The New Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1799-01-02 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. 2196.]
WEDNESDAY, January 2, 1799.
[One Dollar & half pr. Annum.]
[The following Charge has been published in the Virginia Federal Gazette, and is now copied from one of them. It is an excellent defence of the National government and laws of the United States, and should be re-published by every newspaper printer,—and read by every citizen on the continent.]
A CHARGE,
Delivered to the Federal Grand Jury for the district of Virginia, On the 23d Nov. '98.
By the Hon. Judge CUSHING.
Published by request of the Grand Jury.
GENTLEMEN OF THE GRAND JURY,
YOUR important duty, and ours, respect the support of Government; by which are secured to US, the enjoyment of all our rights and privileges, with whatever we hold most dear and valuable in life.
The people of this country, from the beginning, being generally educated in principles and habits of virtue; used to regular orderly government; sensible of its absolute importance to the peace and happiness of society: having fought and bled and spent their treasure to settle their liberties upon a solid basis; having deliberately formed their own constitutions, so balanced, as they conceived, best to guard against despotism on the one hand, and licentious anarchy, on the other; having clearly seen the absolute necessity of a close union of these States, to their security and independence; and established a constitution, accordingly, upon the same free model with all the state governments; These weighty considerations bearing upon the minds of all considerate men, of all good citizens; they will ever hold themselves sacredly bound to maintain, to their utmost, and perpetuate those fundamental barriers to liberty and property; those supports to virtue and piety—against all combinations of foreign influence and intrigue, of internal anarchy and discord, misrepresentation, calumny and falsehood, operating from political, ambitious and selfish purposes—against all impious attempts to root out of men's minds, every trace of christian and natural religion, with all sense of a Deity and moral obligation: Of all which evil workings we have seen too many and lamentable specimens in America within a few years past.
As to the Federal Union or General Government; it may give us a particular striking view of its importance, by only turning our minds to the consequences and the probable situation which these States might have been involved in, had they remained separate and disconnected, during the fierce struggles and convulsions that have been taking place in Europe: When we find the whole power of the Union, with all its energy, has been competent (but with difficulty) to preserve the peace and tranquility of this country; amid the clamours of faction, the unaccountable rage of pretended patriots to subvert the government and general interest of this country, by subjugating all to the political will and pleasure of a foreign one; slandering all real patriots with whom the constitution and the people have entrusted the management of their affairs; extending their unceasing torrents of calumnies even to the character of the great and good WASHINGTON, who has spent a painful and laborious, but successful life, in war and peace, in virtuous and noble actions; in calm, wile, intrepid, dignified conduct—and in glorious achievements for his country, and for the cause of real liberty; who, like an Angel of deliverance, now again appears to command our armies. Continuing the same shameless indecencies and abuse towards his able and inflexible patriotic successor; whose unshaken independent spirit of liberty and eminent displays of genius in the most useful services to his country, in the most critical times, for above thirty years, in America and in Europe—are well known to all who are acquainted with the history of their own times.
How is it possible for any free government to stand the shock of such
perpetual, inveterate, malicious, hostile attacks?
I will tell you—It is only by the people being inquisitive, knowing, and alive to their own interest; by their being wiser, honester, and more patriotic , than those who abuse and would mislead them.
As light and knowledge increase to the people, deception vanishes; hence it is that democratic societies set up, to pull down free republics , are now scarcely known or heard of.
And, yet the same evil spirit continues to operate in the unbounded licentiousness of some presses by the grossest misrepresentations of public men; and almost every measure taken for the safety of the country.
Those who have so long advocated the cause of a foreign nation against their own, with as much zeal as if under large pay for their services, to seduce this people out of their neutrality and plunge us into the wars of Europe; on a sudden would have imposed this other extreme absurdity upon their country—that a simple preparation for defence against the most flagrant attacks upon property, amounts to a declaration of war .
There has been an unprovoked war upon property, for above five years past, to the amount of many millions, by estimation, besides five or six more by violation of contracts, under which widows and orphans and others are now suffering throughout the U. S. in direct infringement of the rights of mankind, and of solemn treaty.
These hostilities commenced near a year and an half prior to the British treaty: that great pretext and apology (with some) for violating all principles of right and justice.
Though that was only an exercise of the right of a free and independent nation, to adjust their own differences, amicably, by negotiation, rather than rush, in the first instant, upon the uncertainty of sword and battle; at the same time expressly reserving the right of all other nations, unimpaired.
The clamor so much labored to be raised against that measure, by the opposers of neutrality, was clearly owing to this—that it tended to defeat the great object which they had so invariably and intemperately pursued from Mr. Genet's arrival; the embarking us in the war (at all hazards) on the side of France.
There is somewhat so abhorrent to justice, that one can hardly find a name for it—that while our envoy, or envoys, have been humbly waiting and attending in a foreign country for a year and a half, with full powers to settle all difficulties upon the most liberal principles, and have been rejected or kept at a distance, treated with contempt, unheard, unreceived by the government; that very time has been improved to enclease hostilities to so extensive and almost universal devastation of our commerce; so that, (as our able and faithful envoys declared in their late memorial at Paris)—“The property of American citizens has been taken to a much larger amount than would have been possible in a state of actual war.” All which, and much more, appears from the dispatches, instructions, and other publications, which have been lately exhibited to the world.
Instead of making reparation for injuries and insults; the additionally demands large tribute, as of a conquered nation, and large ducats for the private pockets of her ministers.
The most likely way to prevent war is by being prepared for self defence.
The right to defend property at sea, that great highway of nations, is the same as at land.
Tamely to give up one, is but an invitation to avarice and ambition to demand the other.
As to foreign commerce, that source of wealth, so interesting to the farmer, the merchant, the seaman, to manufacturers, tradesmen, and mechanics of various sorts; so important to the support of government; so likely, if uninterrupted, to afford revenues sufficient, or nearly so, without the aid of other duties or taxes. In what manner this great object can or ought to be defended, with our country in general, at any and at all points:—Our only safety is in leaving such power and discretion where the constitution has lodged them—to our representatives in Congress assembled
—whose time, talents and studies are devoted to such great national objects; for whose propriety of conduct we have all the security the nature of things admit; their integrity and ability, their liableness to the same consequences of war; their sensibility to the same blessings of peace, with any of their constituents.
And, though individuals have an undoubted right to express their opinion upon public matters, in a decent manner: Yet that it would oblige Congress to act against their own sense and judgment of things, I believe no mortal will pretend.
As such a supposition would tend to utter anarchy, confusion, and the dissolution of all governments.
A charge against America, long dwelt upon by the unceasing opposers of our government, has been, that France being a free republic, fighting for liberty at land, and for the freedom of the seas; America had ungratefully refused to join her; thereby risking the extinction and the loss of all liberty.
'Tis true, when that revolution began, America rejoiced—in hope of seeing real liberty spread far and wide, and established upon a substantial, unmoveable basis; but, nine years melancholy experience and observation present a very different prospect and state of things.
The first three years (which were not without their multiplied troubles and commotions) were spent principally in tearing up the old foundations and erecting a new system, called a limited monarchy; to which all orders of state solemnly swore fidelity, in the field of Marble —in the midst of 600,000 spectators.
In a little more than two years, the same constitution so solemnly established, was completely overturned by the aid of some of the same men who introduced it, by means of a formidable insurrection, attended with the slaughter of multitudes of citizens in the streets of Paris, on the famous 10th August, 1792.
