The New Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1799-03-06 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. 2205.]
WEDNESDAY, March 6, 1799.
[One Dollar & half pr. Annur.]
New Set of Dispatches.
[Brought by Mr. Gerry, relating the affairs of France, after the departure of his colleagues.]
[continued from our last.]
[No. 21.]
(TRANSLATION.)
Ministry of Exterior Relations.
Paris, 18th Messidor, 6th year.
(July 6, 1798.)
The Minister of Exterior Relations of the French Republic, to Mr. Gerry, Envoy of the United States.
I HAVE received, Sir, your answer of the 13th of this month, to my letter of the 8th. I will not conceal from you, that this kind of correspondence gives me the more pain, as it injures the progress of our business.
It is clear that before Germinal, (before 21st March,) the intentions of the Executive Directory could not be known at Philadelphia, but by communication from Paris; but I assert, that they did not proceed either from the French government, or its agents, or from any one whatever to my knowledge.
In the mean time, let us admit the gratuitous supposition that you make upon this subject. Is it therefore less true, that my overtures to treat with you were known in the United States, when it was there declared, that France refused all negotiation?
You tell me, that the United States having been twice baffled in their attempts, it belongs to France to make an effort in order to effect a reconciliation between the two republics.
What name therefore do you give to the indefatigable zeal which I manifested to smooth all the difficulties and bring about an honorable accommodation? It is a genuine effort, Sir, the merit of which might be better appreciated. What, on the other hand, are the two attempts of the United States? I know of no other mission on their part, in consequence of the declaration made at Philadelphia, on the 25th of Brumaire, (Nov. 15, 1796) than that consisted jointly and separately to Messrs. Pinckney, Marshall, and yourself.
I will not retrace the causes which have prevented the Envoys collectively from attaining the most complete success; but I will affirm that they are foreign to the French government, and that in any state of the case, it depends upon you to fulfil the expectation of the two countries.
You deny, Sir, that there was some generality on my part in proposing to you to banish hereafter, from our communications, all unuseful episodes, and especially no longer to give a place in them to recriminations.
This is another episode; but since you force me to it, it is necessary that I should explain myself more fully. If now and then some anonymous publications, of a nature disagreeable to the American government, have crept into the French papers, it would not become you to complain. For a long time, certain papers of the U. States, the editor of one of which is the printer of the Senate, daily spread abroad the most atrocious calumnies, the most injurious insinuations, the most base reflections upon the French people, their institutions, their government, their legislators, the heads of their executive, their ministers, their agents, their glorious defenders. Yes, those same warriors, who reject their enemies, receive the most inglorious appellations among a friendly people, for whom many of them have combated.
Nay, more; within the very walls of the National Representation of the U. States, how many deeply insulting speeches have been and yet are delivered. Nothing is spared in order to endeavor to degrade the French republic in the opinion of the American people; and the silence of your government leaves an open field to this torrent of invectives, whilst scarcely now and then a word of reply escapes, notwithstanding our vigilance, from the indignation of some French citizen. Is it not repeated in the U. States, that the Executive Directory repels negotiation in order to wait an opportunity of carrying the war thither? This odious assertion has been credited; and your government, which ought to know that such a thought was never conceived, opposes no corrective to the impression which it is calculated to make.
Whatever may be your opinion of it, Sir, it is generous to stifle all the sentiments which arise in abundance on reading your public papers, and even the debates of your legislature upon the subjects of France. And yet until the two governments shall be so far reconciled as to concert the means of remedying those abuses, it is expedient that those who are to treat upon the interests of the two nations, adopt a conciliatory language, and hereafter avoid what may give rise to painful recollections. I repeat to you, that it is my desire; that I will set the example; that I am impatient to abjure reproaches; and that I insist that this point may be well understood.
This is the last time that I shall yield to these digressions, which ought to be as disagreeable to you as they are to me.
You have not transmitted to me any opinion, Sir, upon the note annexed to my letter of the 9th of this month. I have delayed until now sending you the following ones. I flatter myself that the long conference which I have had with you, will have produced some modification of the resolution in which you might appear to persevere. I therefore recommend to your attention two fresh notes, one upon the 12th article, and the other upon the sixteenth
article of the Convention of the fourteenth of November, 1788. They contain every thing which it is important to explain at present, in relation to this act. We will immediately after proceed to the treaties of February, 1778. You desired that I might send you some propositions. I did so on the 30th Prairial (18th June) and you should have had them sooner, had it not been for the incident which has happened. I have therein traced the plan of the negotiation. I have therein pointed out generally the intentions of France; I have therein entered into an engagement to discuss every proper subject; I have assured you that the Executive Directory would render to the United States that justice which it expects itself; I have excluded nothing which we can suggest on either side, to strengthen still more the good understanding between our two Republics.
But it is not enough to transmit these propositions to your government; they are only the foundation of the necessary discussions upon every question of detail of which we ought to find the solution. The reconciling of the different points upon which we have fixed our ideas, will form the act to be drawn up. I do not think that we could come to conclusions in any other manner. It appears to me, that there will be an evident loss of more time, if in the state of things, this discussion is adjourned. I have already given you to understand, that it would be inconvenient to give it in charge to a minister plenipotentiary at Philadelphia. Circumstances have rendered this inconvenience more important, and I will not conceal from you that I should fear fresh incidents.
I therefore urge you more pressing than ever, Sir, whilst I refer to what I have already written to you on this subject, to postpone your departure, and to attend quickly to the discussions which I urge. I know that you are not of the same opinion with me, with respect to the validity of your full powers; but reflect that in any case, you can in nothing bind your government, which has reserved the right of ratifying.
I will add, that in the situation in which you find it is contrary to all usage to depart, without notifying that you have received an order therefor; that the usage, on the contrary, is, when a doubt is raised upon the full powers, the envoy waits the decision of his government without breaking off the negotiation.
Receive, Sir, the assurances of my perfect consideration. (Signed) CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND.
(TRANSLATION.)
Exterior Relations.
Note upon the 12th Article of the Convention between France and the United States, of the 14th November, 1788.
This article has been executed in France in its literal meaning, and its implicit meaning; That is to say, that all the differences between the citizens of the United States in France, have been left to the decision of their consuls, and that the sentences of the latter have been executed, when coercion was necessary, in the same manner and by the same officers of justice as the sentences of the French Tribunals.
Nothing has been changed in this respect, since the establishment of the Republican form of Government, notwithstanding the jealousy which is peculiar to it, and which the judiciary authorities of every country possess in general.
It has been judged, as to the literal meaning, that the jurisdiction given to the Consuls of the United States over their countrymen, was not in any respect optional. The 2nd article does not declare in effect that all the differences may be determined, &c. which would imply only a power in persons of the nation to sue before their Consuls, and a power in the latter to admit or decline. It declares formally that all differences shall be determined, &c. which implies a reciprocal obligation upon the persons of the nation and their Consuls. This obligation is confirmed by the last paragraph, which pronounces an absolute interdiction upon the territorial officers, civil or military, to interfere in any manner whatever, and consequently obliges the persons of the nation to apply to their Consuls, and the Consul to decide their differences.
It has been judged, as to the implied meaning, that the stipulation being express, mutual, and guaranteed by the public faith, included within it the engagement to give it effect. It would have been ridiculous to put the citizens of the United States in France under the necessity of referring exclusively their differences to their Consuls, and the necessity of taking them up, as the only competent judges, without intending the execution of the sentences. But this execution can proceed only from the territorial power which disposes of the force.
It has finally been judged, that this kind of jurisdiction was not in any respect repugnant to the local sovereignty, because its admission was mutually agreed upon; that it did not stand in competition with the French Tribunals, because it did not embrace objects common to them; that it did not abridge the territorial rights, because it extended only to foreigners.
