approved December 27, 1798.
An ACT relative to the Court of Common Pleas in the county of Strafford.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the Court of Common Pleas shall in future be held at Gilmantown, in said county of Strafford, on the third Tuesday of August annually, at or near the Academy in said Gilmantown.
Approved December 27, 1798.
An ACT giving Samuel Gibson and others leave to draw leines near Naticook brook, and to prevent in some degree the operation of an act, entitled, "an act to prevent the destruction of salmon, shad and alewives in Merrimack river, and for repealing all the laws heretofore made for that purpose," passed December 20, 1797.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the aforesaid act be so far suspended, that the aforesaid Samuel Gibson and his associates, proprietors of the Paddy Seine (so called) and Simeon Kendal and his associates, proprietors of the Pumpkin Seine, have leave to draw their Seines in the customary way and manner, that they heretofore have practiced; provided that they shall at no time, have liberty to draw said Seines nearer than two rods of the confluence of the waters of said Naticook brook, with Merrimack river.
Approved December 27, 1798.
An ACT in addition to, and alteration of the Militia laws now in force in this State.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the militia laws of this State be so far altered, as that where there now are, or hereafter may be any company or companies of militia unorganized, and where suitable characters cannot be found within the limits of said companies necessarily for the organization of the same, the field officers, within whose limits such company or companies are, may annex such persons as are liable to duty in the train band to any organized company or companies, contiguous thereto as may be most convenient, and the persons so annexed shall be liable to do duty, and subjected to penalties in the same manner as though they were officered by persons living within the particular town or limits of a company heretofore assigned.
Be it further enacted, That all complaints against commanding officers of companies, for neglecting to call their companies together, as the law directs shall be made to an officer superior in rank to him complained of, which superior officer shall be judge of the merits of the complaint, and the propriety of a prosecution; and in case such superior officer shall judge that the good service may require it, he and no other person may prosecute.
Approved December 27, 1798.
An ACT against gaming at Billiards.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That any person or persons who shall at any time from and after the first day of February next, have or keep in his, her or their custody or possession, any billiard table, shall forfeit and pay the sum of ten dollars with costs of suit, and the like sum for every time, as often as any such billiard table shall be found in his, her or their possession, which forfeiture shall be recoverable by any person who shall first sue therefor, in a plea of debt, in any court proper to try the same, and the whole thereof shall be to the use of the person who shall recover upon any prosecution for the breach of this act.
Approved December 28, 1798.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. In the House of Representatives, December 26, 1798.
RESOLVED, That the Senators and Representatives of this State, be, and they hereby are requested to use their best endeavors, that Congress propose to the Legislatures of the several States, the following amendment to the Constitution of the United States, viz.
That the Electors of President and Vice-President, in giving in their votes, shall respectively distinguish the person whom they desire to be President, from the one they desire to be Vice-President, by annexing the words President, or Vice-President, as the case may require, to the proper name voted for. And the person having the greatest number of votes for Vice-President if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors chosen, shall be Vice-President: And if there be no choice, and
two or more persons shall have the highest number of votes, and those equal, the Senate shall immediately choose by ballot one of them for Vice-President; And if no person have a majority, then from the five highest on the list, the Senate shall, in like manner, choose the Vice-President. But in choosing the Vice-President, the votes shall be taken by States, the Senators from each State having one vote, a quorum for this purpose, shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a majority of all the States, shall be necessary to a choice: And in case the Senators and Representatives of this State in Congress, shall find that the aforesaid amendment is not conformable to the sentiments of a constitutional majority of both branches of the National Legislature, they are hereby requested to modify the same as to meet the sentiments of such majority.—Provided however, that any amendment which may be agreed upon, shall oblige the Electors to designate the person they desire to be President from the one whom they desire to be Vice-President.
Resolved further, that His Excellency the Governor be, and he hereby is requested to communicate the foregoing Resolve to the Supreme Executive of the several States, and also to transmit the same to the Senators and Representatives in Congress.
Sent up for concurrence: JOHN PRENTICE, Speaker.
In Senate the same day read and concurred: AMOS SHEPARD, President.
Approved Dec. 27th, 1798. J. T. GILMAN, Governor.
A true copy—Attest, JOSEPH PEARSON, Sec'y.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. In the House of Representatives, December 26th, 1798.
RESOLVED, That the Senators and Representatives of this State in the Congress of the United States, be, and they hereby are requested to use their best endeavors that Congress propose to the Legislatures of the several States, the following amendment to the Constitution of the United States, viz.
That (in addition to the other qualifications prescribed by said Constitution) no person shall be eligible as President or Vice-President of the United States; nor shall any person be a Senator or Representative in the Congress of the United States, except a natural born citizen, or unless he shall have been a resident in the United States at the time of the declaration of Independence, and shall have continued either to reside within the same, or to be employed in its service from that period to the time of his election.
Provided nevertheless, That in case the Senators and Representatives of this State in Congress, shall find that the amendment above proposed is not perfectly conformable to the sentiments of a constitutional majority of both branches of the National Legislature, they are hereby empowered and requested to modify the same as to meet the sentiments of such majority. Provided however, that any amendment which may be agreed upon, shall exclude from the office of President and Vice-President, any person who is not a natural born citizen, or a resident in the United States at the time of the declaration of Independence as aforesaid: and shall also exclude from a seat in either branch of Congress, any person who shall not have been actually naturalized at the time of making this amendment, and have been admitted a citizen of the United States fourteen years, at least, at the time of such election.
Resolved, That His Excellency the Governor be requested forthwith to transmit the same to the Senators and Representatives of this State in Congress:—And also transmit the same to the Supreme Executives of the several States.
Sent up for concurrence: JOHN PRENTICE, Speaker.
In Senate the same day read and concurred: AMOS SHEPARD, President.
Approved Dec. 27th, 1798: J. T. GILMAN, Governor.
A true copy—Attest, JOSEPH PEARSON, Sec'y.
(To be continued in our next.)
New Set of Dispatches.
[Brought by Mr. Gerry, relating the affairs of France, after the departure of his colleagues.]
[Concluded from our last.]
As to the foreigners who are seen figuring in this negotiation, it appears that the object of their whole intrigue was to obtain from the Americans a sum of 1,200,000 livres, to be distributed for corrupt purposes. Hence begin and end all the bustle, all the conversations, all the proceedings, minutely detailed in the report of the Envoys.
It will be forever inconceivable that men authorized to represent the United States near the French Republic, could have been for an instant deceived by manoeuvres so evidently counterfeit, and that there should exist a temptation to convert the error in this respect into bad faith.
What! Three men are sent Envoys from America to France to negotiate there a reconciliation between the two Republics: embarrassed at a preliminary matter, they cannot at once confer with the Minister, as Commissioners; but they have a thousand ways of seeing him as individuals, either at
his own house or elsewhere; and two of them constantly refuse all the facilities which are offered to them.
This is not all, we see them present the details of their negotiation, as if persuaded that the disgusting propositions which they say were made to them, were addressed by a man clothed with the confidence of the government, and nevertheless, in the course of their recital, they suffer an avowal to escape, that they several times suspected these clandestine communications, and that they finally decided to reject them for the future. Mr. Gerry even declares positively, that these meddlers did not produce any authority of any kind of a document whatever. At the same time, they continued to decline the direct communications, which were offered to them continually by the Minister. Is not all this a labyrinth of contradictions?
And when we examine by what a series of intermediate persons they thought to approach the Minister, whom it was so easy to them to consult immediately, is it not rendered impossible for us to think that they have seriously adopted the consequences of their recital?
Here it is a lady known to be connected with Mr. Pinckney, who holds with him the most innocent discourse, which has been repeated to him from one end of France to the other: Lend us (says she to him one day) money in our war; we lent it to you in yours: and a conversation thus simple is taken up by Mr. Pinckney, who finds it necessary to write every thing and to poison every thing; it is mysteriously sent by him to his government, as if it had any relation to the clandestine propositions made by the intriguers: thus minute is distrust! Thus is prejudice led astray in its reasonings! In this manner are the politics of some men a pest to social intercourse.
There it is one W. whom we have not succeeded in discovering, who introduces to General Pinckney one X. a very hasty fellow, who says he is charged with a message from the Minister, who being soon afterwards pressed to answer whether he is personally known to him, is forced to say no; but that he has the propositions which he made from Y. who he says has connections with the Minister; and nevertheless, when they want to instruct Y. with the negative answer to his proposition for the 1,200,000 livres he declines being charged with it, and is compelled to avow, through a kind of shame, and at the risk of discrediting the part he was playing that the proposition did not come from the Directory, nor even from the Minister; and that it came from him, Y. who was desirous of saving the Envoys the mortification of the disavowals. If these same men have afterwards held a different language, was it not natural for the Envoys forever to mistrust their reports, and above all to endeavour to reach the source? They have not done so. How can this conduct be reconciled either with reason or good faith!