In less than a month followed the horrid massacres of September in the prisons of Paris, of above a 1000 citizens, untried and uncondemned of any crime; perpetrated by a band of hired assassins—deliberately carried on night and day for four days together, unchecked by any authority—though done under the very eye of the national assembly; in whom was supposed to center all power—executive, legislative and judicial.
No justice of the nation has ever reached a single one of those assassins, to this day; on the contrary, some persons who had the virtue and courage to solicit an inquiry into the villainy, were obliged to meet the same adverse fate, in order to intimidate from all further attempts to discover or punish the authors of those horrid butcheries.
The same dreadful and barbarous example was immediately followed in other great cities, by sacrificing all the prisoners who were committed on party or political suspicions; while, unauthorised, they liberated from jail who were imprisoned for robbery, theft, or any other crimes against the old standing laws of the country.
The whole bloody reign of Robespierre and his accomplices, which followed in 1792, 1793, and 1794, when above 400,000 people were under imprisonment at one time, upon mere suspicions; when 400,000 of all classes of citizens, men, women, and children, were obliged to submit to the guillotine, to drowning, or some violent death, without trial, without evidence of crime, many sacrificed merely for their wealth, acquired by industry; when the christian religion was banished, and men dared not assemble together, the first day of the week to worship their Creator; when a member in convention could rise and announce himself an atheist, with public applause—this certainly was not a time of true liberty, but the reign of wild anarchy, terror and cruelty.
And yet, at the very time, these horrors were committing, and all principles of humanity were continuing to be outraged beyond example, we had a set of men in this country, and a set of servile newspapers constantly employed in celebrating and extolling that same unhappy man, Robespierre, as the great patron and defender of liberty.
Astonishing insult and imposition upon the good people of these states! What has been the state of things since that period?
Their last constitution of 1795, after providing many articles in favor of liberty and free elections, proceeds to establish several other articles, which are the bane of all liberty, and directly tend to subvert the whole—furnishing the usual weapons, by which liberty is overturned at a blow, a standing army in time of peace to maintain internal government—and a power to put an entire restraint upon the freedom of the press.
What the practice has been under this constitution, the notable events of the 4th of September 1797, among others, will inform; when part of Buonaparte's army of veterans, under orders from the directory surrounded the legislative body, at 4 o'clock in the morning—seizing above 50 of its principal members, with two of the directory and compelling an instant decree of banishment against them and a number of public officers to a distant country; (a number of whom had certainly publicly advocated peace and amity and a more friendly conduct towards America: which probably was their greatest crime:) also nullifying above 140 elections of the people, in an instant; all in violation of the most useful important articles of their constitution—without trial—without liberty of defence—without evidence offered of any crime—arresting and punishing without trial above 30 printers, and subjecting the press to the entire control of government.
Where then is French liberty? What becomes of the boasted, free republican constitution upon paper, before an immense army in the hands of the directory?
Again, what has been the treatment of other nations? Belgium, a neighbouring province, was entered by an army, Nov. 1792, as friends, under a solemn decree of convention, promising full security to property, public and private, and a right un molested to form and enjoy their own government.
The next month passed, another decree directly reverse; ordering general Demourier to seize all the public property of Belgium, with the treasure in churches, to the use of the republic. This order appeared so unprincipled and outrageous that Demourier refused to execute it: and it was, in fact, executed by other agents, inferior jacobin officers, who are said to have embezzled, in the collection, a large share to their own private use.
And, to complete the scene of treachery—instead of being suffered to form their own government, (according to promise) the Belgians were intimidated and compelled, at the point of the sword, to pray and petition to be annexed to France.
Another army entered Holland, being easily let in by the aid of the patriots, so called, in hopes of having their liberties better secured, according to promises, understood to be held out by decrees of convention.
And now Holland is groaning under tribute, after advancing immense sums upon requisition, with a foreign army in its bowels, dictating and controlling all its councils and operations, and causing decrees of banishment against uncomplying, refractory members of the Dutch convention, after the example of the 4th of September, at Paris.
Venice sold to a foreign power. Great part of Italy revolutionized into nominal republics, and enslaved to its conquerors.
The Pope, called Antichrist, whose spirited romantic power over nations had been declining for ages, and had become reduced, nearly to a nullity, forcibly thrust out of his small remaining territory; but succeeded by another antichrist, composed of atheism, military despotism, and the prostration of all principles, civil, moral, and religious.
Query—Whether the people can be gainers by such a change?
Spain, now trembling for the mischiefs which she dreads from her ancient ally.
Portugal, also in danger, being too near and too small to expect to escape the all devouring grasp of the republic.
The small but virtuous and respectable republic of Geneva: which had,
for centuries, produced some of the greatest men in learning and in arts: whose liberties the most powerful monarchs of France had respected, and left untouched; now, without provocation overturned, its blood compelled by a course of the vilest treacheries and seditious practices: aided by an army, to renounce its independence, and lose itself in the great despotic republic.
Those innocents, whom kings, in their pride, had spared, have been wantonly and without mercy sacrificed, by haughty pretended republicans.
Thus, also, has fallen in the fatal snare, the too credulous, though brave people of Switzerland, who had maintained their independence in the mountains towards 500 years, and had lived perhaps, the most easy and happy of any people on the continent! Europe, till lately they were surprised, trepanned and fraternized out of their liberties.
America, the first to acknowledge the republic, and conducting with all possible friendship consistent with the rules of neutrality, threatened with like vengeance, and a similar fate.
All this does not bear any of the marks of fighting for liberty at land, or for the freedom of the seas, but for the absolute dominion of both and for a general domination over all countries.
We certainly wish for peace and amity with all nations, but not for subjection to any.
Whatever nation should gain the full mastery, both at land and sea, the probable consequence and counterpart would be general vassalage and subjugation.
It must, therefore, be the dictate of self-preservation and sound policy to keep up a balance of power among nations, as much as may be by all lawful and prudent means.
Thus are we unfortunate enough to see despotism only changing its form—the people changing masters; and, under the specious pretences and allurements of liberty and equality, we only see the people of many of the smaller nations of Europe subjected, under a foreign power, to the strong, irresistible arm of a cruel settled military tyranny.
It is important here to remark, and seriously consider, that all those subjugated nations, who are now paying large exactions to foreign armies for keeping them in subjection, did not come to their fate, so much by the power of arms, as by their impudent listening to artful incendiary intrigues, to false, flattering promises of fraternity and protection held out to allure all people to revolt from their governments; thus duping them to their own destruction, making the people the voluntary instruments of their own misery.
This horrible plot against the rights of nations and of mankind, and against all religion and virtue, order and decency, carried on by French ministers, emissaries and philosophers, and what is worse and more astonishing, abetted by a party of our own countrymen, is now pretty generally seen through, and has roused the spirit of free Americans to a sense of their danger and to some preparation to prevent the fatal explosion of it upon themselves.
Thank heaven—America is not in very great danger of revolutionizing, at present, unless by force of arms and a superior overbearing power operating in the heart of the country; for this plain reason—that the fellow citizens of America, all now stand upon an equal footing, in point of property, and of civil and religious rights—as government, society and the nature of things admit; we have chosen our own governments and constitutions; our elections under no governmental military control; that we live under the only free republics, of any extent, that exist upon the earth; the only ones that do or can maintain civil government without the aid of a standing army—kept in pay for that purpose.