There has been no reciprocity on the part of the United States, wherein this question has been viewed under a different aspect; and the French government has constantly received complaints upon this subject. In 1792, attention seemed to be paid to the representations which it caused to be made. An act of Congress of the 14th April of that
year declares, "that in all cases wherein by any article of the Convention, the Consuls of France are entitled to aid in the execution of any order, the Marshalls of the district courts of the United States, or their deputies, should be the officers competent, and should give their aid according to the tenor of the stipulations." The same act having provided, in the preceding paragraphs for the execution of the 7th and 9th articles of the Convention, that which has just been cited, is applicable only to the 12th article, the last of the three which were foreseen, and the only one wherein an order might be issued. But soon afterwards the officers designated eluded this provision.
Since that time some courts in the United States have declared that they would not take cognizance of actions at law between Frenchmen. These actions have been sustained in other courts, notwithstanding the remonstrances of the defendants. On the other hand the Consuls of the Republic decided in vain upon the differences submitted to their judgment. One while the justice of the country was refused by arguing from the tenor of the 12th article; at another time the Consular jurisdiction was passed by arguing from its pretended silence, and sometimes it was entirely forgotten.
It is of pressing importance to put an end to these uncertainties, which are discouraging to the French merchants, and embarrassing to their Government, whose protection they claim.
The 12th article of the convention between France and the United States, gives to the Consuls a judiciary authority over their countrymen, to the exclusion of the respective Tribunals. This authority is not optional; it does not derogate from the rights of sovereignty of either Republic; it is founded on a reciprocal agreement; it is conformable with the principles asserted by the most enlightened writers upon public law; it meets with no opposition in France, and it ought to be faithfully facilitated in the United States.
The French government will not insist upon a particular mode of executing the sentences of the Consuls in the United States. It asks only the express recognition of the implied meaning of the 12th article, and a promise to provide for it fully at the next session of Congress, in the manner most consonant with the forms used in the country.
Paris, 18th Messidor, 6th year.
(July 6th, 1798.)
The Minister of Exterior Relations. (Signed) CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND.
(TRANSLATION.)
Exterior Relations.
Note upon the 16th article of the Convention between France and the United States, of the 14th November, 1788, and general observations.
This article declares that the convention shall be fully and completely executed during the space of 12 years, to be reckoned from the day of the exchange of the ratifications.
The exchange took place in January 1790, and the term appointed will expire in January 1802.
It will be proper before that period, to set about the revision of the Convention. Many articles require it. The French republic will show itself less jealous of the privileges of the Consuls, than of the stipulations useful to its merchants and navigators. The United States will doubtless be guided by the same laudable views. Two republics will the more readily agree on this subject, as they are founded upon the same principles.
But it is possible that on the one side or the other the parties may not be prepared at the time fixed for the intended negotiation; that more experience may be desired; or that they may not even agree as to the best system to be adopted. The French government proposes, that it be declared, "that on account of the events which have prevented a judgment upon the effect of the present convention, it shall be prolonged for six years after the expiration of the twelve first years, if it be not renewed in the interval."
The French government also proposes, "that in all quotations of any article of the convention, the denomination of French citizen be substituted for that of subject; and the words French Republic be placed in the stead of Most Christian King, Most Christian Majesty."
Paris, 18th Messidor, 6th year.
(July 6th, 1798.)
The Minister of Exterior Relations. (Signed) CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND.
[No. 22.]
Mr. Gerry, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French republic. Paris 10th July, 1798.
Citizen Minister,
I RECEIVED, on the 9th instant, your letter of the 6th, being the 18th Messidor, and shall briefly reply to it.
You inform me that the communication of the intentions of the Executive Directory, sent to Philadelphia before Germinal, the 20th of March, did not proceed from the French government, its Agents, or any person whatever to your knowledge; and I affirm that it did not directly or indirectly proceed from me.
The rumor that must have been vague, and could not have merited the attention of the President of the United States; much less could it have authorized his formal communication thereof to Congress.
The two attempts of the United States to obtain a reconciliation between the republics to which I referred in my last, were those of
the mission of a Minister to effect an unfavorable impression, banish suspicions and restore cordiality between them, and afterwards of the three Envoys, whose powers were more extensive. I made no allusion to your conduct; and with respect to my own, have done every thing incumbent on me.
You complain that certain Newspapers of the United States, one of which has for its editor the printer of the Senate, calumniate daily the French people, their institutions, government, legislators, and others. The Envoys in their letter to yourself, of the 3d of April, have discussed this subject so fully as to leave nothing further necessary to be said thereon.
You also complain of some speeches of the national representation of the United States, degrading the French Republic in the opinion of the American people, and of the silence of our government thereon. The constitution of the United States expressly provides, that the Senators and Representatives for any speech or debate in either house, shall not be questioned in any other place. So essential is the freedom of debate to each House, as to be sacredly preserved by the constitution, and to be above the control of every other department of government. The government of the United States, on their part, pay no regard to offensive speeches in foreign legislatures; well knowing that however amicably disposed governments may be towards each other, such a mode of conduct must be productive of perpetual sources of discord between them.
And now having replied, Citizen Minister, to your observations on these subjects, I assure you, that nothing can be more disagreeable to me than such discussions. I did not give rise to them, and here I shall terminate them.
On the 27th June, about six weeks after I had demanded my passport, and when my baggage was on board the Sophia, you sent me a note containing some remarks on the Consular Convention, and expected a formal discussion of them; to this, without powers, I should not have consented at any time; I have repeatedly refused it, and must adhere to my determination.
You conclude by observing, that in my situation, which is that of an unaccredited Minister, it is contrary to all usages to depart without notifying that I have received orders therefor; and that on the contrary it is customary when a doubt arises upon full powers, to wait the decision of the government of which one is the Envoy without breaking off the negotiation. On my part there has been no doubt of a want of powers, and there has not been any negotiation; there then cannot be a rupture of it by my departure. I am to judge of the necessity of demanding my passport. I now renew my demand of it, and the other documents necessary for the voyage, and request a definite answer.
Accept, citizen Minister, the assurances of my perfect consideration. (Signed) E. GERRY.
To the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic.
[No. 23.]
Ministry of Exterior Relations.
Paris, 24 Messidor, 6th year of the French Republic, (July 12, 1798.)
The Minister of Exterior Relations, to Mr. Gerry, Envoy of the United States.
As long as I could flatter myself, Sir, with fulfilling the wish of the Executive Directory, by endeavouring with you to re-establish the good understanding between the French Republic and the United States, I used my efforts, both in our conferences, and in my correspondence with you, to smooth the paths, to establish the basis, to enter on the business, and to convince you of the utility of your presence at Paris. It is in your character of Envoy of the American government that I received you and wrote to you; it depended upon yourself to be publicly received by the Executive Directory. Without partaking in your opinion with respect to the change which the departure of Messrs. Pinckney and Marshall might produce in the full powers, wherein I have read that you have been authorised to treat separately ; it appeared to me that in the hypothesis even in which you placed yourself, you ought to refer the question to your government, and in the interval fix with me, by a calm and friendly discussion, all the questionable points of our differences.