In the same report, they manifest themselves desirous of informing their government with the utmost detail, of every thing which passed in relation to their commission; and whilst with such a scrupulous care they collect so many absurdities and miserable puerilities, they are silent upon the official communications, which the persons employed in the office of Exterior Relations had with them on behalf of the Minister. It is without doubt, because those communications, agreeing with the few which the Minister himself made, were pure, upright, and calculated to do honour to the French government. It was part of their plan to pass them over in silence. The others, so suspicious in their origin, were defamatory in their object; they had the utmost impatience to make them known.*
They had just presented a voluminous memorial setting forth their pretended grievances: they well knew that the Minister was about to address a note to them in answer, which ought to have formed one of the authentic documents of the negotiation, and which in fact was sent to them in the month of Ventose last [March 19.] They hastened to publish everything that evidently did not come from the Minister, and which they endeavoured to impute to him, in order doubtless to weaken thereby the very different impression which must have been produced by the note wherein every thing breathes a sincere desire to conciliate.
This group of facts present such a tissue of incongruities and contradictions that the mind is lost in it. One is at a loss to specify with precision the reproaches to be made to the American Envoys. But it is very evident that they have been most strangely deceived, if they did believe; and that they are most perfidious if they did not believe what they relate. [In the expression of these reproaches which escape from indignation, it is requisite to hasten to except Mr. Gerry, who doubtless may have been deceived both by the foreign intriguers, and perhaps also, by his very colleagues, but to whom no suspicion of bad faith or insincerity can attach.]
Now, what could be the secret motive
* See at the end his first answer to the Minister. * See in the second letter of Mr. Gerry, dated the 15th Prairial [June 3, 1798] which follows these reflections, the express declaration of Mr. Gerry, that in the course of the negotiations he saw persons employed by the office of Exterior Relations, and the justice he does them of never having uttered a word, which had the least relation to propositions, such as the foreign intriguers X. and Y. apprised to have made.
which caused such puerile communications to be circulated with so much éclat? How then can they justify the pompous affectation, by which the American people has been prepared to bear them? How can we conceive that it was hoped to render the farce more imposing by tails and public prayers.
Doubtless a great object caused them to hazard the holding up as discoveries of the greatest importance, the incoherent prating of two intriguers, who were foreigners with respect to France. Perhaps it was supposed that the citizens of the United States would judge of the French government by these caricatures, and that the French government would be sensible to such a marked provocation. The effect of the outrage was calculated from the malignity of the intention, and not from the listlessness of the means.
In one word, they flattered themselves with exciting indignation instead of pity. They wished for war, and they wished that insulted France might declare it against a people whose cause she defended, and that it might be restored by her to the arms of England.
By that war, the British cabinet would gain an ally, who would labour for its interest, second its projects upon the French and Spanish colonies, and retard the moment of its humiliation. By that war, too the British government would accelerate the execution of a favourite plan of which it has never lost sight.
It is known, that since it despaired of reuniting to the tripple crown, the States whose independence it was obliged to acknowledge, it aspired at least to prejudice them in favor of limited monarchy; that it endeavoured to fortify, by the similarity of constitutional forms the habits common to the English and American people; and that it took care to keep for a long time one of the sons of George the III. in the vicinity of the United States. Can it then be true, that to the disgrace of the human mind, many citizens of the United States should be found who are seriously reconciled to the English form of government? Can it then be true, that men, called by the public confidence to the head of the government of the United States, have written in favour of the British constitution, merely to prepare its adoption in their own country? Can it be true that a thirst for honors, greediness of wealth and a desire of perpetuating power, have already ripened this conspiracy against liberty.
If this ought to be no longer considered as a suspicion, all is explained. War is necessary in order to raise troops and obtain supplies: an unnatural war against old friends, against brothers, against republicans, is more especially necessary: it is necessary that this war should excite civil commotions, shock every idea of morality, and route to resistance the true sons of America; and pretences will arise in abundance for flagitizing with sedition the honorable defenders of principles, and for substituting a monarchial in the room of a representative government.
It would be hereafter unnecessary to dwell on this. Such are the criminal practices of the English cabinet. Such is the blind propensity of a government which it influences, and it is the French republic which sacrificed the blood and fortune of its citizens in the cause of liberty: it is the French republic that is indignant to strike the fatal blow! but superior to the influence of her resentments, she will be actuated by nothing but the happiness of the two republics, and she will appeal to the whole universe to judge of the sincerity of the dispositions which she has never ceased, and which she will never cease to manifest for living in peace with America.
P. S. It is of extreme importance to lay before the public, the letters written to Mr. Gerry, Envoy of the United States, by the Minister of Exterior Relations, as soon as this strange publication came to his knowledge; and it is of equal importance to know the answers given by Mr. Gerry. Both are as follows. [See the preceding numbers 6, 7, 8, to 11.]
NOTE. The names were in fact sent to the Minister, who immediately deposited them in a proper place.
[The following letter of the citizen, designated by the letter Z, is not less essential to publish.]
13 Prairial, 6 year. June 1, 1798. To the Minister of Exterior Relations. Mr. Gerry having communicated to me the letter which you yesterday wrote to him by which you expressly desire, that he may make known to you the persons meant by the letters W. X. Y. Z. in the correspondence of the American Envoys, printed in a public paper of the United States of America, dated 12 April (O. S.)
My sensibility must be much affected on finding myself under the letter Z, acting a part in company with certain intriguers whose plan doubtless was to take advantage of the good faith of the American Envoys, and make them their dupes. Finding myself implicated in this affair, and wishing to remove my uneasiness respecting the disagreeable impressions and the consequence which the publication of your letter to Mr. Gerry might produce, I thought it my duty to hasten to you, and pray you Citizen Minister, to be pleased to declare in writing, that in the conferences I had with the gentlemen; I pursued the communications which you authorised me to make to them in the manner I shall state below.
In the beginning of the last Brumaire, Oct. 29, 1797, having been to pay my respects to the citizen Minister of Exterior Relations
and the conversation turning upon the United States of America, he expressed to me his surprise, that none of the Americans, and especially the new Envoys, ever came to his house; that this was the way to open a negotiation, the success of which they had more reason than we to wish; that he should receive them individually with great pleasure, and particularly Mr. Gerry whom he had known at Boston. Knowing my friendly connections with Mr. Gerry, he charged me to impart to them what he had said. I accordingly waited on Mr. Gerry, who having sent for his colleagues I communicated to them the conversation I had with the citizen Minister.
Messrs. Pinckney and Marshall declined waiting on the Minister upon the ground of ceremony: but as the same reason did not apply to Mr. Gerry it was agreed that he should go the next day, and that I should accompany him, Mr. Gerry at that time not being able to express himself in French.
The next day we went, but not finding the Minister at home, Mr. Gerry requested him to appoint a time for an interview, which was fixed for a few days after. We attended accordingly, and after the usual compliments, Mr. Gerry having expressed to the minister his desire to see harmony and a good understanding re-established between the two republics, the minister answered him that the Directory had made a determination not to treat with them unless they previously made reparation for some parts of the President's speech at the opening of Congress,
and gave an explanation of some others; that he could not delay but for a few days, communicating this determination officially to them, that until then if they had any propositions to make, which could be agreeable to the Directory, he would communicate them with alacrity; that considering the circumstance, and the services of the same kind which France had formerly rendered to the United States, the best way would be for them to offer to make a loan to France, either by taking Batavian inscriptions for the sum of fifteen or sixteen millions of florins, or in any other manner. Mr. Gerry after having replied in a polite, but evasive manner, to the first article, added on the subject of a loan, that their powers did not extend to far, but that he would confer with his colleagues upon the subject. It is to be observed that as the Minister spoke nothing but French, I repeated in English to Mr. Gerry what he had said to him, and that also that he very well understood the answers of Mr. Gerry I repeated them to him in French. We took our leave of the Minister, who just received a courier, and he charged me on parting to repeat to Mr. Gerry and his colleagues what he had said to us. Accordingly I repeated to Messrs. Pinckney and Marshall, in the presence of Mr. Gerry, the conversation which we had had with the Minister.
A few days afterwards Mr. Gerry requested me to accompany him again on a visit to the Minister, and having repeated to him the extreme desire he felt to see the most perfect union re-established between the two nations, he referred to the insufficiency of their powers, and proposed in the name of his colleagues and himself, that one of them should immediately depart for America with the propositions which the French government might make. The minister answered that it would require six months to have an answer, and that it was of importance to have a speedy determination; that he was extremely desirous to have frequent communications with them individually and amicably. This course appearing to him to be the best adapted to come at the issue of a speedy negotiation, he therefore lamented that he had yet had no communication with them.