Under the smiles of heaven, through the prudence and patriotism of our representatives, America has been wonderfully preserved in peace—while many nations of Europe for a course of above six years, have been

shaken to the centre by discord, wars and convulsions.
Many, through blood, seeking for liberty; while the blessing, like a phantom, flies before them, and continually eludes their grasp.
What is the result of all? That in this alarming crisis, all parties and patriots firmly unite and persevere in support of their own government, constitution, liberties, and independence, and of all necessary measures adopted and to be adopted for the general safety.
And God grant that all national differences may soon be accommodated: and the blessings of peace—substantial liberty, and stable government, be the portion of all nations!
Gentlemen, I must put you in mind of the special duty of your office at this time—to make diligent enquiry and true presentment of offences against the United States, according to law; wherein you will be duly assisted by the attorney for the government and by the court, if necessary.
I shall mention particularly, a law which has been much misrepresented, a late law against an old offence, against what must be deemed a dangerous offence in all societies, and under all forms of government, viz. combinations or conspiracies to raise insurrections against government or to obstruct the operation of the laws made by proper authority; subjecting offenders to fine and imprisonment; also printing and publishing false, scandalous and malicious writings against the government, with intent to stir up sedition or insurrection—or resistance to the laws—or to encourage any hostile designs of any foreign nation against the United States, their people or government; offenders of this kind are also subjected to fine and imprisonment, and justly—for every one must see, that an unbounded, unchecked licence, or rather licentiousness , in this way, would put it in the power of bad and discontented men—nay, of the worst men in a community, to overturn the freest government in the world, by dealing out under false fictitious signatures, a continued course of falsehood, misrepresentation, deception and imposition upon the public.
What but this with the artful inflammatory and impudent publications of the democratic societies, set up by Mr. Genet to overthrow the federal union, [and to subject this people to the entire control of France] what but this, encouraged and produced the insurrection at Pittsburgh; which cost the United States a million and an half of money to suppress: an insurrection raised, under the groundless pretext of opposing an arbitrary law about a small matter of excise; a law in its foundation expressly warranted by the constitution:—Taxes, duties, imposts and excise; being the necessary means explicitly lodged in the hands of Congress by the constitution, for the support of government, for the common defense, and for the general welfare.
What but this, so long deceived many good people in America, with respect to the internal state and designs of France; representing her, as exhibiting a perfect pattern of true liberty, and willing to communicate it to all the world; when, in fact, according to their own histories, written by the revolutionists themselves, such as Brissot, Louvet and others, and by the records and reports in the national convention itself, a course of cruelties, tyrannies and perpetual violations of all principles of liberty and property, was more extensive and atrocious than was, perhaps, ever known under any monarchy.
What but this, has deceived even the rulers of France, for a time at least; making them believe, that their diplomatic skill had had its full effect in setting the people of America at war with their own government, and making them ready to join France in overturning it. And yet some printers have cried out, that by this law they are abridged the liberty of the press.
But certainly not, unless the liberty of the press comprehends a right to print and propagate scandalous and malicious falsehoods, to the injury of the public; which no man of virtue or modesty will pretend, any more than that liberty of action admits of committing murder, theft or any other crime.
The law provides a full and sufficient guard to innocence, by allowing the party accused, a fair trial by a jury of his country and to acquit himself entirely, only by proving the truth of his own assertions.
Thus is this important point of the liberty of the press, placed upon the only just and equitable foundation; safe to the innocent and the patriot, by allowing them to publish any truths they please—essential to the preservation of any free government—only forbidding malicious lies and slander, which no man possessed of any principle of virtue or honesty, would indulge himself in.
Different in this from the law of
England, which admits not the privilege of proving the truth of the words written upon an indictment for a libel; and more different still from the practice in France, where a citizen may be arrested at the pleasure of the directory, for publishing any thing disagreeable, however true, and sent without trial beyond seas into banishment, perhaps 4000 miles distant from his native country, his family and estate.
As to the alien law; it is a little strange, that any American should be found to complain of that which touches not the rights of any individual free citizen; but only provides for the safety of all (in case of war or threatened invasion) by the removal of dangerous alien enemies, who may be plotting secret mischief in the midst of us, and co-operating with the enemy without—in order to invade or subjugate our country.
Objections are made to the constitutionalality of these laws.
But can any reasonable man suppose, that a government, instituted for the protection of all the states and all the citizens, with full powers to do every thing necessary for that important end, has no power to protect itself by laws to prevent crimes which tend directly to its overthrow and destruction?
Can it be imagined, that the supreme authority of a government, which is vested with the important powers of war, and of the common defense against public enemies, and of protecting each and all the states against invasions, and is expressly authorized, by the constitution, to make all laws necessary and proper to carry those powers into execution, has no power to remove alien enemies—to remove aliens who belong to, and owe allegiance to, a foreign state, that is waging war with us; that is invading, or upon the point of invading, our country, by an hostile army?
But it is suggested, that aliens cannot be touched in such 'case' without the intervention of a jury, because it is provided (in the 7th article of the amendments to the constitution) that "no person shall be held to answer for a capital or other infamous crime, but upon a presentment or indictment of a grand jury; or be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law"—and in the 8th article of amendments, that the accused shall have a trial by jury.
There is no doubt, but that any alien permitted to reside among us, committing any crime against the municipal laws of the country, is to be tried in the common way, by jury. But that no way touches the present case.
There is no crime of that sort charged. The grand question is—Whether the supreme authority has not a right, with ample powers, in case of the country being invaded or about to be invaded by a hostile nation, to remove aliens who are subjects, or citizens of, and owe allegiance to such hostile nation, and who may be extremely likely to join its standard; and to prescribe the modes of removal with all its circumstances and conditions, as Congress cannot do it in person?
Surely these articles of amendments never intended to take away the powers before granted, to defend the country against invasions, and "to make all necessary and proper laws for that purpose."
Nearly as well might it be said, in case an hostile army was to land on our coast, that we must summon juries to try the soldiers of that army, before we could proceed to abridge them of their liberty.
No; the only constitutional mode, in such case, is to proceed, directly, with sword and bayonet.
So as to aliens of such hostile nation, not actually in arms, to remove them from a situation to injure us; and this, by the essential rights of war and self-defence.
What possible motive can any persons have for their great zeal and anxiety to get rid of these wholesome and necessary laws, unless they imagine it will give them a more easy task to overturn the government and constitution of the United States; unless they mean to pave the way to a more easy invasion and conquest of this country, by some foreign power?
GENTLEMEN, Let us all be faithful in discharging, not only our special duties of office, but generally, all those men and citizens, of patriots and christians, and thereby endeavour to secure the blessing of Heaven upon ourselves, and upon our country.
Randall Rice, who in August term of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, was declared guilty by the jury of breaking open the Nantucket Bank and Stealing, has been remitted the pains and penalties he might otherwise have suffered, through the grace and favour of his Excellency the Governor, by and with consent of his Council; and the said Rice is now discharged and ordered to go without day.
Foreign Intelligence.
Received by the ship Liberty , Capt. Jenkins, arrived at Newbury-Port, from Hamburg.
The "Altona Mercury" received, is as late as October 27th. We need not repeat, that the Hamburg and Altona prints, are amongst the most accurate in Europe.
Buonaparte's Fate.
VIENNA, OCT. 13.