This proceeding was the more natural, as setting aside the premature knowledge which your government had of the offer to treat with you, after the departure of your colleagues, my note of the 28th Ventose (18th March) which must have reached Philadelphia about the end of Floreal, (May 19th) left no more doubt upon this subject. It comprehends three objects perfectly distinct. It begins by rectifying, with the dignity which becomes the French government, the statement of grievances of the United States, drawn up by their Envoys in the inverted order of facts, on the 28th Ventose preceding, (17th January.) It next points out the reasons which prevented the negotiation from being carried on with the envoys collectively. It finally declares solemnly the conciliatory dispositions of the Executive Directory, its express desire of renewing between the two countries the ties of their former friendship, and the intention to treat with you. A declaration so explicit was made only to furnish the President of the United States with an infallible means of accommodation. It was a pledge of peace that might be taken up. I presumed you could not be long in receiving analogous instructions, and even other powers, if they were necessary; or
that at least if you had announced to the President a wish to return to America, another envoy would come to consummate the happy work, which we should have had the satisfaction to prepare.
With such well grounded hopes were mingled considerations upon the inconveniences of your departure. I have given you to understand, that notwithstanding the assurances you have given me, nobody would believe that it was owing solely to your inclination, to a thorough conviction of the invalidity of your powers, or to a wish to see the care of the negotiation confided to other hands. I have conversed with you respecting the conjectures which it would give rise to; on the means it would furnish the British cabinet, which spares nothing to draw France and the United States to extremities, from which it calculates to derive the sole profit; and on the suspicions even which the French government would be made to conceive. I endeavored to make you see into its possible consequences. The happening of several circumstances has already retarded the reconciliation of the two republics. It may be permitted to him, who sincerely wishes for peace, to fear new ones. These views, for which I shall ever honor myself, induced me to resist, as much as I could, the desire you manifested of quitting France. You decisively insisted upon it in your letter of the 23d of this month, (10th July.) The Directory has consequently authorised me to send you the passports which you requested, for yourself and the well which awaits you at Havre. You will find them enclosed.
May your return to the United States and the communication of what has passed between us, since you have fully represented your government, remove those injurious opinions of hostile intentions on the part of France: you have often repeated to me, since you pressed your departure, that if you could not treat here as an envoy, your good offices in the United States should not be spared as a citizen. You have it not in your power to render the two countries a more final service, than by contributing to make their political and commercial relations accord with their inclination and interest. Affure your government that the Executive Directory perseveres in the intention of conciliating with sincerity the differences which have arisen between the French Republic and the United States, as soon as an opportunity for that purpose shall be sincerely presented. If it be really true, that the dispositions of your government correspond therewith, let it give a proof of it and you may answer beforehand for the success.
You cannot dissemble, Sir, that if nothing prevented you from pursuing with me the examining and reconciling of the grievances which divide the two countries, we should not long stand in need of any thing but the respective ratifications.
Who will doubt of the sincerity of the French government, when it shall be known, that for nearly three months every pressing solicitation came from me, and that faithful to the engagements I have made in my note of the 28th Ventose, (18th March) I have been the first seriously to press the negotiation after the departure of Messrs. Pinckney and Marshall? It will not be said, I hope, that the refusal to treat with them, is a refusal of conciliation, because this refusal was accompanied with a promise to treat with you, and your full powers presented you as separately authorised.
I shall incessantly appeal to that document, because it is the foundation of the opinion which the government must have formed; and even admitting that you were tied down by secret restrictions, I could not in my mind oppose what I did not know, on account of the credence due to the ostensible power.
Yes, Sir, when scarcely informed of the departure of Messrs. Pinckney and Marshall, I endeavoured in every conference I afterwards had with you, to demonstrate to you the urgency, the propriety, and the possibility of an active negotiation. I collected your ideas; they differed from my own; I endeavoured to reconcile them, and I was about to transmit some propositions to you, when a packet from your government arrived at Havre. You then appeared to be preparing to depart. Until then I never supposed you entertained the design of embarking before we had come to an agreement upon the definitive articles to be ratified by your government. A few days afterwards I received some dispatches from Philadelphia, the contents of which for a moment gave a new course to my correspondence with you. On the 22d Prairial, (10th June) I noticed you that the dispositions of the Executive Directory were the same, and I prayed you to inform me, whether you were finally in a situation to negotiate. On the 30th Prairial, (18th June) I transmitted to you a complete plan of the negotiations. On the 9th Messidor, (27th June) I sent you my first note for discussion upon one of the points of our treaties, which are unexecuted in the United States. You declined answering it. It is necessary however to be agreed upon the details, in order to arrive at the conclusions. On the 18th Messidor, (6th July) I sent you two others. In vain I accompanied these documents with the most cordial invitation rapidly to run over with me this series of indispensable discussions upon all our grievances. You have not even given me an opportunity of proving what liberality the Executive Directory would use on the occasion. You never wrote, in fact, but for your departure. And it is the French Republic, which is accused in the United States with not

wishing for peace! Perfidious instigators will insinuate that it never withered. I will therefore ascend to the period when the first symptoms of discontent manifested themselves, that is to say to the arrival of the Minister Genet at Philadelphia in Prairial of the first year. An universal joy burst forth in the United States at the declarations he was charged to make. He then expressed the friendly and generous intentions of the French government, which, powerful in the national energy, forbore to claim aid from its allies. Some of his measures soon afterwards gave umbrage. They were the effect of a zeal badly adapted to local circumstances, & unfortunately ill-worfe interpreted. The President caused his complaints concerning them to be made in France at the close of the same year. The committee of public safety immediately rendered satisfaction; and other agents arrived at Philadelphia in the beginning of Ventose 2d year: their instructions will bear the utmost publicity: not to interfere in any party matter, to respect the government, to prompt it to maintain its neutrality with vigour, to repress all armaments which might endanger it, to maintain the rights secured to France by its treaties:—such is the substance of them: such also were the instructions to the Minister Adet, who succeeded them in the 3d year. Surely nothing can be more pacific. Nevertheless, the rights of France were insensibly forgotten; the most important clauses of its treaties were rendered insignificant; its vessels experience the most discouraging vexations; England sports with impunity with the neutrality of the United States, which to France, who is too confident in it, becomes a source of loss. A transaction clandestinely negotiated, ends by consecrating, to the detriment of a friendly nation, the pretensions of its implacable enemy. After that time nothing has passed between the American government, which the representations thwart, and the Ministers plenipotentiary of the republic, who could not avoid making them, but a correspondence gradually increasing in asperity. The French government never interferes in them: it reposes upon the hope, that their own interest would lead the United States to perceive, that England was drawing them within its vortex. Far from taking an hostile attitude, it affects indifference in order to show itself patient with dignity. The crowd of complaints which it receives obliges it finally to change its line of conduct. It causes its grievances to be declared on the 25th Brumaire, 5th year, (Nov. 15, 1796) and in order to produce a negotiation, too long delayed, it draws from the treaties of Paris and of London the most suitable means of hastening it. It is animated by no view of aggression, by no hostile intention. In order to obtain from the United States some degree of justice, it places them in a situation to be obliged to demand an arrangement themselves. Let us now see whether it has rejected any honourable propositions. Mr. Pinckney had departed before the declaration of the 25th Brumaire (Nov. 15, 1796) which suspends the customary relations. He came to succeed Mr. Munroe, and, like him, to explain and palliate the conduct of the United States, without any special power for the negotiation demanded by France. He could not be received, because he was not in a situation to fulfil the conditions required, upon the resumption of political connections. The President of the United States thought it his duty to call an extraordinary meeting of the Legislature. I shall not review the opening speech, nor the turn which the debates took in that session. But I will say, that the impression which resulted therefrom, at Paris, was unfavourable previous to the arrival of the envoys; that this circumstance alone raised an obstacle, which ought to have been foreseen at Philadelphia; that the envoys themselves, unwilling to comprehend the natural effect of this kind of provocation, have contributed to render the impression more durable. It was finally, however yielded to the primitive desire of a sincere reconciliation. You find a proof of it in the very expedient suggested of treating with you separately; for a government hostily disposed would not have taken the delicate course, which guards its honour and fulfils its pacific intentions. You have given me to understand, Sir, that it would have been well, had the Executive Directory supported the declarations which I have made to you in its name, by a change in the measures which effect the commerce of the United States. I might answer you that your government might have also secured its object by restoring at first the French Republic to the rights which flow from its treaties. But let us exact less rigidly, and be more equitable towards each other. Although the measures of France are no more than the con-
sequence of those of the United States, you must have remarked, that in my propositions of the 13th Prairial [18th June] the intention of the Executive Directory is, that the respective pretensions may be collaterally examined and adjusted. It intends to place, in a single act, a durable monument of the future friendship of the two republics, and the justice which they owe to each other, and no idea of false glory enters its mind. On taking leave of you, Sir, I have supposed that I owed you a testimony of my esteem: it consists altogether in the expression of the regret which your departure, under the present circumstances, gives me.