Such, Citizen Minister, as far as my memory serves me, are the particulars of the only two conferences at which I was present. I shall add that no person has had a greater desire than myself to see this negotiation succeed.
Health and respect, (Signed) HAUTEVAL.
Mr. Skipwith's Communications. To the Secretary of State of the U. States of America.
SIR, I have the honor to send you inclosed, the official copy of an arrest of the Executive Directory of the French Republic, concerning the French privateers in the West-Indies, which was transmitted to me by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant, FULWAR SKIPWITH.
Paris, August 4th, 1798. Hon. Col. Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State of the United States.
Paris, 8th August, 1798.
SIR, Having had the honor of transmitting to you, three official copies of the arrest of the Directory, of the 13th Thermidor,* concerning their privateers in the West-Indies, the present is merely to inclose you a copy of a letter which I yesterday received from the Minister of Foreign Relation, on the subject of that arrest.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most humble Servant. FULWAR SKIPWITH. The Secretary of State.
* 31st July, 1798. The arrest here referred to.

(TRANSLATION.) Paris, 19 Thermidor, 6th year of the French Republic. (Aug. 6, 1798.) The Minister of Exterior Relations to Citizen Skipwith, Consul General of the U. States of America. CITIZEN, You will have seen in No. 961, of the Redacteur, a copy of a decree made by the Directory, in order to cause the privateers to return within the rules and limits whence they ought never to have departed. By this measure foreign powers will be convinced that the Executive Directory, when informed of the abuses which may be directed against them, takes every pains to stop them, and to prevent their return. You will doubtless see in the intention and the acts of the Directory, cause for feeling a security with respect to the commerce of your fellow citizens, so long as it shall be confined within just bounds. I wish, citizen, that for the good of the two countries, the conduct of the Federal Government may correspond with that of the Directory. In this supposition, the friendly relations of the two people would be soon re-established. (Signed) C. M. TALLEYRAND.
Consulate General of the United States of America. Fulwar Skipwith, Consul General for the United States, near the French Republic, to Timothy Pickering, Esq. Secretary of State of the United States. Sir, Paris, 22d August, 1798. With a copy of a letter I have just received from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I have the honor, under cover hereof, to transmit to you copies of two letters, which have been officially communicated to me, from the Minister of Marine, to all principal, civil and military officers, at the different ports of this Republic, concerning the safety & protection of American citizens in general and those seamen in particular, who were detained, or are in confinement at those ports. Agreeably to the intimations contained in the Minister's letter to me, I have this day made application to the Minister of Police in favour of the American seamen, who, by means of one of the public authorities at L'Orient, had been arrested as Englishmen, and are at present confined at Orleans as prisoners of War. In a few days, I expect to obtain their liberation, and shall procure their passages home. I have likewise the pleasure of forwarding to you an official copy of an arrest of the Directory for raising the embargo, imposed by government on all vessels belonging to the United States, in the ports of this Republic.
I deem it my duty to observe, that from informal communications, which I have recently and repeatedly had with some of the best informed individuals of the government on the subject of American vessels and property, now under trial before the different tribunals of this Republic, I have derived such information of the present disposition and intentions of the Directory, as to be satisfied myself, that they will ere long endeavor to provoke in the legislature a revision of their maritime laws, and that such a system will be organized as will secure the most important right of neutrality upon the seas: this pleasing event is generally expected, and will I am persuaded, arrive before this can reach you. Tho' many of the late arrests of the Directory have certainly encouraged the tribunals in the most pernicious applications of existing laws in regard to neutral property captured and brought in for adjudication yet it may not be unimportant to remark to you, Sir, that the Directory, however well disposed cannot change the conduct of the tribunals in regard to American and other neutral vessels now before them, without legislative interference, and that owing to particular circumstances, it appears evidently that some time is necessary for them to prepare and dispose that body to alter some laws and make others, which shall cause the tribunals and privateers to respect neutrals in general, and the flag of the United States in particular: but from the present manifest dispositions and endeavors of the Directory to produce that end, I am happy to add, that the tribunal of cassation, before whom appeals have been made on most of the American property condemned in France, appear disposed to procrastinate pronouncing upon them until the sentiment of the legislature shall be declared upon the laws which are operating against their success.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most humble servant. FULWAR SKIPWITH.  (TRANSLATION.) Liberty. Equality. Paris, 3d Fructidor, 6th year of the French Republic. (Aug. 20, 1798.) The Minister of Foreign Relations, to Mr. Fulwar Skipwith, Consul General of the U. States to the French Republic.
I send you Sir, copies of two letters written by the Minister of Marine to all the principal officers civil and military of the ports of the Republic.—Their contents will prove to you the attention of the government to remedy the abuses committed against its intentions. With respect to the persons detained in the civil prisons of Orleans, because they are not possessed of papers to prove that they are not English, and who claim to be Americans, be pleased to call upon the Minister of General Police, to whose functions belong all the measures of safety. The Minister of Marine informs me, that he has transmitted their petition to him, and I am going to write to him myself, in order to request him to admit your declaration in their favor, in the absence of other proofs.
Receive, Sir, the assurance of my consideration. (Signed) CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND.  (TRANSLATION.) Copy of a circular letter, written by the Minister of Marine and the Colonies, to all the principal officers of the ports, civil and military, on the 29th Thermidor, 6th year (16th August, 1798.) Our political situation with regard
to the United States, Citizen, not having as yet undergone any change which can effect the respect due to neutral nations, I do not think I have need to remind you, that no injury should be done the safety and liberty of the officers and crews of any American vessel found to be in order, and that the same conduct ought to be observed towards all passengers and other citizens of the United States, furnished with the necessary passports or protections. You will be pleased to use a vigilant attention, that the intentions of the government in this respect may be pursued by all under you, and when any of them has departed from them, you will do justice upon the complaints which may be addressed to you, after ascertaining their validity.
The Minister of Marine and of the Colonies. (Signed) E. BRUIX. For a true copy, The minister of Exterior relations. (Signed) CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND.
(TRANSLATION.) Copy of the circular letter written by the Minister of Marine and the Colonies, to the agents of the Marine in the ports of the Republic. Paris, the 24th Thermidor, 6th year. [11th August, 1798.]
I observe, Citizen, by the correspondence of the greater part of the administrators of the ports, that the embargo recently laid upon the American vessels has occasioned the detention of the crews. The intentions of the government were very badly understood, when a measure was adopted, which, in the first place, hazards the safety of those vessels, and in the second place, appears to place us in a hostile attitude with respect to the United States, whilst the acts of government evince, on the contrary, that it desires a good understanding between the two Republics. I therefore charge you, citizen, immediately on the receipt of this, to order the discharge of all the Americans who may have been confined as prisoners of war, in consequence of the embargo of the vessels. You will be pleased to render me a prompt account of the execution of this order.
The Minister of Marine and of the Colonies. (Signed) E. BRUIX. For a true copy The Minister of Exterior relations. (Signed) CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND. True and exact copies. FULWAR SKIPWITH.
(TRANSLATION.) Department of Exterior relations. Liberty. Equality. (Copy of a Decree.) Extract from the Register of the Decrees of the Executive Directory, of the 29th Thermidor, 6th year of the French Republic, one and indivisible, [16th August, 1798.]
The Executive Directory Considering, that notwithstanding the hostile manifestations of the government of the United States, which have occasioned a momentary embargo upon their vessels, it must be believed that unless abandoned to the passions of the British cabinet, that government faithful to the interests of the American nation, will take measures conformably to them: And willing to pursue the friendly and fraternal habits of France towards a people whose liberty it defended;
Decrees as follows, Art. 1st. The embargo laid upon the American vessels shall be immediately raised. Art. 2d. The Minister of Marine and of the Colonies is charged with the execution of the present decree, which shall not be printed.
For a true copy, As President of the Executive Directory. (Signed) MERLIN. By the Executive Directory, As Secretary general, (Signed) J. M. REVEILLERE LEPEAUX. For a true copy, The Minister of Exterior Relations. (Signed) CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND.
New Negotiation with France. OFFICIAL PAPERS.
[The following STATE PAPERS are worthy being on record.—They will hereafter be referred to, as Documents in proof of the wisdom, forbearance, and magnanimity of the American Government; and the finessery or perfidy of the French Administration.]
M E S S A G E OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TO SENATE. Gentlemen of the Senate, I TRANSMIT you a document which seems to be intended to be a compliance with the condition mentioned at the conclusion of my Message to Congress, of 21st June last.
Always disposed and ready to embrace every plausible appearance of probability, of preserving or restoring tranquility—I nominate WILLIAM VANS MURRAY our Minister, resident at the Hague, to be Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Republic.