An official account from Constantinople to the Turkish Ambassador here, announces, that the Bays, of Egypt having embodied a very strong army near Cairo, under the direction of several English officers, on the 9th Sept. attacked the army of Buonaparte. The Bays met, as they expected, a bold resistance; but succeeded so far as to dislodge them from the capital of Egypt, and its neighbourhood; and oblige them to retreat to Rosetta. This battle continued during the whole day; and the loss on both sides was very great. The Divan of Constantinople were in daily expectation of receiving the information, that Buonaparte had capitulated; as they could neither advance nor retire; and were in want of necessaries. A confirmatory account mentions, that the French army was reduced to 10,000 men. After those repeated losses, B. proposed a capitulation to the Turks; stipulating for a safe passage from Egypt; but the Bays refused it, as they were convinced of forcing him to surrender at discretion.
As nothing further is to be apprehended from the rebellion in Turkey, the Russian troops which were marching through Moldavia and Wallachia, for Widdien, have continued their route towards Italy. For the other two columns destined for Germany, the Emperor has directed magazines to be provided in his hereditary dominions.
The Russian fleet which has passed the Dardanelles, has a great number of troops on board.
Re-action in MALTA.
The rising of the Maltese against the French, is confirmed. They are driven to St. Elmo, and have been summoned to surrender. The Maltese flag is every where displayed. The French force left by Buonaparte is greatly reduced.
We learn from Malta, that the French garrison of St. Elmo was destitute of provisions, and could not stand a long siege. Ad. Nelson is forming measures for the blockade of Malta.
French Account.
PARIS, OCT. 18
The Directory have received dispatches from Buonaparte. The courier was two months on his journey. On the 7th July he left Alexandria, for Cairo; and on the 20th, arrived at the Pyramids, where he ordered the names of the warriors who had fallen in the capture of Alexandria, to be engraven on the Pyramid of Pompey; and their bodies buried at its foot. In marching from Alexandria he had battles with the Mamelucks, at Rahmanie, Chebreise, near the Pyramids, and at the gates of Cairo, which he entered the 22d July. After entering Cairo, he employed himself in the organization of the Egyptian provinces. His adversaries, Marat-Bey had retired to Upper Egypt; and Ibrahim-Bey in Lower Egypt.—Against the former he had thrown up entrenchments five leagues in front of Cairo, and had sent a strong detachment against the latter, who had retreated to Gaza. What has since happened to Buonaparte, the Redacteur does not say.
French Transports dish.
The official dispatches also announce, that Admiral Nelson had completely destroyed the French ships in Alexandria harbour, to the number of 366, including those of Venice and Ragusa. When the wind favoured, the Admiral directed his bomb vessels to assail the French forts on the shore, and then sent fire ships amongst them, which taking the windward ones, immediately communicated the flames to the whole squadron. It is laid two Venetian ships of the line, were of the number. [ In recurring to our official accounts of the sailing of the Toulon squadron, we observe, that there were amongst the transports which failed, a large number of cut-down ships of war, and other heavy vessels—Of these we have not lately had any account, and they probably have made part of the conflagration. Under the date of London, Oct. 19th, is a confirmation of this destruction. It is also confirmed by many other articles in the Altona papers. ]
The Turkish Minister has been arrested, and committed to the Temple.
PADUA, OCT. 11.
Yesterday two couriers passed thro' this city for Vienna, from Naples.
Their dispatches contain the fate Malta . The English and Russian fleets had appeared before, and commenced bombarding the capital. They had landed troops, and had taken Valetta.
The BREST FLEET destroyed.
Translated from the Hamburg Correspondent , Oct. 26, 1798.
LONDON, OCT. 19.
Dispatches from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, were yesterday received, stating, that on the 12th inst. a sea-engagement, between 16 ships, was seen from the isle of Tory. [ In the N. of Ireland, county of Donegal. ] It began at three o'clock, P. M. and continued between five and six hours. One vessel was totally dismasted; one had all her sails and rigging shot away; five took flight, and sheered off westerly, which were pursued; and two vessels sunk at the close of the engagement.
It is without doubt, the above ships were part of the fleet which sailed with troops from Breil. Our squadron under Sir J. B. Warren, on the 10th was off Brondhaven; and the squadron, under Commodore Home, consisting of three sail of the line, and two frigates, passed the Shannon the 8th. One or the other of these squadrons must have been in this engagement; and we have reason to believe that not a single enemy's vessel has escaped.
The following contains further information. On the 12th there was a sea-fight between one of our squadrons (probably Warren's) and the French; and as we believe a decided one. The account is from a person, who, from the shore, saw the battle; who adds that three French frigates anchored in the bay of Donegal, and landed their troops; which were driven back by the inhabitants.—That six transports were taken. These frigates, and those engaged off Tory, are supposed to constitute all the Breil squadron.
Miscellaneous Paragraphs.
The two French frigates Justice and Diana, which escaped from the battle off the Nile, have been taken by the Colossus, Capt. Murray, of 74 guns, off Malta.
From Lisbon, Oct. 6th, we learn, that advices from Lord St. Vincents, state, that since the battle off the Nile, the situation of Buonaparte had changed greatly; and that he had now more enemies, than he ever had friends. Six of the French ships taken off Nile, are now equipped, and taken into the British service. In addition to this, the Colossus, besides the two frigates, has taken 150 transport ships, and destroyed many.
The Jason, of 38 guns, Capt. Sterring, in chasing 6 vessels into Breil, got upon a rock and beat to pieces. The Captain and crew were made prisoners, except six seamen, who jumped into a boat, and after many difficulties reached England.
The Dutch have in the Texel, a fleet of 11 sail of the line, and nine frigates. The Admiral's ship is the Washington, of 74 guns. In the Maes, at Amsterdam and Rotterdam, they have 12 more of the line, and six frigates.
Rear-Admiral Orde has demanded a Court-Martial on Lord St. Vincents, for neglect of duty, as an Admiral; but the Admiralty has refused the request.
Warlike Aspects.
FLORENCE, SEPT. 18.
The French army of Italy has entered the Neapolitan dominions in a hostile manner, though without a formal declaration of war.
CONSTANTINOPLE, SEPT. 21.
IMPORTANT DETECTION.
JEAN BON ST. ANDRE, late French resident at Smyrna, was this day, with his suite, brought here, and lodged in the Castle of the Seven Towers. Among his papers was found a plan for revolutionizing the Ottoman Empire. In consequence of which, 30,000 men are ordered to march to certain places, where French politics have been favoured. Thirty seven cannons were found in the Palace Francaise , lately occupied by the French Minister at Constantinople, but now converted into a prison, where the non emigrant French who have not taken an oath of fidelity to the Grand Seigneur are confined.
An expedition against the south of France, in retaliation for the invasion of Egypt, is contemplated.—Our Court is to furnish 30,000 men.
The Russian and Turkish fleets late in our waters, presented the grandest spectacle ever seen in this city: and it is conjectured this armament has for its objects the possessions of the French in the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, and the Gulf of Genoa. The places particularly contemplated are Ancona, Civetta Vecchia, &c. and the city of Genoa, in which the Turks expect to find great booty. Before the Russian fleet failed, Admiral Uuschkow received dispatches from his Court at
St. Petersburg, upon which he had a long conference with the Ministry. The greatest degree of union and secrecy prevails between the Russian and English Ministers, and our Divan; and the former are even present in the private Councils, on our internal state affairs. The entry of the French in Egypt, has drawn the cords of friendship between us and Russia more close.