Receive the assurance of my perfect consideration. (Signed) CH. M. TALLEYRAND. P.S. of the 27 Messidor, [July 15, 1798.]
A circumstance, Sir, of infinite importance has delayed the dispatching of this letter. I do not know how it happens that every step towards a reconciliation, a cause of irritation intervenes and that the U. States always give rise to it. Some days since different advices were successively received by the Executive Directory. It seems that your government, hurried beyond every limit no longer preserves appearances. A law of the 7th of last month authorises to capture every French vessel of war to be attacked, which may have stopped or intended to stop American vessels. A resolution of the House of Representatives suspends, from the 13th of this month, all commercial relations with the French republic and its possessions. Several plans of a law have been proposed for banishing the French and sequestering French property.
The long suffering of the Executive Directory is about to manifest itself in the most unquestionable manner. Perfidy will no longer be able to throw a veil over the pacific dispositions which it has never ceased to manifest.
It is at the very moment of fresh provocation, which would appear to leave no honourable choice, but war, that it confirms the assurances which I have given you on its behalf. In the present crisis, it confines itself to a measure of security and self preservation, by laying a temporary embargo on American vessels, with a reserve of indemnities if there be occasion for them. It is yet ready, it is as much disposed as ever to terminate by a candid negotiation the differences which subsist between the two countries.
Such is its repugnance to consider the United States as enemies, that notwithstanding their hostile demonstrations, it means to wait until it be irresistibly forced to it by real hostilities.
Since you will depart, Sir, hasten at least to transmit to your government this solemn declaration.
(Signed) CH. M. TALLEYRAND. (To be continued.)
HARTFORD, Feb. 18.
The Rev. John Cofin Ogden, on his return from his mission to Philadelphia, where he went on the pious errand of carrying Lyon's petition to the PRESIDENT, was unfortunately deprived of his freedom, and put into Litchfield gaol, for debt. All this happened by the vile laws of Connecticut, which say that rogues, as well as honest men, must pay what they owe. It is presumed that Lyon as he goes from his gaol to Congress, will at least sneak into Litchfield, pay a visit to his Envoy, and take a petition from him to the VICE-PRESIDENT, that the parson may be freed from his confinement also.—These two Luminaries, seem to be the legal representatives of Gaster and Pollux—when one is out of gaol, the other is in.
TROY, Feb. 1.
We are informed that a company of gentlemen in Philadelphia, principally Quakers, men of respectability and property, have purchased the principal part of the village of Lunenburg, on the north river, opposite the city of Hudson, and that they intend settling it with their families the ensuing spring. It is probable that a fear of the return of the dreadful malady which depopulated Philadelphia the last fall is among the objects which induced these gentlemen to quit the banks of the Schuylkill, for a more healthy situation on the banks of the Hudson.
Lunenburg is accommodated with a good harbour for shipping, and it is thought practicable, by cutting roads, to make a market nearly twenty miles nearer for Schoharie, &c. than Albany now is; we may therefore contemplate its rapid growth in population and mercantile business.
BOSTON, Feb. 28.
A resolution has passed the House of Assembly of the State of New-York, 50 to 39, to the following effect:—That the people should elect in Districts, the electors of President and Vice President, instead of a Committee appointed by the Houses of the Legislature as heretofore.
From PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 19. The President yesterday sent a message to the Senate, in which he informed them, that he continued faithful to his declaration never to send another Minister to France, unless he had assurances of his being received as became the Representative of a Great, Free, Powerful and Independent Nation; but as he had received assurances from the French Minister, through Mr. Vans Murray, our Minister at the Hague, of such a reception, he had nominated William Vans Murray, to be that Minister on the part of the United States.
The President further mentioned, in his message that he should instruct Mr. Murray not to leave Holland until he had received unequivocal assurances that he would be properly received, and that a Minister equal in dignity was appointed on the part of the Directory to settle the existing differences, and conclude a Treaty.
From J. Russell's Commercial Gazette. MR. RUSSELL.
THE nomination of Mr. Murray to receive proposals from, and enter upon a negotiation with the government of France, on the terms mentioned in The President's message to the Senate, cannot be considered as any abandonment of the ground we have taken, or as a reason for relaxation in that system, which, has produced such salutary effects to our country. To appoint a minister to treat with a nation, against whom, active and powerful arrangements are making, is by no means new in the history of the world; even in the midst of war, such is often the case, and before it is terminated, must always be unless the result is unconditional conquest. The war between the United States and Great Britain, furnishes an instance exactly to our purpose. On Saturday the 25th of September 1779, Congress resolved to appoint a minister, and on Monday the 27th, the Hon. JOHN ADAMS was elected, to negotiate a treaty of peace with Great Britain, and immediately embarked for Europe on that mission. Yet the war was continued as before, and even the provisional articles of peace, were not agreed to, till December 1782, upwards of three years after; and the definitive treaty was not signed till a still later period.
The President of the United States in his speech at the opening of the present session of Congress, speaking of France, makes the following declaration, "I deem it a duty deliberately, and solemnly to declare my opinion, that whether we negotiate with her or not, vigorous preparations for war, will be alike indispensable. These alone will give to us, an equal treaty, and insure its observance." The House of Representatives in their answer, thus energetically reciprocate, after appropriating among other measures a naval armament, "Nor do we hesitate to adopt the opinion, that whether negotiations are resumed with France, or not, vigorous preparations for war will be alike indispensable." After this solemn pledge of the House to the President, and to their country, can it for a moment be supposed, that upon a mere glimpse of negotiation, they will relinquish those vigorous preparations? No! a few trimming go-betweens, whose votes upon any occasion are scarcely worth having, may make it a plea for siding with the opposition; but the majority, men who are devoted to the Independence and Prosperity of their country, will never resort to so despicable a subterfuge.
A peace between the belligerent powers, may, in consequence of some particular concurrence of circumstances, be hastily concluded. The distance of America from Europe, renders it necessary that she should have an agent there on the spot, authorised to act for her in such a contingency, to assert her claims, demand redress for her wrongs, and treat herself of different conjunctures.
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.
The Legislature of New-York, have decided on the republican memorials of Virginia and Kentucky. The recitals and resolution are in the following words:—
"Whereas it appears to this House, that the right of deciding on the constitutionality of all laws passed by the Congress of the United States, appertains to the judiciary department—And whereas the assumption of that right is unwarrantable, and has a direct tendency to destroy the Independence of the General Government—and whereas this House disclaim the power which is assumed in and by the respective Legislatures of the States of Kentucky and Virginia, of the 16th of Nov. and 24th of Dec. last, of questioning in a legislative capacity, either the expediency or constitutionality of the several acts therein referred to; therefore
"Resolved, That the Committee of the whole House be discharged from any further consideration of the message of his Excellency the Governor
of the 12th day of January last, and the said resolutions which accompanied the same.