If the Senate shall advise and consent to his appointment, effectual care shall be taken in his instructions, that he shall not go to France, without direct and unequivocal assurances from the French government signified by their Minister of Exterior Relations, that he shall be received in character; shall enjoy the privileges attached to his character by the laws of nations; and that a Minister of equal rank, title, and powers, shall be appointed to treat with him, to discuss and conclude all controversies between the two Republics, by a new treaty. JOHN ADAMS.
United States, Feb. 18, 1799. [A Copy.]
[COPY.] LIBERTY. (L. S.) EQUALITY. Exterior Relations, } 3d Division. }
Paris, 7th Vendemaire, of the 7th year of the French Republic, one and indivisible. The Minister of Exterior Relations, to Citizen PICHON Secretary of Legation, of the French Republic, near the Batavian Republic.
I HAVE received successively, Citizen, your letters of the 22d and 27th Fructidor; they afford me more and more reason to be pleased with the manner you have adopted, to detail to me your conversations with Mr. MURRAY. These conversations at first, merely friendly, have required consistency, by the sanction I have given to them by my letter, of the 11th Fructidor. I do not regret that you have trusted to Mr. MURRAY's honor, a copy of my letter. It was intended, for you only, and contained nothing but what is conformable to the intentions of government. I am thoroughly convinced, that should explanations take place with confidence, between the two administrations, irritations would cease, a croud of misrepresentations would disappear, and the ties of friendship would be more strongly united, as each party would discover the hand that sought to disunite them.
But, I will not conceal from you, that your letters of the 2d and 3d Vendemaire, just received, surprise me much.—What Mr. MURRAY is still dubious of, has been explicitly declared even before the President's Message to Congress, of the 3d Messidor last, was known in France. I had written it to Mr. GERRY, namely, on the 24th Messidor, and 4th Thermidor. I did not repeat it to him before he set out. A whole paragraph of my letter, to you, of the 11th Fructidor, of which Mr. MURRAY has a copy, is devoted to develop still more the fixed determination of the French government, according to these bases. You were right to assert, that whatever plenipotentiary the government of the United States might send to France, to put an end to existing differences between the two countries, would be undoubtedly received, with the respect due to the Representative of a free, powerful and independent nation.
I cannot Citizen conceive that the American government need any further declarations from us to induce them in order to renew the negotiations, to adopt such measures as would be suggested to them by their desire to bring the differences to a peaceable end.
If misunderstandings on both sides have prevented former explanations from reaching that end, it is presumable that those misunderstandings being done away, nothing hitherto will bring obstacles to the reciprocal dispositions. The President's instructions to his Envoys at Paris, which I have only known by the copy given you by Mr. MURRAY, and received by me on the 21st Messidor, announcing (if they contain the whole of the American Government's Instructions) dispositions which could only have been added to those which the Directory has always entertained; and notwithstanding the irritating and almost hostile measures they have adopted, the Directory has manifested its perseverance in the sentiments which are deposited both in my correspondence with Mr. GERRY, and in my letter to you of the 11th Fructidor, and which I have herein before repeated in the most explicit manner. Carry, therefore, Citizen, to Mr. MURRAY, those positive expressions, in order to convince him of our sincerity, and prevail upon him to transmit them to his government.
I presume, Citizen, that this letter will find you at the Hague; if not, I ask that it may be sent back to you at Paris. Salute and Fraternity. (Signed) CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND.
NOTE. The 7th Vendemaire, 7th year, of the French Calendar, answers to 28th September, 1798,—of the Christian era.
Gentlemen of the Senate, THE proposition of a fresh Negotiation with France in consequence of advances made by the French government, having excited so general an attention and so much conversation, as to have given occasion to many manifestations of the public opinion, by which it appears to me, that a new modification of the Embassy will give more general satisfaction to the nation, and perhaps better answer the purposes we have in view.
It is upon this supposition, and with this expectation, I now nominate Oliver Elsworth, Esq. Chief Justice of the United States, Patrick Henry, Esq. late Governor of Virginia, and William Vans Murray, our Minister resident at the Hague, to be Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary to the French Republic, with full powers to discuss and settle by a Treaty, all controversies between the United States and France.
It is not intended that the two former of these gentlemen shall embark for Europe until they shall have received from the Executive Directory, direct and unequivocal assurances, signified by their Secretary of Foreign Relations, that they shall enjoy all the prerogatives attached to that character by the law of nations, and that a Minister or Ministers of equal power shall be appointed and commissioned to treat with them. JOHN ADAMS. February, 25, 1799.
WILMINGTON, (N. C.) FEB. 14. FLAG OF TRUCE.
Monday last arrived in this port the French brig James, commanded by citizen Blouch, midshipman of the navy, expedited from Guadalupe under a flag of truce. This vessel had on board one hundred American citizens to be transferred to the United States, 43 of whom remained at St. Thomas, where she had occasion to touch; on the passage, 9 went on board of the ship Fame at sea, bound to Boston, 17 landed at Fort Johnson, and the remainder came up in said brig to this town, among whom are 16 of the marines of the United States schooner Retaliation.
BALTIMORE, MARCH 2. HORRID MURDER!!
On Thursday last a most daring murder was committed on the body of Mr. Todd, overseer of the criminals confined at the wheel-barrow on the Turnpike road; it appears that Mr. Todd had gone into the wood accompanied by two negro criminals; where his body was found yesterday morning, with his scull fractured in a shocking manner, apparently from the blow of an axe: the negroes made off: and yesterday morning a strict search was made for the murderers; one of whom was found in a hay loft in this city. On examination before a magistrate he confessed that his comrade perpetrated the deed, but it is most probable they both were concerned.
A Mr. Miller, living in Fayette-street, who went out gunning yesterday morning, met on Carroll's shore a negro partly fettered with irons, who made towards him, with a clasp knife open: notwithstanding Mr. Miller's requesting him to keep off, he approached in a threatening manner, upon which Mr. Miller discharged a load from a double barreled gun, and shot the negro about the legs; when he made off, and Mr. Miller discharged his second barrel, and wounded him in the shoulder; but the fellow effected his escape, by crossing a run. From every circumstance, it is very probable that this must be the accomplice of the negro already in custody on account of the above murder. Mr. Miller had not heard of the murder until his return to the city in the evening.
HARTFORD, FEB. 25. Important Decision in Chancery.
On Thursday last was decided the famous case of Lynde vs. Miller, &c. This was a bill in Chancery praying for the relief against certain notes given for Georgia lands. The bill complained that the notes were obtained by fraud and misrepresentation. This case was first bro't before the Superior Court in Sept. 1796, and was continued from term to term until the present session, when the court gave judgment for the Plaintiff.
The case was twice argued, and it was expected, from the importance of the question to be decided, that the talents of the gentlemen of the bar, to whose management it was entrusted, would be called forth, and in this respect the public have not been disappointed.—The counsel on both sides have distinguished themselves through the whole of this cause, by their very able management; but we think it will not be doing injustice to either of the other gentlemen concerned, to say, that Mr. P. Edwards, who was Counsel for the Plaintiff, made a display of eloquence never surpassed in this State.
The decision is of great importance in its consequences, as the principle settled involves property to the amount of more than 25,000 dollars.
C O N G R E S S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SATURDAY, MARCH 2.
A resolution on the subject of amending the Constitution, so that each Elector can designate which vote is for President, and which for Vice-President, was rejected.
RETALIATION.
The Bill investing the power of retaliation in cases of any act of severity committed in pursuance of any violent decree of the French Republic, on any American citizens, was called up by Mr. Otis, and debated. The passing of this just and necessary bill was opposed by Messrs. Gallatin, M'Dowell, and others;—but passed, as follows:
YEAS. Messrs. Allen, Baer, Bartlett, Bayard, Brooks, Bullock, Champlin, Cochran, Dana, Dennis, Dent, Edmond, A. Foster, D. Foster, J. Freeman, N. Freeman, Glenn, Goodrich, Gordon, Gregg, Griswold, Grove, Hana, Harper, Hartley, Hindman, Holmes, Hofner, Imlay, Kittera, Lyman, Machir, Matthews, Morris, Otis, I. Parker, J. Parker, Pinckney, Reed, Schureman, Sewall, Shepard, Sinnickson, N. Smith, S. Smith, Spaight, Sprague, Thatcher, Thomas, Thompson, Tillinghast, J. Trigg, Van Alen, Varnum, Wadsworth, Waln.—56.
NAYS. Messrs. Baldwin, Brown, W. Claiborne, Clopton, Dawson, Eggleston, Elmerdorf, Findley, Fowler, Gallatin, Gillespie, Harrison, Havens, Jones, Livingston, Locke, L'YON, Macon, M'Clenachan, M'Dowell, New, SKINNER, W. Smith, Sprigg, Standford, Sumter, A. Trigg, Van Cortlandt, R. Williams.—30
SUNDAY MORNING, MARCH 3. The President informed the two Houses of having approved a number of Acts and Resolutions.