HAMBURG, OCT. 18.
The French have detached 8000 men of their army in Switzerland, to the Austrian territory; which they have entered, and commenced ravaging. The Emperor considers this as the first act in the renewed tragedy of war.
The crews of eight French ships in the harbour of Constantinople, have been made prisoners of war.
NAPLES, SEPT. 26.
Yesterday the King gave a grand dinner to Ad. Nelson, and his officers. The Admiral has recovered from his wounds. His ship, the Vanguard, of 74 guns, came in dismasted, towed by two frigates.
The English squadron which has been cruising off Sicily, has now gone to the coast of Egypt. Another division cruises off Malta.
HAMBURG, [ Imperial City ] OCT. 12.
The Grand Seigneur has made rich presents to all the British naval officers, and 80,000 dollars to the seamen engaged in the battle off the Nile. He considers them as the preservers of the Ottoman Empire in Africa.
The Grand Seigneur lately went in person , on board the Russian fleet, which lately arrived from the Euxine. An instance of confidence unparalleled in history. The Russians were hospitably treated in Constantinople.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19.
Last evening arrived in this City, Mr. Jacob Mayer, Consul of the United States at St. Domingo, accompanied by a French Gentleman who we are informed is entrusted with an important mission from Gen. Toussaint, to the Executive of the United States. The source from which our information is derived, precludes the smallest doubt of its authenticity.
BOSTON, December 26.
VICTORY continues constant to the flag of the Avengers of the World's injuries. The tide of French Power and Domination is hastening, with the rapidity of Niagara's flood, to its lowest ebb.
Buonaparte has been forced to fly to the sea-coast, before the Mamelukes of Egypt:—The immense fleet of Toulon transports has been burnt to the water's edge.—Malta is resuming its ancient Masters:—Russia, Turkey, Naples, and Germany, are advancing in force to carry the concomitants of war into the bosom of France;—and though last, not least in importance, the Breil fleet destined for Ireland, has added another Garland to a British naval hero's brow, and more ships to the invincible armada of England.
The news, though not official, is direct.—A ball shot from Alexandria to Hamburg, would pass directly over Vienna, the channel through which we have received the best information. The accuracy of the Hamburg papers is established, the dates agree, and the events were to be expected.
The Congress of Rastadt was closing its career. War, and not Peace will be the result. Centinel.
In the second edition of the " Hamburg Correspondent " of the 27th October, it is announced:—By an extraordinary opportunity, we have received OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS from London, that on the 12th October, Sir JOHN B. WARREN's squadron, had defeated the French Breil fleet, and captured the ship Hoche of 84 guns, and four frigates. Sir JOHN further writes, that the French ships which fled from the battle, will not be able to reach the ports of France. The above may be relied on.
MEMORANDA.
The army of the Bays which attacked Buonaparte, was said to be 70,000 strong.—When Nelson's gun-boats and fire ships assailed the French transports, the Mamelukes and Turks attacked Alexandria. The Russian fleet, from the Black Sea and the Turkish squadron, number 22 sail of the line and ten frigates. The Cullodon, of 74 guns, was got off after the battle, near the Nile; and Capt. Trowbridge now commands a squadron of six ships. Nelson has arrived at Naples.
A Paris paper of Sept. 28, says, "It is rumoured, that a new embargo will be laid on all American ships at Bourdeaux."

CONGRESS. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MONDAY, DEC. 17.
The Speaker laid before the House a report received from the Commissioners of the sinking Fund, containing the accounts for the last year which was ordered to be printed.
The committee of Commerce reported on the petition of Nathaniel Cutter, which went to deny the prayer of the petitioner. On the question, shall the petition be committed to the committee of the whole house, it passed in the negative, with little debate.
Mr. Nicholas moved a resolution, that the Secretary of the navy be directed to lay before the house an account of all the armed vessels employed in the service of the United States, and of all those preparing, their expenses, and annual support. This was postponed till to-morrow.
Mr. Dawson moved that the committee of ways and means be instructed to bring in a bill providing for the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, which was carried.
TUESDAY, DEC. 18.
Mr. J. Parker wished his colleague (Mr. Nicholas) would withdraw his motion, in order that it might be renewed on an enlarged scale; Mr. N. consented, and a motion for causing an estimate to be laid before the house, of all armed vessels employed by government, all preparing for the said purpose, where the said vessels were built, by what contracts, their respective sizes, force, and number of men, with the name of the commanders, &c. was made, and agreed to by the house.
Messrs. Otis, Rutledge, Goodrich, S. Smith, Champlin, Spaight, and Dent are the committee appointed for considering that part of the President's Speech which relates to the extending and invigorating the measures of national defence.
Messrs. J. Parker, Pinckney, Sewall, Champlin, Baldwin, Griswold and Van Cortland, are the committee for the naval establishment.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19.
Mr. Claiborne, moved a resolution to have printed and circulated a large edition of the Constitution of the United States; which was committed to a committee of three members, the number of copies was fixed at 40,000.
Mr. Harper reported the enumeration act, which was twice read.
The House, on motion of Mr. D. Foster, decided against the petition of John Daniels.
THURSDAY, DEC. 20.
General Bankrupt System.
The bill on this subject was read, discussed, and amended; but not gone through with.
The treasurer of the United States, made a statement of the expences of the War and Navy department. Ordered to be printed.
A bill for amending the Stamp Act, as it relates to bills of Exchange and bills of Lading, was read twice, and committed.
FRIDAY, DEC. 21.
A committee was raised to report a bill providing compensation for Clerks, Marshalls, Attorneys, Jurors, and Witnesses.
Blount's Impeachment.
The House spent the day in debate on the manner in which the impeachment should be prosecuted. The Managers proposed a Resolution, requesting the Senate that further order be taken for compelling the appearance of William Blount. The supporters of the proposition were Messrs. Sewall, Harper, and Gordon—its opposers, who contended that the trial might proceed without Blount's personal attendance, were Messrs. Nichols, Otis, Dana, and Edmond. The question being taken, the Yeas and Nays were, for the Resolution 11—Against it 69. Adj. to Monday.
PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 22.
Extract of a letter from the Consul of the United States at Gibraltar, dated the 18th of and 23d of Oct. 1798.
"The American ship Roanoke, Ebenezer Paine, commander, from Norfolk in Virginia, with a valuable cargo of Cocoa, Indigo, &c. bound to Cadiz; for a market, was brought in two days ago by a British privateer, on pretence of being Spanish property; and after going through the customary interrogations, has been cleared."
"Since the vessel was freed, being of 333 tons burthen, I met Earl St. Vincent, when I took the opportunity to request the favor of leave for her going to Cadiz with her cargo, which he not only granted, but also a convoy, as she is not armed, with leave to bring out for the United States a cargo of the produce of Spain."
"At foot you have the names of the six French prizes sent in by Ad. Nelson, five of which are now ready
to proceed to Lisbon, there to get some temporary repairs before they go for England; they are under jury masts, and in a shocking state, Ad. Nelson is blocking up Maita."
NAMES OF PRIZES.
  Le Franklin, 80 guns.   Le Tonnant, 80 do.   Le Spartiat, 74 do.   Le Conquerant, 74 do.   Le Peuple Souveraine, 74 do.   L' Aquillon, 74 do. 