The Hon. Mr. MURRAY, who is appointed Minister to the French Republic, is an independent, firm and decided Federal American. He is a native of Maryland, and has long resided in official situations in Europe.
The firmness and magnanimity of the SUPREME EXECUTIVE of the United States, and the preparations for War which have been made in our country, have at length brought the proud Rulers of the French Republic to a sense of duty and interest; who, in their turns, have become supplicants for Peace. On the wisdom, as well as firmness of the President, the true friends of their country's glory and happiness, implicitly rely.—They, however, suspect even these last indications of a desire of amity, may be some new artifice of Talleyrand, to lull us into a fatal security, until his Masters are ready to act in the United States, the same scenes they have exhibited in Switzerland; and they hope the Government will not relax a single fibre in giving new energies to the preparations for defensive war, and the establishment of a formidable Naval force, until Peace and Amity between the two nations are fully, honorably and permanently established.
It is said the President of the U. States will appoint a new Consul to reside in the "Republic" of St. Domingo;—and that trade will be opened between the two countries, as soon as the new order of things is established there.
Capt. Bainbridge lately arrived from Guadaloupe, says, no dependence can be placed on any of Dessouneaux's pacific propositions.
The best evidence of the desire of the French Directory to effect a reconciliation, will be to put an intire stop to the depredations on our commerce.—When this is done, we may suspect they are in earnest.
If the French Directory is serious in its advances towards a reconciliation with the United States the circumstance ought to operate in favor of our defensive operations. It will enable us to treat on better terms—and to preserve Peace, if we should obtain it.
The subscriptions to the Federal Loan, it is now estimated, will exceed Twenty Millions.—Providence 154,000—Newport 50,000—Hartford 70,000.
Lyon has taken his seat in the Councils of the Union. His term of imprisonment has expired. Some of his whelps at Bennington, addressed him as he passed through—He has a powerful penchant for six dollars per diem, to help pay his fine.
Recent accounts from the West-Indies announce the perfect health enjoyed on board our cruising squadrons in those latitudes. Thanks to the bounty and attention of government; and the cleanliness of the crews.
From Europe.
Yesterday arrived at Salem the ship Benjamin, Capt. Bullock, in 70 days from London. By her we have received several papers; the latest of which is Dec. 16; we understand Capt. Bullock had one as late as Dec. 21, but which he left at Salem. The following article, which we have copied from the Observer of Dec. 16, is probably confirmed in later dates;—
LONDON, DEC. 16.
The Fall of Buonaparte.
The important event, which a combination of circumstances taught society to look for, is as generally believed to have taken place, and Buonaparte, whose name has been an host in the hands of tyrants, is stated by some accounts to have fallen by the pistol of a slave. Mr. Took, the India Company's Agent at Constantinople, has transmitted to his employers intelligence that this celebrated General had been killed: one report says, in an action with the forces of Egypt and the Pacha of Acri, whilst another represents that he was assassinated in the Town House, as he was giving orders for a new contribution. Mr. Fawkner, who came with all possible expedition from Vienna, made his passage from Hamburgh in an advice boat with dispatches to Government, which for the individual information of the House of Commons, issued the following note:—
"Accounts have been received at Constantinople from Grand Cairo, by seven different Tartar Messengers, stating, that on the report of the approach of a formidable army from Syria and upper Egypt, Buonaparte had summoned all his officers, and those of the native Chiefs who had joined him at Cairo; that upon Buonaparte's demanding supplies, a Tripoline soldier drew from under his cloak a pistol, and shot Buonaparte dead; that this was the signal for a
general massacre, which was extending itself through the whole of the French army when the last accounts were dispatched to Constantinople, and that Alexandria had been taken from the French."
CONGRESS. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MONDAY, FEB. 18.
An Engrossed Bill authorizing the discharge of Robert Sturges from confinement, and a bill for compensating Marshalls, Attorneys, &c. were read and passed.
Mr. Allen laid on the table the following resolution:
Resolved, That the salaries of the following officers of government ought to be augmented, viz.
The Sec'y of State dollars The Sec'y of the treasury dollars The Sec'y at war dollars The Secretary of the navy dollars The assistant post-master general dls.
The Bill providing for the sale of lands on the river Ohio and above the mouth of the Kentucky river was then postponed 'till next session.
House in Committee, on a bill for encouraging the capture of French armed vessels, by armed ships or vessels, owned by a citizen or citizens of the United States, and for allowing salvage in certain cases.
This bill is to allow a premium on every vessel belonging to France in proportion to its guns that should be captured and brought into port by any private armed vessels, after the condemnation of such vessel; and allowing salvage for recaptures.
Considerable debate was made in discussing this bill, but the house adjourned without coming to any decision.
TUESDAY, FEB. 19.
The Speaker being indisposed, this day the House of Representatives adjourned without proceeding to business.
[The following are the communications which accompanied The President's message to Congress mentioned in our last] Extract of a letter from RUFUS KING, Esq. Minister Plenipotentiary, &c. London, to the Secretary of State dated 28th Nov. 1798.
"Annexed I send you a copy of note from Lord GRENVILLE respecting the French Arrete transmitted to you with my No. 9. A late French paper contains a second Arrete which postpones the execution of the first."
Lord GRENVILLE to Mr. KING.
The undersigned, his Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, has the honor of communicating to Mr. KING, Plenipotentiary for the United States of America for the information of his government, that by a decree published officially at Paris, it appears to have been declared in the name of the French Directory, that every person being a native of or originally belonging to neutral countries, or to such as are in amity and alliance with the French Republic, who shall bare any commission under his Majesty; or who shall form a part of the crews of any British ships of war or other vessels, should on the proof of the fact alone, be considered and treated as a pirate, and that it has been ordered that this resolution shall be notified to the neutral powers and to those in alliance with France.
Even this decree, contrary as it is to the usages of every civilized nation, cannot excite any surprize, as proceeding from those in whose name it has been published. To the different powers who are thus insulted, and whose innocent subjects are exposed to the most cruel treatment on the part of a government professing friendship or alliance with them, his Majesty must leave it to adopt such measures as they will, without doubt, judge necessary, in the case of an outrage hitherto unexampled in the history of the world.
The King however feels, that protection is also due from him to those who sail under his flag, either in his Majesty's ships of war, or in other British vessels; his Majesty therefore has not hesitated to direct it to be signified to the commissary for French prisoners in Great Britain, that the first instance of the execution of this decree, shall be followed by the most rigorous retaliation against the French prisoners whom the fortune of war has already, or may hereafter place at the King's disposal.
It would certainly never be but with extreme reluctance that the King could yield to the painful necessity of exposing so many unfortunate individuals to the fatal but inevitable effects of this atrocious decree; but his Majesty will have at least, the satisfaction of feeling that nothing has been omitted on his part to prevent this execution, and that the authors of it can alone be considered responsible for all its guilt and all its consequences.
GRENVILLE.
Downing-Street, Nov. 27, 1798.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20.
LYON.
Mr. Lyon took a seat. Soon after, the Hon. Mr. Bayard proposed the following Resolution:
"Resolved, That Matthew Lyon, a Member of this House, having been convicted of being a notorious and seditious person, and of a depraved mind, and wicked and diabolical disposition, and of wickedly, deceitfully and maliciously contriving to defame the Government of the United States and of having with intent and design to defame the Government of the United States and JOHN ADAMS the President of the United States, and to bring the said Government and President into contempt and disrepute, and with intent and design to excite against the said Government and President the hatred of the good people of the United States, and to stir up sedition in the United States, wickedly, knowingly and maliciously written and published certain scandalous and seditious writings or libels, be therefor expelled this House."