VOTE OF THANKS.
Mr. Champlin addressed the House as follows:
Sensible as I am of the importance of the duties that at all times, attach to a gentleman who presides over the deliberations of this assembly,—and more especially in times of eminent danger; impressed with the able and honorable manner in which those duties have been discharged by the gentleman who now fills the chair;—and believing the sentiments I entertain on this occasion to be in perfect unison with those of every member of this house, I beg leave to submit a resolution expressive of the sense of the house on this subject.
He then moved the following resolution:
Resolved, That the thanks of this House be presented to Jonathan Dayton, in testimony of their approbation of his conduct in discharging the arduous and important duties assigned him, while in the chair."
The motion was received by the Clerk, and the question being put upon it by him, there appeared for it 40, against it 22.
The resolution being carried, the Speaker rose and addressed the House as follows;
No language, Gentlemen, can do justice to those feelings which this second vote of approbation of my conduct after four years Presidency in the House of Representatives has excited in my breast. It would be unjust in me not to acknowledge, that the support uniformly afforded, and on the confidence unremittedly reposed in me, rather than to any merit of my own, is to be ascribed the success with which you are pleased to declare, that the duties of the chair have been executed.
Permit me to say, that far from being displeased, I have, on the contrary been very much gratified at hearing that the resolution of thanks has not been passed, as a mere matter of form unanimously. As in all public bodies, there have ever been found men whose approbation must be considered by the meritorious as a censure, so in this body, there are unhappy some, whose censure will be regarded by all whose esteem I value, as the highest testimony of merit. About to abandon the seat which I have held in this branch of the general legislature for eight successive years, I take advantage of the moment which precedes our separation to bid you gentlemen, an affectionate farewell."
The President communicated a list of private armed ships, to whom commissions have been issued since July last.
   No. Vessels. Guns.     New-Hampshire, - 1 - 6   Messachusetts, - 113 - 751   Rhode-Island, - 9 - 69   Connecticut, - 6 - 62   New-York, - 67 - 551   Pennsylvania, - 64 - 497   Maryland, - 61 - 437   Delaware, - 1 - 6   Virginia, - 16 - 127   North-Carolina, - 1 - 6   South-Carolina, - 24 - 197   Georgia, - 2 - 14   365 2723  
This substantial document will demonstrate to the pirates of the ocean, that though they set at nought the ordinances of GOD, the ordinance of Man shall make them know their distance, or punish them for their temerity.

F I R E !
NORFOLK, FEB. 25.
Sunday morning presented to our citizens a spectacle truly awful—never, since the revolution, have they witnessed such an one in this place. At about two in the morning, they were awakened from their peaceful slumbers by the loud and repeated cries of fire.
It made its first appearance in a house near the head of Woodside's wharf; and already had it become so formidable, as seemingly to threaten all with the most dreadful consequences. The usual means—engines, axes, &c.—were used, in order to arrest its progress; but without effect; every moment gave it additional strength. The weather was calm: the crackling flame extended in every direction: sentiments of dismay and horror pervaded every breath; and even hope was almost extinguished. Such a scene few have beheld. House after house was successively torn down: the furious flames did but mock the effort to stay their progress. In this dilemma, the last sad hope rested on the effects of gunpowder—it was accordingly brought. Those houses in the different quarters of communication, which if suffered to stand would endanger the whole town, and which must themselves soon have fallen before the destructive element, were successively blown up. This caused an immediate abatement of the fire; and the citizens seizing the favorable moment, succeeded in their endeavours to extinguish it. At about seven in the morning, the danger was entirely over. Had it continued for about an hour longer, ere this the town would have been a heap of ashes; for the wind sprung up from the west, and continued to blow very fresh for the remainder of the day.—This was a direction which could not fail to have communicated the flames to the other parts of the town.
All the houses within the square bounded by Water, Commerce and Main streets, and by Burke's wharf, were totally consumed. The whole number is computed to be about 60, the greater part of which were built of wood, and occupied principally by tradesmen.
Thus, in a few short hours, the work of many years has been reduced to a heap of ashes; the affluent to bare competency, perhaps to poverty; and the industrious tradesman to want and misery!—Let the hand of charity be extended: let the rich seek out distress, and administer comfort. Many are the objects which call for assistance; and more are there who can afford to give it. The voice of humanity cries aloud, "forget not the sufferers are Men, as well as you."
To enumerate the different characters who distinguished themselves amidst the calamitous scene, would be a task too difficult for us to perform. Much more so, then, would it be to bestow on each that praise which is justly due. The gratitude of their fellow-citizens, and the consciousness of having merited it, will be a more lasting and acceptable recompence than can be conferred in the fleeting sheet of the day.
A sailor was killed by the explosion of one of the houses. We are informed also, that the skeleton of a woman has been discovered among the rubbish, since the fire.
PHILADELPHIA, March 7.
In our paper of the 16th ult. we gave an account of the gallant conduct of Capt. Tingey, as related by a gentleman who came passenger in the Nancy, from St. Thomas's. But as Capt. Tingey did not mention the circumstance in his letter to the Secretary of the Navy, received by the same arrival, many persons were inclined to doubt it. The following, however, which we procured at a late hour last evening, may be relied on as authentic, and, in our opinion, fully confirms the account:
Extract of a letter from an officer of the Ganges, dated Norfolk, February 21. "An officer of the Surprise, an English frigate of 44 guns, boarded us off C. N. Mole, and demanded all the Englishmen on board, also to examine the protections of the American seamen. Capt. Tingey's answer was manly and noble. "A PUBLIC SHIP CARRIES NO PROTECTION BUT HER FLAG. I DO NOT EXPECT TO SUCCEED IN A CONTEST WITH YOU; BUT I WILL DIE AT MY QUARTERS BEFORE A MAN SHALL BE TAKEN FROM THE SHIP."—The crew gave him three cheers, ran to quarters, and called for Yankee Doodle. The Surprise, upon hearing our determination, chose rather to leave us than to fight for dead men!"
The dispute between the Senate of Hamburg and the British resident in that city is said to have been terminated by the interference of the British cabinet, who have sent over instructions to their agent, not to insist on detaining Napper Tandy, Black-
well, and the other Irishmen in the military service of France, lately arrested at that place. Blackwell is said to be an officer of very high repute, and has served in several campaigns on the Rhine.
MARCH 8.
A letter from a gentleman in Northhampton county, in this state, dated the 5th instant, mentions that the marshal of the United States had arrived there with twenty-eight writs against persons who had opposed the assessment of the direct tax in the execution of their duties. The citizens were to assemble at Bethlehem yesterday to enter into recognizances before judge Henry.
NEW-YORK, March 5.
Mr. Mackaness has informed the public, that the mail for the Chesterfield Packet Capt. Jones, which was sunk, has been restored;—that the letters appear but little damaged; and that the packet was to sail the 7th. Capt. Jones has returned from Philadelphia.
A London paper of Dec. 22, says—"The King of Prussia has informed the Senate of Hamburg, he cannot consider Napper Tandy a citizen of France, as he had not been a resident seven years.
MARCH 11.
ANOTHER FRENCH CLAIM TO GRATITUDE!
A gentleman of the strictest veracity assures us, that a letter has been received in town from Philadelphia, from a person in office, unfolding a new system in the catalogue of French villainy, the substance of which is as follows:
That at the very time citoyen Talleyrand was playing off his villainous hypocrisy, in his correspondence with Mr. Gerry, orders were absolutely dispatched to St. Domingo, requiring Hedouville to prepare a body of armed troops for an attack on the southern States, and to embrace the first favorable moment for effecting his infernal purposes. It is added, that the vigilance of the British cruisers alone deterred this fiend from putting his diabolical plan into execution.
PROVIDENCE, March 9.
The Legislature of this State has passed with great unanimity, the following wise and spirited Resolutions:
RESOLVED, That in the opinion of this Legislature, the second section of the third article of the Constitution of the United States, in these words, to wit:— The judicial power shall extend to all cases arising under the laws of the United States, vests in Federal Courts, exclusively, and in the Supreme Court of the United States, ultimately, the authority of deciding on the constitutionality of any act or law of the Congress of the United States.
RESOLVED, That for any State Legislature to assume that authority, would be, 1st. Blending together legislative and judicial powers. 2d. Hazarding an interruption of the peace of the states by civil discord, in case of a diversity of opinions among the State Legislatures; each State having in that case no resort for vindicating its own opinion, but to the strength of its own arm. 3d. Submitting most important questions of law, to less competent tribunals; and 4th. An infraction of the Constitution of the United States, expressed in plain terms.