UNITED IRISHMEN.
There came last night to my House two ruffians, one of whom lurked about the porch, while the other, as I stood at my own door, struck me on the head with a bludgeon: Amazed at such baseness, and being assaulted wholly unawares, I turned into my Office to seize a stick, instead of pressing on the assailant, whereby I might have promptly punished his audacity. Reflecting on the transaction since, it has occurred to me, that I was fortunate in not closing with him, as his dagger armed companion would immediately have fallen upon me, and in the scuffle I must have been murdered. I went after the nocturnal assassin, this morning, to return him domiciliary visit. A woman came forward to say he was not at home.
He will not however, pass unpunished: But future attacks will be repelled in a different manner; and if these Dagger Men choose thus to push things to extremities, they will find me better prepared.
JOHN WARD FENNO.
BOSTON, Dec. 31.
Nothing relative to Toussaint's mission has transpired, but doubtless that chieftain is anxious to renew the intercourse between the United States and St. Domingo. The shortest and safest course for the United States will be to take all the French West-India islands, and hold them as an indemnity for the spoliations on our trade. In concert with Great Britain, (without an alliance offensive and defensive) this might be done in six months, and a very good job it would be—With the aid of the British Squadron, Guadalupe might be blockaded and starved into a surrendrer, and the American flag be hoisted on the prison ship of Victor Hughes by the first of May—We fear that our peace-makers will not permit this to be done quite so soon; but first or last we must come to it.
Jefferson, and the Virginia Senators, instead of being present on the duties of their stations, are still in Virginia, aiding, no doubt, in making resolutions for the legislature.
REPUTATION.
Capt. Henry Brookins, (not Brookings) having seen a letter, published in our last, signed, Gideon Franklin, has testified, that every charge contained in that letter is false, calumnious, and groundless; that the only difference between them was on the subject of politics, Franklin declaring he would not return to the United States, but enter on board a French privateer as pilot for the American coast, and assist in the plunder of our commerce; that after being taken into Guadalupe, he actually entered on board the Guardship as carpenter, and as far as his influence would go, was the cause of much added insult and oppression to those unfortunate Americans then confined on board, of which number Capt. B. was one; that with respect to the insurance there were only 2100 dollars underwritten on the vessel and cargo, and that at 33 1-3 per cent. a premium, which reduced the benefit, in case of loss, to 1400 dls. only, a sum not above the value of the vessel. To all this, Capt. Jones, of Charleston, Capt. Brigham, of Boston, Capt. Shaw and Watts of Portsmouth, Capt. Hutchins and Treadwell of Newburyport, and Capt. Strong, of Portland, will also testify; they have lately returned from the guard ship of Victor Hughes, and the tyranny, oppression, and cruelty of his hirelings in villainy, among whom with some other disgraceful Americans, is this Franklin , a wretch, who ought to have a mark set upon him, that he may be known, and detested, as an abandoned villain.
A correspondent observes, that when the father of lies settles with the jacobins for all the plunders they have told, he will be obliged to make a lumping account of it, for he could never cast them up.
Marine Intelligence.
The Herald and Pickering sloops of war arrived here on Saturday.
The ship Barbary, Clark, from Hamburg, run ashore on Manchester beach on Friday morning last, the cargo will be saved, and probably the vessel.
The sloop Sally Capt. Alderhaw belonging to R. Treat, Esq. of Penobscott, failed from Portsmouth on Monday morning third inst. on the fourth in the morning was abreast of Sequin light house, it blowing a gale at N. W.
was obliged to scud 3 days, and on the seventh were 40 leagues S.E. of Georges banks; the wind shifting to N.E. made sail and stood N.W. and on Sunday evening made Cape Elizabeth, and coming to blow very hard stood off to the southward, on Monday the gale continuing carried away all her sails, the vessel being much wrecked and leaky, drifted S. S. W. on Tuesday morning made Cape Cod about 8 leagues, distance, bearing N. W. and then being almost full of water, about 11 o'clock was taken off the wreck by the sloop Minerva, Captain Clough, bound to New-York, and were landed at Martha's Vineyard. Capt. Alderhaw, with his men, return their thanks to Capt. Clough for his very humane treatment while on board his vessel.
The Caroline, Capt. Clark, from Boston, for Philadelphia is lost on Nantucket, cargo saved.
The Polly, Dyer from Salem, blown off the coast, was spoken Dec. 14.
The Maria, Shocet, from Charleston for Philadelphia was wrecked on the 9th inst. near Indian river, and six passengers unfortunately perished.
Charleston, Nov. 30.
Arrived—Maria, Bradish, Cape Francois, 18 days.
A schooner arrived there from Norfolk, in 18 days, in distress for water, after passing a number of neutral islands, where she might have been supplied if in want. But the wretch the owner, and the subaltern the Captain, shall be known and published, and the vengeance of a just people reach them both. Capt. B. says, that were it not for the covered trade carried on by the Americans and French under the Danish flag, the French freebooters would starve, but that we supply them ourselves, and that even now in the southern ports of the island, they are totally destitute of provisions. Pork was 65 dollars per barrel, beef 55, and flour 40, and scarcely a barrel to be had.
Philadelphia, Dec. 21.
We are happy to inform the public that the ship New-Jersey is afloat and in a place of safety.
Brig Morning Star, Hoare, captured on her passage from Jamaica to this port, by the French, is retaken by the British and sent for Halifax.
Sch. Martha and Mary, Roffiter, from Porto-Rico to this port, has put into Norfolk.
Sloop Catherine, Butler, from Havana to this port, has put into Charleston in distress.
The ship Neptune is on shore at Sandy Hook, and it is not expected she will be got off this winter.
New-York, Dec. 22.
The sch. John Brown, Capt. M'Farlane, from Peterburgh, bound to N. York, is cast away on Jersey shore, near Egg-Harbour.
Schr. Sukey and Polly arrived in distress at Norfolk from Laguira.
EXETER, DEC. 19.
DEDICATION.
Last Wednesday the new Meeting-House in this town was DEDICATED to the Worship of GOD. An excellent Discourse was delivered on the occasion, from Psalm 84. 1. by the Rev. Mr. ROWLAND—The exercises of the day were interspersed with instrumental and vocal music, which reflects much honor on the young Ladies and Gentlemen of this town who composed the choir.
It is worthy of remark, that this building, which in point of size and beauty, is equalled, perhaps, by few in the United States, has been erected and finished, in about six months, and no melancholy accident has happened during the whole.—Much praise is due to Mr. Johnson of this town, who was the chief architect, both in planning and executing. The plan is novel and pleasing, and the finishing neat, simple, and elegant.
Thus while the infatuated French are destroying the Temples of GOD and every thing sacred, in the European world, we have reason to rejoice that our rulers have been led to see through their insidious policy—our religious and civil privileges are still preserved from the unhallowed touch—we may erect temples, worship according to the dictates of our own consciences, and set under our vines, having none to make us afraid.
PORTSMOUTH, JANUARY 2.
On Friday morning the General Court finished their session at Concord, and adjourned to meet again at Concord on the first Wednesday in June next.—The Acts passed during the session will be published in the Gazette as soon as the Secretary furnishes copies.
By an act of Congress passed July 9, 1798, it is declared, that all claims against the United States for transactions during the late war, which are not presented before the first day of March next, either by the proper creditors, or their legal representatives,
shall be forever barred and precluded from settlement or allowance.