Mr. Bayard observed that the above Resolution was copied from the record of the trial. Mr. Nicholas objected to the technical phraseology of it, containing particulars never inquired into upon trial. Mr. Bayard explained. No decision was had on the question.
Several Vermont petitions against the Sedition Law, &c. were ordered to lie on the table.
The President of the United States and Senate, informed the House of having passed on several bills.
The House took up the report of the Committee of the Whole, on the bill for encouraging the capture of French privateers, by allowing a bounty on guns, and the motion being to strike out the first section of the bill, a long debate ensued when it passed in the affirmative, Yeas 52, Nays 48. The bill was of course negatived.
THURSDAY, FEB. 21.
A lengthy report on the petitions against the Alien and Sedition Laws, was made and ordered to be printed.
An Act for the relief of sick and disabled seamen, was read and committed.
Some private bills passed the rostrum of business.
The Appropriation and Officers Appropriation Bills, were ordered to be engrossed.
The Indian Treaties Appropriation Bill passed to be engrossed.
FRIDAY, FEB. 22.
Two petitions against the Alien and Sedition Laws were read, and referred. Several engrossed laws mentioned before as having passed several stages, were enacted.
The 1799 Military Establishment Appropriation Bill passed to be engrossed. Also,
The Navy Regulation Bill. LYON.
The motion to expel him from the House, was decided, Yeas 49, Nays 45. Two thirds being necessary, the vote was not carried.
LONDON, NOV. 22.
Law Intelligence.
Court of King's Bench, Westm. Hall. WILSON vs. MARRIOTT.
The question reserved on this trial came on to be argued on Tuesday.
Mr. Erskine recapitulated the circumstances of this cause, the subject of which was a Policy on the Argonaut, Capt. Collete, from Bourdeaux to the East Indies. The voyage having commenced in America, and part of her cargo being taken in at Madeira and Bourdeaux, the jury had found a special verdict, in which they declare the owners, Capt. Collete and Mr. Butler, to be American citizens; and the question reserved was, whether the voyage was legal, and the policy valid? If it was not the underwriters, having paid 75 per cent. to be assured, (to abide the decision of this cause) and the premiums into court, would be entitled to judgment. The voyage was undertaken pending the treaty; but the part of it which was insured by this Policy was subsequent to the ratification. Mr. Erskine had two objections to this voyage to answer; 1st, That the treaty, under which alone this voyage was legal, authorizes only a direct trade from America to the East Indies, but gives no licence for a circuitous trade; 2d, That supposing it did authorize such a trade, the voyage must commence in America. These objections Mr. Erskine fully answered. Mr. Adam argued on the other side, and Mr. Erskine replied.
The court gave judgment in this cause in favour of the plaintiff, who was an American: by which it is established, that under the late treaty of commerce with America, an American vessel coming from the United States to Britain, may from hence proceed to our settlements in India, and trade; but the must of course go to America with her Eastern cargo. This decision is very important to the East India Company,
since it gives to America a greater privilege than Englishmen enjoy—that of carrying a cargo from England to our India settlements.
December 16.
The French army of Italy, is stated to comprise 180,000 effective men, including Cisalpines, is likely to be reduced by the defection of the latter, ere a campaign commences, which, for carnage, and probably for events, will exceed most others. The iron rod of France, so grievous to the Swiss, the Sardinians, the Belgians, &c. is begun to be felt in Cisalpa, whose people have resolved to try for something more than the name of Liberty.
CONSTANTINOPLE, OCT. 25.
The Governor of Damascus, having been appointed commander in chief of the army of Egypt, marched against Buonaparte with 100,000 men, partly comprised of Turkish troops, and the Arabs and Mamelukes who followed Ibrahim Bey. The Pashas of Cairo and Murat have also put themselves on their march from Upper Egypt, while numerous of Arabic Bedouins advance from the west against Alexandria. In this manner General Buonaparte would be attacked on all sides at once; while part of the Russian and Turkish fleet, uniting with the English division, cruising at the mouth of the Nile, will attempt a landing between Alexandria and Rosetta. The force of the French, at their arrival in Egypt, consisted of 24,000 troops, 14,250 seamen and marines, 1526 pieces cannon. The van of the government army had arrived near Suez.
The insurrection of Passawan Oglou appears daily to assume a more formidable aspect.
NEW-YORK, Feb. 20.
It is a little remarkable, that the present demand for vessels, does not induce some of our monied merchants to build; for there is certainly a great prospect of the continuance of this demand. Congress are increasing the strength of our navy—our commerce is now protected—and sufficient protection will offer for all the vessels our merchants may throw upon the ocean.
We are indebted to Capt. Waddell, from Cadiz, which place he left the 31st of Dec. for the following sketch.
Lord St. Vincent's fleet had disappeared off Cadiz some time previous to her sailing, in consequence of which seven sail of Spanish ships of war, with several regiments of troops; and a French frigate, which had been lying two years in that port, availed themselves of the opportunity and proceeded to sea. It was said they were bound to Surinam.
The English fleet were seen from the Spanish towers—to enter the Straights. They were supposed from the badness of the weather to be going to Gibraltar to rendezvous,—from whence, in a short time they would return to their former station.
There were several small French privateer boats in the harbour of Cadiz. The fear of being taken by the English cruizers prevented their molesting the outward bound American vessels, from that port, but they still continue their depredations from the neighbouring Spanish ports, Algeziras, Ceuta, &c.
About 5 leagues from Cadiz, Capt. Waddell saw two 74's laying too.
BOSTON, February 27.
Capt. Tingey has written to the Secretary of the Navy informing him of the polite attentions paid him by his Britannic Majesty's officers, in the West-India seas, as will appear by the following letter from him, to the British Admiral on the leeward station:
United States ship of war, Ganges, off Cape Francois, 5th Jan. 1799.
SIR,
The polite attention, and friendly treatment, I have experienced from Edward T. Smith, Esq. in falling in with his Britannic Majesty's ship Hannibal, of your squadron;—and receiving communication from Capt. Smith, of your particular orders, for the observance of similar treatment by all the Commanders of the ships of your fleet, which may fall in with those of the United States—I feel it incumbent on me, sir, to offer you my highest acknowledgments and to assure you I shall embrace the earliest opportunity for transmitting account thereof to the minister of the navy, for the information of the President of the United States; who will certainly receive it with due estimation—I can only add, sir, that it will be highly gratifying to me (during the short period of my stay in these seas) if opportunity shall present to reciprocate by due attention to any of his B. M. ships or vessels, their officers or crews, or to any of those of his trading subjects.
I have the honor to be, &c. &c.
THOMAS TINGEY.
His excellency Sir Hyde Parker, Vice Admiral of the Red, and Commander in Chief of his B. M. Forces, Jamaica.
March 2.
The negotiations at Rastadt have not ceased; but new obstacles to peace have arisen from the present situation of Switzerland, and the Poperdom. It is, however, asserted that the French Directory has required the Court of Vienna to become the medium of negotiations with England, Turkey and Russia, and it is added that a General Congress is shortly to be opened at Manheim, to which all the belligerent powers are to be invited to send Ministers.
The Russian auxiliary troops were continuing their march into Germany, and were to encamp near Vienna.
From St. Pierres, Martinico, Feb. 1, 1799.
"We have with us the Constitution, Capt. Nicholson. We have met three 74's, four frigates and a 98 gun ship, belonging to the English, who treat us with every possible civility. There are eleven American cruizers on the West-India station. We sail this afternoon with a convoy of American vessels, to clear them of the Islands, and to leave them under the charge of the George Washington, Capt. Fletcher. The Constitution has taken a ship, which had been taken by the French from the English, but her orders would not permit to detain her; which is a great deficiency in our instructions. The Vengeance, English 74, has taken in, and had condemned, an American vessel trading with Guadalupe. What reasons there are who trade with the foes of their country? Glorious news authenticated. There are in Guadalupe, three 44 gun frigates, which with several privateers, will sail in a few days for France; by reason of which the Commodore, with the Constitution and Merrimack, are going immediately off Guadalupe, in quest of them."