RESOLVED, That although for the above reasons this Legislature, in their public capacity, do not feel themselves authorised to consider and decide on the constitutionality of the Sedition and Alien Laws (so called) yet they are called upon, by the exigency of this occasion, to declare, that in their private opinions, these laws are within the powers delegated to Congress, and promotive of the welfare of the United States.
RESOLVED, That the Governor communicate these Resolutions to the Supreme Executive of the State of Kentucky, and at the same time express to him, that this Legislature cannot contemplate without extreme concern and regret, the many evil and fatal consequences which may flow from the very unwarrantable Resolutions aforesaid, of the Legislature of Kentucky, passed on the 10th day of November last.
The above resolutions, and similar ones in answer to those of Virginia, concurred in both Houses, with only one dissenting voice.
BOSTON, March 16.
FROM FRANCE.
The schooner Mary , Capt. Watkins, arrived yesterday from Bourdeaux;—passage 95 days. Dr. Timothy Green came passenger in her.
From the length of the passage political news cannot be expected. We have been favored with files of Paris papers to 10th Frimaire, [about the first of Dec.] and Bourdeaux Commercial Advertisers to 5th Dec. They contain little on subjects worthy observation.
By this arrival we learn—That notwithstanding the French Directory enforces all its mandates with violence,
and public voice is obliged to take any pitch given it, the general opinion is opposed to an open war with the United States;—while, at the same time, all descriptions of subjects are very willing to share the American property which daily arrives at Bourdeaux; and which is readily pronounced bon prise . To the disgrace of the American name, many of our unworthy countrymen, are partakers in this nefarious brigandage. Amongst them we have heard of a Randall a Savage , &c. whose conduct would appear as black as Erubus , if even placed in contact with the most atrocious enormities of the licentious plunderers of the coast of Barbary.
A half column of the Paris "Gazette Nationale," is occupied in publishing the account of the erection of a pitiful Liberty Pole , in the town of Wallingford, in Vermont!
The President of the United States remains strong in the confidence and affections of the people, notwithstanding the attempts which have been made in two Philadelphia papers to injure his popularity. It is a satisfaction to reflect that one of these papers, and the most virulent of them, is edited by a foreigner, who boasts upon all occasions of his contempt for this country.
From ISLE-OF-FRANCE—Late.
The Asia has arrived at Philadelphia, in 90 days from the Isle-of-France. An insurrection of the Equality party against the Colonial Assembly, had taken place—some of the members were arrested, and others fled to the mountains—where, collecting their forces, they in their turn, became assailants, reduced their opponents, secured 23 of the ringleaders, and shipped them off to Old France; for whence they failed in a brig the day before the Asia. A French frigate of 44 guns took no part in the revolt.
The Jacobins swore that no Federalist should sustain any office in the town of Medfield for the ensuing year. At the late March meeting, in that place, every enemy to our Constitution and its wise administration, was treated with the same respect as was paid to Honestus in Boston—Federal men were elected to perform every municipal duty except in one instance. Two Jacobins were chosen to superintend the safe keeping and good behavior of their brother hogs.
MARCH 18.
From NEWPORT, March 12. Sinking of a French brig by Commodore Barry.
We have received by Capt. Usher, of the schr. Commerce, of Bristol, from St. Vincent's, the following account:—That Capt. Barry, in the frigate United States, on or about the 11th Feb. attacked a French privateer brig of 14 guns; and after three broadsides, sunk her. By the exertions of the crew of the frigate, about 60 of the commissioned sans culotte pirates were saved. The frigate afterwards went into Barbadoes to take charge of a convoy.
The agents of the Philadelphia East-India Company have sold one hundred thousand dollars Scrip in the New Loan, at 22 1/2 per cent advance.
A report has been in circulation, that Gen. Pinckney has been shot at Charleston. It is thought to be a sheer fabrication.
The Hon. Isaac Parker, is appointed Marshal of the District of Maine, vice John Hobbs, Esq.
The Grand Jury for the county of Suffolk, have found a bill of Indictment against Mr. Porter for the murder of his children; but not against the woman committed with him.
A Mr. Sylvester, has been committed to prison, charged with altering Bank Bills from 5 to 50 dollars.
COMMUNICATIONS.
A CORRESPONDENT SAYS,
The public are not to imagine THE PRESIDENT of the U. States predicted his nomination of the Envoys to France, on the hamburg letter of TALLEYRAND, to one citizen PICHON: It is known, he must have had better grounds for the measure, and that in many things it is his incumbent duty to make his breast the sole confident of secrets.
Those who think we shall lessen the honorable connexion, and cordial friendship which subsists between the United States and Great-Britain, by the renomination of Envoys to hear propositions from France, calculate more from their fears than their judgments. They will recollect, that even during the war, Great-Britain has sent two Embassies into France, to treat of Peace;—and yet has not fallen in the estimation of the honorable world. It is true, the British government has not relaxed in any warlike measures;—nor will, we trust, the U. States:—JOHN ADAMS is the guardian of the American Eagle—and while he presents his Olive-Branch, he will take special care to keep the barbs of his arrow, well pointed.
Marine Intelligence.
New-York, March 9.
Arrived Capt. Wyeth, of the barque Pallas, failed from the Cove of Cork on the 1st of Jan. and a farther confirmation of the entire tranquility of Ireland. He has brought out 74 passengers, all of whom are from Belfast, except one, they appeared to rejoice at the happy state in which they left their native country.
Wiscasset March 5, 1799.
MR. RUSSELL, SIR,
Having a vessel arrived from Nevis, which has been taken and retaken, I have thought proper to state the particulars to you, that the world through your paper may be convinced that two Americans are equal in bravery to six Frenchmen.
The schooner Apollo, of Wiscasset, William Clifford, jun. master, laden with rum and molasses, failed from Nevis, the 1st of February, bound for Wiscasset. After being out five days, this with the schooner Venus, Capt. Bartholomew Laidell or Laffell of Kennebec, were captured by a French schooner mounting 10 guns, with 95 men, from St. Domingo, being then in lat. 24;—who took out all the Apollo's crew, excepting Capt. Clifford and Mr. Trask one of the men, (who finding themselves sick were left behind) put on board a prize-master and 5 hands, and ordered the Apollo for Currao. The next day after being captured, Capt. Clifford found himself well enough to go on deck, and observing the prize-master's pistols and cutlass lying in the binnacle,—watched his opportunity, when the prize-master was talking with the prize-master of the Venus (being close on board each other) and handed the pistols down the gang-way to Mr. Trask.—He then seized the cutlass, and ordered the man at helm to put the helm hard down. The prize-master seeing this, sprang for his pistols, but not finding them, he called on the schooner Venus to fire on the Apollo with some small arms they had on board.—Capt. Clifford ordered Trask to blow the prize-master through, if he did not countermand those orders, which he immediately did. Trask drove the 4 Frenchmen that were forward down the fore-scuttle, while Capt. Clifford secured the prize-master and the man at helm, and afterwards confined them in the lower hold, all but the prize-master, who they locked in the cabin. A few days after, they fell in with an American schooner, bound from Philadelphia to Jamaica, on board of which Capt. Clifford put two of the Frenchmen; the others he brought into this port, where they arrived last Thursday. Three were immediately committed to gaol; the prize-master remained at the Marshal's house a prisoner.—But the citizens throughout the country were so much enraged at the treatment of the French to our countrymen, that they threatened to burn the Marshal's house, if the Frenchman was not immediately sent to prison: Accordingly he was conducted thither last night, although his feet were very much frozen.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
March 5th, 1799.
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That by an act of Congress passed the 28th day of Feb. 1799, the following alterations and amendments have been made to an act passed on the 6th day of July, 1797, intitled "an act laying duties upon stamped vellum, parchment and paper."
The Stamp Duties heretofore imposed upon Foreign Bills of Exchange and Bills of Lading are to cease, and determine from and after the 31st day of March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine. The several Stamp Duties hereafter enumerated, will be levied and collected throughout the United States, from and after the 31st day of March, 1799.
II.
For every skin or piece of Vellum or Parchment, or sheet or piece of paper, upon which shall be written or printed either of the instruments or writings following, to wit:
  Any Foreign Bill of Exchange, draft or order for the payment of money in any foreign country, 20   Any note, bill of lading, or writing or receipt in nature thereof, for goods or merchandise to be exported;—if from one district to another district of the United States, not being in the same state, 4   If from the United States to any foreign port or place, 10   Any Policy of Insurance, or instrument in the nature thereof, other than those heretofore specified in the above recited Act, when the sum insured shall not exceed five hundred dollars, 25   When the sum insured shall exceed five hundred dollars, 1   And the said duties are chargeable upon each and every Bill of Exchange and Bill of Lading without respect to the number contained in each set. III. 
Bonds required in any case by the Laws of the U. States, or of any State, upon legal process, or in any judicial proceeding, or for the faithful performance of any trust or duty, are exempt from the payment of Stamp duties.