Charles F. Degen of Boston, has been recognized by the President of the United States, Vice Consul of his Swedish Majesty for the States of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
The Hon. Gouverneur Morris, formerly Minister to France, has arrived at Philadelphia from Europe.
AMERICAN NAVY. List of Vessels in Service.
   GUNS.     Frigate United States 44 John Barry.   Constitution 44 Sam'l Nicholson.   Constellation 36 Thomas Truxton.   Ships   Ganges 24 Thomas Tingey.   Delaware 20 Stephen Decatur.   Montezuma 20 Alex. Murray.   Baltimore 20 Isaac Phillips.   G. Washington 24 Patrick Fletcher   Herald 18 James Sever.   Portsmouth 24 Daniel M c Neil.   Pinckney 18 Sam'l Heyward.   Norfolk 18 Tho's Williams.   Richmond 18   Merrimack 24 Moses Brown.   Brig Pickering 16 Jona. Chapman.   Sophia 14 Geddes.   Galley Retaliation 14 Wm. Bainbridge.  
EIGHT REVENUE CUTTERS.
BUILDING.
  Gen. Greene, 24 C. R. Perry.   Connecticut, 24 Moses Tryon.   Adams, 24 R d V. Morris.   1 at Boston 24   2 at Baltimore, 18 each.   1 at Charleston, 24.   1 at Salem, 32   2 at New-York, 44 each.   1 at Philadelphia, 44   1 at Norfolk, 36   1 at Portsmouth, 44.   1 at Middleton, 32   1 at Warren, R. I. 32   1 at Boston, 36 In all 40. 
Note—I do not offer the above as a complete or formal list, though I have taken some trouble to perfect it; the grades of the commanders must not be understood to correspond with this arrangement.
[U. States Gaz.]
His Excellency James Wood, Esq. is re-elected Governor of Virginia.
MARRIED —In England, the Hon. Sir Sidney Nowbray Somerset, to the Right Hon. Lady Adeline de Souvigny, with 40,000 £ . and 6000 per annum on her coming of age; Sir Sidney is only 19, and lady Adeline just turned off 14 years of age.
In Baltimore, Mr. Stephen Goodwin, aged 70, to Miss Jenny Hayden, aged 15.
Portsmouth Marine list for Dec. 1798.
  Dec. 1, arrived Sch r Industry, Trefethren, Tobago.   do. arrived Brig Drake, Tredick, Tobago.   do. arrived Brig Nancies, Tibbetts, Demerara.   do. arrived Ship Pomona, Merrill, Tobago.   do. arrived Brig Polly, Furnas, W. Indies.   do. sailed Brig Nancies, Follet, W. Indies.   do. sailed Brig Union, Lunt, W. Indies.   do. sailed Sch r Diligent, Kennard, W. Indies.   7th, sailed Ship Betsy, Blunt, W. Indies.   10th, sailed Ship Pacific, Satter, Georgia.   do. arrived Brig Hitty, Lord, Martinico.   do. arrived Brig Florenzo, Currier, Demerara.   do. arrived Schooner 3 Friends, Trefethren, Charleston.   do. arrived Sloop Jane, Shaw, N. York.   14th, arrived Brig Nancies, Smith, W. Indies.   do. arrived Schooner Hope, Parsons, Tobago.   do. arrived Brig Guazanus, Blunt, W. Indies.   20th, arrived Schooner Camillus, Drisco.   do. sailed Brig Drake, Tredick, North Carolina.   21st, sailed Ship Mentor, Flagg, Tobago.   do. sailed Ship Calo, Neal, Tobago.   do. sailed Brig Olive, Stoody, Lisbon.   27, arrived Ship Randolph, Hilton, Martinico.   do. arrived Sch. Union, Gunnison, Philadelphia.   28, sailed Ship Lark, Brown, Jamaica.   do. sailed Ship George, Satter, Lisbon.   do. sailed Brig Rising Sun, Noble, Demerara.   30, sailed Brig Betsy, Noble, W. Indies. 
Neil M c Intire HAS FOR SALE
The following articles, on very reasonable terms, viz.
TEN Chefts Bohea
  Tea, of an excellent quality.   18 Bags Coffee.   10 Casks best Linseed Amsterdam Oil.   Cotton by the bag.   12 Hhds. Grenada & Demerara Rum.   6 Ditto Molasses.   Boxes old Castle Soap, suitable for washing Mullen, &c.   Number Hhds. and barrels Sugars.   Number oblong Ovens very convenient for fish or baking.   16 Hhds. very best sweet scented Virginia Tobacco.   40 Kegs best fig Tobacco.   Segars that are very mild.   Pigtail and every kind of manufactured Tobacco of the very best quality. 
—LIKewise—
A quantity of excellent new Cordage of different sizes.
Portsmouth, Dec. 21, 1798.
EXCELLENT
STONE LIME,
Just arrived from Thomastown, and for sale, wholesale and retail by
B. Connor,
At Jona. Warner, Esq's wharf, Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Aqueduct.
NOTICE.
THE Proprietors of the Portsmouth Aqueduct are hereby informed that their annual meeting will be held at Greenleaf's Tavern, on Wednesday the 2d January, 1799, to meet at 3 o'clock P. M. A punctual attendance is requested, as business of importance will be before the meeting.
GEO. LONG, Prop rs Clerk.
Samuel Hill
HAS FOR SALE, CHEAP for CASH,
EIGHTY-Eight whole and half bbls. superfine and fine Flour; 8 whole, 4 half and 6 quarter pipes Old London market Madeira Wine, which will be sold for first cost in Madeira and duties; 20 Hhds. 1st, 2d, 3d and 4th proof West-India Rum, well flavoured; 2 pipes Bourdeaux Brandy; New-England Rum, by any quantity, made at Ladd and Hill's distillery in Portsmouth, at the Boston price; Molasses and Sugar per Hhd; Coffee; Bohea, Souchong and Hyson Teas; Chocolate, Philadelphia, Swedes and Russia Iron; German Steel; Iron Hollow Ware; Grind Stones; Cod and Pollock Fish; Codlines and Twines per bale.
English and other Goods
as usual, which with the above will be sold by wholesale or retail.
Cash given for shipping FURS. Portsmouth, Jan. 1, 1799.
NOTICE IS hereby given to the proprietors of the New-Hampshire Hotel and Portsmouth Pier, that their annual meeting will be held at the Hotel, on the third Monday in January inst. at 3 o'clock, P. M. Punctual attendance is requested.
E. HALL, Proprietors' Clerk. Portsmouth, Jan. 2.
FOR SALE BY
Matthew S. Marsh,

A NEW SONG.
Or, Morality, Christianity, and Masonry United.
By Brother N C.
NO man a disciple can be Of the author supreme who's above, Unless he can fully agree, With harmony, friendship and love.
His steps must agree with the plumb- And actions conform to the square, Before to the Temple he come, For no sounding hammer is there.
His love universal must flow- Which none should attempt to confine, Tho' a priest or a levite say no- He must pour in the oil and the wine.
Must find himself worthless and blind; Must knock and he ne'er must give o'er- The truth must incircle the mind, Before he can enter the door.
Nor will the resplendence of light Afford him a full cheering ray, Until he seems blooming to light, That part which shall never decay.
When guided thro' darkness unknown, And light on him suddenly beam, He'll smile and deride the sad tomb, When th' ark of his safety is seen.