CONSTITUTION FRIGATE.
We are happy in hearing of the safety of this excellent vessel. Since our last, letters have been received from her officers, dated at Prince Rupert's Bay (Dominica). Off Guadalupe, Capt. Nicholson fell in with the French frigate Infurgent of 44 guns, having three prizes in company.—Capt. N. immediately gave chase, and was gaining fast on the Frenchman, when the press of sail unfortunately sprung his foremast, and obliged him to give over; and take possession of one of the prizes; which, upon examination, he found could not be detained consistent with his orders.—Capt. N. at the date of the last accounts had sufficiently secured the mast; and had been ordered by Commodore Barry, to repair to the mouth of Guadalupe harbour; where the United States, and some other vessels were to cruise in order to intercept a squadron which was expected to sail from that island for France.
Capt. Bainbridge, of the Retaliation, has addressed several letters to the Secretary of the Navy, on the subject of his capture—the treatment the Americans experience at Guadalupe, and of the releasement of his vessel, himself, and crew, by Gen. Desfourneaux. He complains feelingly of the cruelty experienced by his countrymen in the prisons at Guadalupe; where Captains of vessels are dungooned on the most trivial pretences; and where he saw Capt. Bacon (of this town,) without a shirt, with only a night-gown on, and several other Captains who had been brought out of their hammocks without hat, shoe, stocking or waistcoat—a cold, muddy ground to lay on, and was informed by them all, they were allowed about two ounces of raw salt meat per day. Capt. Bainbridge gives it as his decided opinion, that "the non-condemnation of the Retaliation is no step towards reconciliation; the only motive" says he, "I believe induces him to return her is, to kindle that party spirit that is dying in this country, on which the French Republic has built their romantic ideas." Capt. B. also confirms the hostility of the French agent (Desfourneaux) to our commerce; and mentions, that the Infurgent frigate of 44 guns has, since his famous proclamation gone on a cruise, and sent in an American vessel."
Mr. Regis Liblone is Desfourneaux's agent to the President of the United States. He acted a friendly part towards our countrymen, prisoners at Guadalupe.
Federal Register.—Hon. James Schurman, Senator of the United States, for New-Jersey, vice Mr. Rutherford, resigned.
From the Philadelphia Aurora of Feb. 1.
Mr. Editor,
The Insurance Company of North America, established in this city, in making up their accounts and report for making the late dividend—declared, that the condemnations of American property by the British during the last six months ending the 31st of December, 1798, exceeded those by the French in the sum of 20,000 Dollars. The condemnations by the British being 280,000 Dolls. and by the French 260,000.
Yesterday the Legislature of this Commonwealth, ended a session of seven weeks, and adjourned to the Tuesday next preceding the last Wednesday in May, as usual. During the session 52 public and private Acts have passed.
Gen. Charles Pinckney, Senator of the U. S. has taken his seat in Congress. He is a gobetweenity member.
The democrats of the suburbs of Philadelphia, have given a public supper to Lyon and Logan.
"The knave and fool are 'birds of feather.' And very fit to sup together."
On the 25th Dec. Schooner Amazon, after being out 25 days, 9 leagues to leeward of Surinam, to which she was bound, came to anchor, and sent the mate and two men on shore, to ask where they were. The boat overset, and 2 men were drowned. Mr. Tisick, of Boston, was mate—one man belonged to Portland. These people got to Surinam. The vessel had not been heard of the 29th. One man came passenger with Capt. Aiden.
The Ganges, U. S. sloop of war, convoyed a fleet of 20 sail of American merchantmen, from St. Thomas, towards home, Feb. 1.
Brig Enterprize, Cunningham of Wisecasset, was spoken in lat. 24,—had sprung her mainmast, and was trying to get into Charleston.
The Merchant, Fitzgerald, from Liverpool for Portland, after being out 79 days, put into Bermuda in great distress.
The Eliza, of New-Haven, from the West-Indies, has been cast away in Great Egg harbour, crew saved.
PORTSMOUTH, March 6.
The Resolutions from New-Hampshire, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, altering the present mode of electing the President and Vice-President of the United States,—were rejected in the House of Assembly of New-Jersey on Tuesday the 12th ult.
The New-York Commercial Advertiser of Feb. 25, states that the nomination of Mr. Murray has been negatived by the Senate, and that they have drawn up a paper setting forth their reasons for this dissent. This was the only Southern paper received by the mail.
Extract of a letter from Capt. Murray, of the Montezuma sloop of war, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated
Off Dominica, January 13.
"I have strong reasons to believe, that many of our countrymen run off Guadalupe and Cayenne, to be taken, they being furnished with a proper counter-sign; when carried in, they leave their vessels behind, and then set off for America with a tale of having made their escape; and soon go back with another. I fear their art is beyond discovery."
The Winchester paper of the 15th Feb. says, James Munroe, Esq. is elected a Senator of the United States, vice Henry Tazewell, deceased.
A London paper of Dec. 16 mentions, that Sieyes, the French Minister at the Court of Berlin, had received instructions from the Directory to solicit the mediation of his Prussian Majesty in bringing about a GENERAL PEACE.
A Journalist in Paris ventured to publish lately, the London Gazette Extraordinary, containing, the detail of Lord Nelson's victory. The consequence was that his paper was prohibited, and his press broken up, by order of the Directory.
[Here then is a specimen of liberty of the press, which France at present enjoys.—This is a very clear proof of the Directory being afraid to let the people know the desperate situation in which they are involved!—It is thus that this wretched people are imposed upon; and kept totally ignorant of the measures of their rulers.]
Two letters from Officers of the Ganges received at Philadelphia, confirm the account of the affair with the Surprise, British ship.
The Irishmen implicated in the riot at Philadelphia, have been acquitted at a trial.
Last week a store at Rochester, the property of a Mr. Barker, and part of a house belonging to Mr. Rollins was consumed by fire.
The Schooner Minerva, Captain Remphorn, arrived at Boston, last Thursday in 25 days from Tobago, left there several vessels belonging to this port.
ENTRIES AT THE CUSTOM HOUSE. March 1, Jch s D r Light: Kennard, St. Kitts.
CLEARED.
Feb. 23, brig Ranger, Shaw, Barbadoes. 28, ship Mercury, Treadwell, Tobago.
DIED]—At her Seat at Roxbury, in the 73d year of her age, Madam PIERPONT, widow of ROBERT PIERPONT, Esq. and sister of the Hon. JUDGE LIVERMORE, Senator of the United States.
Endowed by nature with superior capacity improved by education, and cultivated by social intercourse; charitable, benevolent, and affectionate, her morality was without moroseness, her gratuities without ostentation. A sincere, unalterable friend, a kind and confiding acquaintance, a tender and considerate relation. To the last moment of her prolonged Life, the faculties of her enlightened mind, still undiminished, displayed their superior energy, and were restored to their God, undecayed by time, and sanctified by virtue.
TO be sold by the subscriber, 50,000 acres of land in different townships, in the State of New-Hampshire, in lots of 100, 200, 400 and 600 acres, some of them situated on the fertile banks of the river Connecticut and its branches, and subject to annual inundations, enriching the soil equal to the luxurious plains of the Ohio and Muckingham—30,000 acres of which are in townships having 20 to 50 families in each.—These lands will be sold on favorable terms of price, and credit to those who will cultivate them.
JOSEPH WHIPPLE. Portsmouth, March 4, 1799.