Given under my hand at Philadelphia, the day and year above mentioned. OLIVER WOLCOTT, Secretary of the Treasury.
PORTSMOUTH, March 20.
Old Continental—75 for one.
Truxton's Victory again confirmed.
Capt. Lowell who failed on the 14th day of February from Martinico, in a brig belonging to Newbury-Port, put in here on Monday night for a harbour, says, he was on board the French frigate Insurgent after she was captured and carried into St. Kitts, that she lost 75 men killed and wounded; that the United States frigate Constellation lost only one man killed in the engagement, (beside one who deserted his quarters in time of action and was killed on the spot by the Lieutenant,) that the engagement lasted nearly five glasses. Will not this dispel all doubts? If not, Capt. Truxton's official account must, which no doubt will be received by the next Southern Mail.
It is said that the Federal interest will have a larger majority in the next Congress than it had in the last. This is a fortunate circumstance, and one of its consequences will be the prevention of many a tedious debate.—Where the numbers are nearly equally divided, the disinterested orators, the Nicholas , and the Gallatin , attempt by long speeches to cajole or fatigue a few of their opponents, and thus obtain a majority. Whether this succeeds or not, the expence of time and money is to be regretted. Where the majority is upon all occasions large and decided, these orators cannot have the same hopes, and consequently not the same inducements. We may therefore look forward with pleasing anticipation to the future prospects of our country, as far as they can be affected by the completion of the national legislature. We are blessed with a Chief Magistrate, whose long tried virtue and talents defy the breath of calumny—whose foresight, magnanimity, and fortitude have more than once produced to his country the most important benefits. The subordinate departments of government are ably filled—with a Senate and House of Representatives, which truly represent the dignity and interests of the States, and the people—with all these, and a devotion in the people to their constitution and government, we can have nothing to fear from foreign or domestic foes.
THE PRESIDENT of the United States, has appointed Thursday, the twenty-fifth of April, as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, throughout the United States.
A letter from Mr. John Brewer, Post-master at Schoodick, (Maine) of Feb. 19, contains the following melancholy account:—"Last Tuesday afternoon, a boat with the mail for St. Andrews, set out with five passengers; just before they reached the shore the boat was upset by a sudden squall, by which accident the passengers were all drowned, and the mail lost. The names of the unfortunate persons were. James Sprague, Calvin Kidder, James Trott, Samuel Trott, and John Hodge; the three former have families near this place."
THIS WINTER.
Seems to be as terrible at the Southward as with us. A Philadelphia paper observes—"That it seems to have no end. The snow covers the ground; the Delaware is filled with ice and nearly frozen over, and the water freezes in the house.—We have had four months and ten days dead winter. Since the 18th October there have not been above six days fit for ploughing."
The Government of the United States, we learn, will not accept the gift of the Retaliation, from the French.
The British Admiral Harvey, in the West-Indies, calls the American frigates, seventy-fours in disguise.
A CARD.
MR. CLAP presents his compliments to Mr. Melcher, and requests him thro' the medium of his Gazette, respectfully to inform his friends in particular, and fellow-citizens in general, that he declines being considered as a candidate for any office whatever, at the ensuing annual meeting for the election of Town Officers, &c.
Portsmouth, March 19, 1799.
ENTRY AT THE CUSTOM HOUSE.
March 16, Ship John, Boardman, St. Ubes.
MARRIED —On Saturday evening by the Rev. Mr. Willard, Mr. George Andrews, merchant, to the amiable Miss Ann Neil, eldest daughter of Mr. William Neil, merchant of this town.
WANTED,
AN Apprentice to the Painters business, to whom good encouragement will be given. Apply to GEORGE DOIG. Portsmouth, March 20, 1799.

From a Portland Paper.
EPIGRAM
On a Market-House, changed into an Assembly-Room.
How odd the change! How strange the whim! Quoth humorous Jack to wagging Jill; Not strange at all, quoth Jill to him; 'Tis used for making markets still.
FANCY GOODS.
JUST OPENED BY
Peter Coffin,
A great Variety of Elegant Camel's Hair Shawls, From 4 to 11 dolls. Fashionable yard wide. London Chintzes; Swan-down, Quiltings and Camel's Hair Waistcoating. Portsmouth, March 8, 1799.
NEW GOODS.
Just opened and for sale by Edward Parry, At his Store in Market-street, A complete assortment of fashionable superfine
BROAD CLOTHS and Calfimeres; Swan-down & fancy Waistcoating; silk, and silk and cotton Hose; assortment of Worsted ditto.
ALSO
A complete assortment of Chintzes and Calicoes of the newest patterns; Muslinets and Dimities; book and jaconet Muslins, some very fine; Cambric and Muslins for ladies' new fashion dresses. Ladies' kid and silk Gloves; Mens' Beaver Gloves. Irish Linen; India Cotton, and other articles as usual, Cheap for Cash or short Credit. Portsmouth, Feb. 15, 1799.
By Adjournment!
ROCKINGHAM, ss. TO BE SOLD
At Public Vendue,
By virtue of an order from the Hon. Sam'l Tenney, Esq. Judge of Probate, of Wills, &c. for the county of Rockingham aforesaid, at the house of Mr. James Peasey, innholder in Newington, on Thursday the 21st inst. at 1 o'clock, P. M.
THE remainder part of that valuable tract of corn land, now in good order, to produce a crop, in said Newington, called Downing's plain, said to be 100 acres, be the same more or less, to be sold whole or in quarter lots, as will best suit the purchasers. Nine months credit to be given with good security for a part of the money. Further conditions to be made known at the time and place above mentioned.
BARTHOLOMEW DOWNING, RICHARD D. HART. Newington, March 20, 1799.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors and owners of land in Henniker, who have not paid their State, town, school, bridge, county and highway taxes for the year 1798, that so much of their land as will pay said taxes with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the dwelling house of James Wallace, in said Henniker, on the 29th day of May next, at 10 o'clock A. M. unless prevented by previous payment.
   Lot. Range. Quarters. Town. School. Bridge. County. Highway.     Stephen Dow 13 11 85 50 40 78 81   Jona. Fafley 8 13 10 12 18 15 26   Elija. Purinton 10 30 15 15 12 24 20   Moss Emeron 4 12 50 16 16 13 20   Farm form-erly owned by Flij. Rice 16 17 50 14 14 11 20   Daniel Page 6 13 30 5 0 0 8   Eph'm French 17 2 100 12 0 0 18   Moss Hunt 12 13 50 4 0 0 6   David Dow 5 12 30 4 0 0 6   BENJAMIN HOYT, Collector.    Henniker, March 15, 1798.
THE subscribers being appointed Commissioners by the Hon. Samuel Tenney, Esq. Judge of Probate for the county of Rockingham, State of New-Hampshire, to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of WILLIAM PLUMMER, late of Portsmouth, in said county, merchant, deceased, represented insolvent, hereby give notice that they will attend on that business, on the last Monday of this and the five following months, from 4 to 6 o'clock, P. M. at the store of Messrs. Prout and Parsons in Newbury-Port.
ABRAHAM WHEELWRIGHT, SAMUEL CUTLER, THO: BRADBURY, jun. Newbury-Port, March 1, 1799.
State of New-Hampshire.
County of Grafton.
PUBLIC Notice is
hereby given, That whereas an ACT was passed by the General Court on the 24th day of December, A. D. 1798, granting a tax of three cents per acre on each acre of land in Landaff, in said county of Grafton, (public rights excepted) for the term of one year, to be applied to the laying out, making and repairing a road or roads through said town—And whereas in said act it is provided, that the proprietors and owners of land in said town shall have liberty to pay their proportion of said assessment in labour, to be done on said roads at any time between the 1st day of June and the last day of September, 1799. And whereas the subscribers were appointed a committee to see said labour performed, and to notify said proprietors and owners of the time in which said labour is to be done; this is to give notice to said proprietors and owners, that they may appear any time between the said first day of June and the last day of September next, and pay their respective proportion of said tax in labour on said roads.
JOHN COGSWELL, RICH'D CLEMENT, PETER CARLTON, } Committee. Landaff, Feb. 1, 1799.
THE proprietors of the township formerly called Newbritton, now Andover, in the county of Hillsborough and State of New-Hampshire, are hereby notified to meet at the house of Charles Hilton, innholder in said town, on Thursday the 28th day of March next, at one of the clock, P.M. 1st. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2d. To choose a proprietors clerk. 3d. To see if the proprietors will pass a vote to sell a certain gore of land between the lots and amendments so called, near the upper end of said town, or dispose of the same or any part thereof in any way or manner for the proprietors benefit, as shall be agreed on at said meeting.