FOR SALE, On easy terms for the purchaser, A GOOD FARM,
IN Epping, containing one hundred acres of good land, with a large House and Barn in good repair; the mowing is principally intervale of a good quality, with tillage and pasturing sufficient. Also, a young Orchard, upwards of two hundred growing trees, said Farm lies about 7 miles from Exeter, on the road to Wadleigh's falls, and may be entered upon immediately.
—A L S O—
A good House and Shop joining, with good garden and Barn, on the main street in Exeter, near the Academy, very convenient for a boarding House.—For further particulars inquire of the owner in Exeter. JOHN HAVEN.
To John Samuel Sherburne, Esq. one of the Justices assigned to keep the peace in and throughout the State of New-Hampshire.
THE subscribers owners of more than one sixteenth part of the township of Durand, in the county of Grafton in said State, request that you will notify and call a meeting of the proprietors and owners of said township, to be held at the house of Stephen Wilson in Lancaster, in said county, on Thursday the 23d day of May next, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, to vote and act on the following articles, viz.
1st. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting, also to choose a proprietors Clerk, a Collector, Assessors and Treasurer. 2d. To determine on a method for perambulating the lines of the township, and dividing it into lots. 3d. To determine on what roads shall be made, and comply with the requests of the laws, and accommodate settlers. 4th. To determine on what encouragement they will give to settlers, and for building mills. 5th. To agree on a method for discharging the public taxes which are laid on the township. 6th. To raise such sums of money from time to time by taxes, as may be necessary for the foregoing, or other purposes for promoting the interest of the propriety. 7th. To choose a committee or committees, to carry into effect such measures as may be determined upon by the proprietors, at that or any future meeting. 8th. To determine on any other matter that may appear necessary for the benefit of the proprietary. 9th. To agree on a method for calling proprietors meetings in future.
JOSEPH WHIPPLE, JOHN H. DURAND, by his Attorney J. WHIPPLE. EDWARD PARRY, by his Attorney J. WHIPPLE.
State of New-Hampshire, March 1, 1799. Pursuant to the foregoing application, I do hereby notify and warn the proprietors and owners of the township of Durand, to meet at the time and place and for the purposes above mentioned.
JOHN S. SHERBURNE, Justice of the Peace throughout said State.
TEN DOLLARS REWARD. LOST on Monday afternoon the 18th inst. in Portsmouth, a small red Morocco Pocket Book, designed only to hold Bank Bills, and which contained upwards of Two Hundred Dollars in bills. Any person who has found and will lodge the same with Mr. Thomas Chadbourne, or the Printer hereof in Portsmouth, or with the subscriber in Dover, shall receive ten dollars reward. Feb. 19. DAVID COPP, jr.

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. McCarty 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, } Commis- SAM'L HUTCHINGS, } sioners. Portsmouth, Feb. 24, 1799.
ORANGE.  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 Fellow, Robert Washburn, Joseph Spalding, Ephraim Jones, Simon Fobes, Richard Smith, Ebenezer Brown, Theophilus Clark, John Bartholomew, Silas Bowen, Curtis 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.
ROCKINGHAM, ff. 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 Peavey, innholder in Newington, on Thursday the 14th of March next, at 10 o'clock, A. M.  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, Feb. 25, 1799.
State of New-Hampshire. Grafton, ff.  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 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 shall be paid to me 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.  Range.  Acres.  High-way.  State tax.      1st range, 100 acre lots, west side Ammonusuck river,  1 59        2d range do.  2 59        3d range do.  3 59        4th range do.  4 59        5th range do.  5 59        6th range do.  6 59        7th range do.  7 59        8th range do.  8 59        9th range do.  9 59        10th range do.  10 59        11th range do.  11 59        12th range do.  12 59        13th range do.  13 59        14th range do.  14 59        15th range do.  15 59        16th range do.  16 59        17th range do.  17 59        18th range do.  18 59        19th range do.  19 59        20th range do.  20 59        21st range do.  21 59        22nd range do.  22 59        23rd range do.  23 59        24th range do.  24 59        25th range do.  25 59        26th range do.  26 59        27th range do.  27 59        28th range do.  28 59        29th range do.  29 59        30th range do.  30 59        31st range do.  31 59        32nd range do.  32 59        33rd range do.  33 59        34th range do.  34 59        35th range do.  35 59        36th range do.  36 59        37th range do.  37 59        38th range do.  38 59        39th range do.  39 59        40th range do.  40 59        41st range do.  41 59        42nd range do.  42 59        43rd range do.  43 59        44th range do.  44 59        45th range do.  45 59        46th range do.  46 59        47th range do.  47 59        48th range do.  48 59        49th range do.  49 59        50th range do.  50 59         60 acre lots belonging to the 4th range of 100 acre lots, West division, 1st range 60 acre lots, West division, 2 36  THADDEUS BARKER, Collector. Packersfield, Feb. 5, 1799.
NEW-CHESTER.  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.  D.C.  Range.  Acres.  High-way.  State tax.      1st range, 100 acre lots, East side Ammonusuck river,  1 59        2d range do.  2 59        3d range do.  3 59        4th range do.  4 59        5th range do.  5 59        6th range do.  6 59        7th range do.  7 59        8th range do.  8 59        9th range do.  9 59        10th range do.  10 59        11th range do.  11 59        12th range do.  12 59        13th range do.  13 59        14th range do.  14 59        15th range do.  15 59        16th range do.  16 59        17th range do.  17 59        18th range do.  18 59        19th range do.  19 59        20th range do.  20 59        21st range do.  21 59        22nd range do.  22 59        23rd range do.  23 59        24th range do.  24 59        25th range do.  25 59        26th range do.  26 59        27th range do.  27 59        28th range do.  28 59        29th range do.  29 59        30th range do.  30 59        31st range do.  31 59        32nd range do.  32 59        33rd range do.  33 59        34th range do.  34 59        35th range do.  35 59        36th range do.  36 59        37th range do.  37 59        38th range do.  38 59        39th range do.  39 59        40th range do.  40 59        41st range do.  41 59        42nd range do.  42 59        43rd range do.  43 59        44th range do.  44 59        45th range do.  45 59        46th range do.  46 59        47th range do.  47 59        48th range do.  48 59        49th range do.  49 59        50th range do.  50 59         State tax, 500 2 95 Common land, 700 4 13  AARON POWERS, Collector. Bath, January 9, 1799.
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.  D.C.  Range.  Acres.  High-way.  State tax.      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 Pettmale,  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.  Acres.  High-way.  State tax.      North-East quarter.        Aaron Felt,  1 1 95  69  26     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     Beza'l Spaulding  2 4 30  55  21     Abra'm Shelden,  5 8 50  0  27     S. West quarter.        Alexa'r Rolston,  2 1 1  1 8  41     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  33      William Thomson,  20 0  13      THADDEUS BARKER, Collector.        Packersfield, Feb. 5, 1799.       
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.  D.C.  Range.  Acres.  High-way.  State tax.      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        do.  44 4 100 50 6 1        John Tolford, jr.  91 4 100 50 6 1        John Mills,  80 4 100 75 9 2        Capt. Jonas Minot,  38 3 100 40 4 7        do.  75 4 100 75 9 2        Henry Hall,  31 4 100 40 4 7        John Gorden,  18 4 100 40 4 7        Jeremiah Colburn,  27 4 100 40 4 7        John Wentworth,  57 3 100 50 6 1        do.  72 4 100 75 9 2        Joshua Tolford, Esq.  68 3 100 50 6 1        do.  40 3 100 65 8 3        T. Wallingford Esq.  56 3 100 50 6 1        do.  78 4 100 75 9 2        Henry Herron,  8 3 100 50 6 1