4th. To see if the proprietors will pass a vote to sell twenty acres of land at the South-end of the lot No. 53, in the third range in said town, which was formerly laid out for a mill privilege.
5th. To choose a committee to view said gore and mill privilege, and to run out said gore and draw a plan of the same if agreed on at said meeting, and to transact all business that shall be voted for them, or that shall be for said proprietors benefit, and to call the next proprietors meeting.
JONATHAN WEARE, } Committee. JOSEPH BROWN, jr. Andover, Feb. 12, 1799.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident owners of land in Epsom, who have not paid their tax for the year 1791, that unless they pay the same to the subscriber on or before the first day of May next, so much of their land as will pay the same together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the dwelling house of Maj. James H. McClary in said town, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on said day.
Theodore Atkinson, 125 4 120 4 JOSEPH SHERBURN, Collector. Epsom, Feb. 15, 1799.
WE the subscribers being appointed Commissioners by the Hon. Judge of Probate for the county of Rockingham, State of New-Hampshire, to receive, examine, and adjust the claims of the creditors to the estate of MARK HAM, late of Portsmouth, Cabinet-maker, deceased, represented insolvent—hereby give notice, that we will attend at the town clerk's office on said business, on the 2d Wednesday of March, and the five following months, from three o'clock till six in the evening on said days.
GEORGE GAINS, NATH'L MARSHALL, } Commissioners. SAM'L HUTCHINGS, Portsmouth, Feb. 24, 1799.
NOTICE is hereby given that so much of each original proprietors right of land in the town of Orange, and in the county of Grafton, viz. the rights of Joseph Eaton, Ephraim Spalding, jr. Jacob Fellows, Robert Washburn, Joseph Spalding, Ephraim Jones, Simon Fobes, Richard Smith, Ebenezer Brown, Theophilus Clark, John Bartholomew, Silas Bowen, Curtiss Spalding, and Hezekiah Spalding; will be exposed for sale at public vendue, at the dwelling house of Nathan Waldo, Esq. in said Orange, on Tuesday the 26th day of March next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, as will raise the sum of two dollars on each right with all legal costs, unless prevented by previous payment; said tax was voted at a meeting of the proprietors of said town on the 18th day of June, 1795, was duly assessed and committed to me to collect, and I have advertised for payment as the law directs.
NATHAN WALDO, jr. Prop's Collector. Orange, Feb. 12, 1799.
NOTICE is hereby given that at a legal meeting of the proprietors of Brittonwoods, in the county of Grafton, held at the dwelling house of Mr. John Greenleaf in Portsmouth, on the 4th day of February, 1799, a tax of four dollars was voted to be assessed on each original right, or share of land in said Brittonwoods, and the same is assessed and committed to me to collect, unless the same is paid to me at my dwelling house in Portsmouth on or before the 10th day of April next, the land will be advertised for sale as the law directs.
SAM'L BOWLES, Prop's Collector. Portsmouth, Feb. 27, 1799.
State of New-Hampshire. Grafton, ss.
WHEREAS a tax bill for highway taxes for the year 1798, of which the following is a true copy of what yet is unpaid, is committed to me to collect by the Selectmen of Bath, with a warrant to collect the same, which tax is assessed upon the lots as numbered in their respective ranges, agreeable to a plan and charter of said town bearing date March 29th, 1769, and the same having been notified by the receiver of non-resident taxes as the law directs. This is therefore to notify all the non-resident and other owners of unimproved lands in said town of Bath, that unless the taxes annexed to each lot as herein set forth at the time of sale to the subscriber, at my dwelling house in said Bath, on or before Tuesday the 21st day of May next, said lots or so much of each lot as will be sufficient to pay said taxes with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue at the dwelling house of Doctor Isaac Mooer in Bath, on said day, at ten of the clock in the forenoon.
   No. D.C. Cts.     1st range, 100 acre 1 59   lots, west side Am. 2 59   monusuck river, 3 59   8 59   2d range do. 14 59   3d range do. 3 59   11 59   1st range, west division, 16 59   17 59   18 59   23 59   24 59   25 59   26 59   28 59   2d range do. 1/2 29 29   30 59   31 59   40 59   41 59   42 59   3d range do. 43 59   44 59   45 59   54 59   56 59   60 acre lots belonging to the 4th range of 100 acre 1 36   lots, West division, 2 36   1st range 60 acre lots, 2 36   West division, 3 36   6 36   7 36   8 36   10 36   16 36   17 36   19 36   20 36   2d range do. 1 36   2 36   3 36   4 36   5 36   14 36   15 36   16 36   17 36   3d range do. 1 36   2 36   3 36   10 36   1st range, 100 acre lots, East side Ammonusuck river, 9 59   2d range do. 15 59   1 59   3 59   4 59   5 59   6 59   7 59   10 59   3d range, 20 59   do. 21 59   1st Range, 60 acre lots, East side Ammonusuck river, 2 36   12 36   13 36   14 36   2d range do. 9 36   10 36   11 36   3d range do. 6 36   7 36   8 36   4th range do. 4 36   5 36   6 36   5th range do. 1 36   2 36   3 36   6th range do. 4 36   Governor's farm, 500 2 95   Common land, 700 4 13  
AARON POWERS, Collector. Bath, January 9, 1799.
BOOKS, BLANKS and STATIONARY for sale at J. Melcher's Printing-Office and Book-Store, corner of Market-Street, Portsmouth.
TO BE LET,
By the subscriber—a large and CONVENIENT Store, situate on Spring-Hill in Portsmouth, and opposite the Store of Mr. Peter Coffin, it is very suitable for a wholesale and retail English Goods Store, and will be fitted up in a mode that shall be approved of by the person to whom it may be leased. J. WHIPPLE.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident owners of land in Springfield, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1798, that so much of their land will be sold at public vendue on Monday the third day of June next, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, at the house of Samuel Clay, innholder in said town, as will pay the taxes and charges, unless prevented by previous payment.
   No. State. Quarters. Cts.     James M'Gregore, Esq. 27 192 48 14   Ann Ordoway, 7 96 24 7   do. 6 96 24 7   do. 5 96 24 7   Lt. John Sweat, lot, 38 96 24 7   Tho's Thompson, Esq. 8 96 24 7   do. 9 96 24 7   Capt. Ebenezer Fry, 7 48 12 3   Capt. Mat'w Pettibone, 44 192 48 14   do. half lot, 43 96 24 7   do. half lot, 38 96 24 7   NATH'L CLARK, Collector.    Springfield, Feb. 4, 1799.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the town of Packersfield, in the county of Cheshire, who have not paid their Highway, State and County taxes for the year 1798, that unless they pay the same with incidental charges to me the subscriber, so much of their land will be sold at public vendue to the highest bidder, at the dwelling house of Josiah Melvin, Esq. in said Packersfield, on Monday the 6th day of May next, at one of the clock in the afternoon, as will pay the same, which are as follows, viz.
   No. Range. Quarters. State. Highway. County.     North-East quarter. D.Cts. Cts. Cts.   Aaron Felt, 1 1 95 69 26   1 10 30   Isaac Appleton, 3 3 70 61 23   Benja. Adams, 3 7 14 77 29   Oliver Scripture, 1 1 35 32 14   James Scripture, 4 6 0 34 13   Bez'al Spaulding 2 4 30 55 21   Abra'm Sheldon, 5 8 50 0 27   S. West quarter.   Alexa'r Rolfsen, 2 1   1 1   1 3 300 1 8 41   1 4   Benjamin Clark, 0 0 75 0 27   Azel Shelley, 0 0 15 0 10   Samuel Brown, 0 0 25 0 17   S. East quarter.   Col. Balding's heirs, 15 0 0 33   William Thomson, 20 0 0 13   THADDEUS BARKER, Collector.    Packersfield, Feb. 5, 1799.
NEW-CHESTER.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident owners of land in New-Chester, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1798, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber on or before the 28th day of May next, so much of their land as will pay the same together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at ten o'clock A. M. on said day, at the dwelling house of Edward Blodget, innholder in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
   No. Range. Quarters. State. Highway. County.     D.Cts. Cts. Cts.   John Tolford, Esq. 28 3 100 75 9 2   do. 24 4 100 40 4 7   do. 39 4 100 50 6 1   Samuel Searls, 92 4 100 40 4 7   do. 43 3 21 10 1 3   Col. M. Thornton, 87 3 100 55 6 4   do. 88 3 100 55 6 4   do. 90 3 100 60 7 1   do. 45 4 100 75 9 2   Samuel Moores, 67 3 100 50 6 1   do. 13 4 100 50 6 1   Robert Fletcher, 27 3 100 50 6 1   do. 19 4 100 50 6 1   James M'Farson, 48 4 100 50 6 1   Joseph Blanchard, 35 4 100 40 4 7   James Moore, 75 3 100 50 6 1</