With love to the grand architect, And faith in the essence of love, Disciple he'll be an elect- Of th' author supreme who's above.
Then he's like a mason free born, Who's level and plumb does revere, With trowel who works in due form, And walks within compass and square.
So dangers no one need to fear, When aid of a brother is nigh; Who washes th' unfortunate tear, From widow and orphan's sad eye.
How happy and cheerful be he, From whatever distance he come, To know himself welcome and free, And find himself always at home.
Pure joy and felicity flow From harmony, friendship and love; Then taste of the streams here below, And seek for the fountain in above.
May peace universally reign, And love as extensive abound, Our pillars and lodges remain, Till discord no more can be found.
Then let us make vocal our song, For nature in concert will join; Let's touch a soft note on the string, And all in a chorus combine.
WINTER.
Ruthless winter's rude career Comes to close the parting year; Fleecy flakes of snow descend, Boreal winds the welkin rend. Reflect, O man! and well remember, That dull old age is cold December: For soon the year of life is gone, When hoary hairs like snow come on.
FROM THE SHOP OF
MESS. COLON AND SPONDEE.
Would not a work with the following title be as popular as the moral memoirs of Burroughs? A history of the Devil, written by himself, and published at the request of many of his hearers.
Take Notice.
Left by mistake at Richard Evans's store, A BALE OF WOOLENS, the owner is desired to call for them.
Richard Evans,
Has received a few handsome
MUFFS & TIPPETS
ALSO, an excellent assortment of Rose and Sea Blankets. Portsmouth, Dec. 21, 1798.
AN Act limiting the time within which claims against the United States, for credits on the books of the Treasury may be presented for allowance.
BE it enacted by the
Senate and House of Representatives, of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That all Credits on the books of the Treasury of the United States, for transactions during the late war, which, according to the course of the Treasury, have hitherto been discharged by issuing certificates of Registered debt, shall be forever barred, and precluded from settlement or allowance, unless claimed by the proper creditors, or their legal Representatives, on or before the first day of March, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine.
And the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby required to cause this act to be published, in one or more of the public papers of each State.
JONATHAN DAYTON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. THEODORE SEDGWICK, President of the Senate Pro Tempore. JOHN ADAMS, President of the United States.
Approved, July 9, 1798.
PUBLIC notice is hereby given to the owners of land in the town of Lancaster, in the county of Grafton, and State of New-Hampshire, who have not paid their tax of four cents on the acre, assessed agreeably to an act of the General Court, passed at their session begun and holden at Concord, on the fourth Wednesday of November, 1796; and advertised for payment, by the selectmen of said Lancaster, according to the tenor of said act; that the taxes on the following lots and tracts of land are now unpaid. Therefore, so much of the said lots and tracts of land as will pay the tax assessed thereon, with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, to the highest bidder, by us the subscribers, on the 22d day of January next, at 10 of the clock in the forenoon of said day, at the Inn of Stephen Wilson, one of the subscribers, in said Lancaster, unless prevented by previous payment.
Table with columns: No. of lots, No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts. Rows list various landowners like Charles How, Israel Hale, Daniel Hale, Isaac Ball, etc.
NATHANIEL WHITE, STEPHEN WILSON, TITUS O. BROWN, Selectmen of Lancaster. Lancaster, December 8, 1798.
A FARM to be leased.
A LARGE Farm, distant about one mile from the State House, in this town, well stocked of every kind, will be leased to a suitable person for one year or more, as may be agreed on—a strong handed man, and a good dairy woman of approved integrity will be required; said farm may be entered upon in March next, or perhaps sooner.—For terms apply to Madam Boyd, or Supply Clap. Portsmouth, Dec. 19, 1798.
State of New-Hampshire.
County of Strafford. NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in Alton, who have not paid their State and road taxes for the year 1798, that unless they pay said taxes to me the subscriber at my dwelling house, on or before the 14th day of February next, so much of their lands will be sold at public vendue as will pay said taxes with incidental charges; at 10 o'clock in the forenoon on said day, at the dwelling house of Zebulon Davis, innholder in said town.
Table with columns: No. of lots, No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts. Rows list landowners like The heirs of Sam'l Allen, John Wentworth, Lydia Coffelow, etc.
ROBERT E. BUZZEL, Collector. Alton, December 12, 1798.
Stamped Paper,
For Notes of hand, Bills of lading and Bills of Exchange, and every other description of stamped paper sold at J. MELCHER's Printing Office, at the same price as at the Supervisor's Office.
Books, Blanks, and Stationary for sale at J. MELCHER's Printing-Office and Book-Store, corner of Market-Street, Portsmouth.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors and owners of land in the town of Landaff, who have not paid their State, highway, and school taxes for the year 1798, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber on or before the 28th day of March next, so much of their land as will pay the same with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the dwelling house of Jonathan Noyes, Esq. innholder in said town, at ten o'clock, A. M. unless prevented by previous payment.
Table with columns: No. of lots, No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts. Rows list landowners like Jacob Walden, John Hurd, Jacob Treadwell, etc.
MOSES DUSTIN, Collector. Piercy, Dec. 20, 1798.
State of New-Hampshire.
Hillsborough ss.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the town of Hillsborough, who have not paid their State, county, and highway taxes, for the year 1798, that unless they pay said taxes to me the subscriber with the incidental charges, on or before the 26th day of March next, so much of their lands as will pay the same, together with the incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the house of John Dutton, Esq. in said town, at ten o'clock, A. M. on said day.
Table with columns: No. of lots, No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts. Rows list landowners like Nathan Wyman, Daniel Wilson, Matthew Forsyth, etc.
THADDEUS MONROE, Collector. Hillsborough, Dec. 5, 1798.
Ten Dollars Reward.
Deserted from the Continental ship of war
PORTSMOUTH,
New lying at Portsmouth, N. H. MAN by the name of John Riley, who enlisted as a marine on board said ship; said Riley is about 5 feet 4 inches high, light coloured hair, has a large red mark over his left eye, had on when he deserted a short blue jacket and trowsers—whosoever will return said deserter on board said ship, shall have the above reward paid by THOMAS HOIT, Lieut. of Marines. Portsmouth, Dec. 24, 1798.
Table with columns: No. acres, arable, No. acres, mowing, No. acres, pasturing, No. acres, unimproved, No. Lot, No. Range, No. Division, School tax, Highway tax, State tax. Rows list landowners like Salibury & Higginson, Caleb Young, Rev. Stephen Peabody, etc.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the town of Piercy, who have not paid their State tax for the year 1798, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, so much of their land as will pay the same will be sold at public vendue, on the 26th day of March next, at the dwelling house of Abner Clarke, Esq. in said town, at 10 o'clock A. M. if not prevented by previous payment.
Original proprietors names.
Table with columns: Name, Cents. Rows list names like Jacob Walden, John Hurd, Jacob Treadwell, etc.
Settler's lots so called, up land.
Table with columns: Lot No., Cents. Rows list lot numbers like Lot No. 1, do. 2, do. 7, do. 6.
State of New-Hampshire.
Hillsborough ss.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the town of Hillsborough, who have not paid their State, county, and highway taxes, for the year 1798, that unless they pay said taxes to me the subscriber with the incidental charges, on or before the 26th day of March next, so much of their lands as will pay the same, together with the incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the house of John Dutton, Esq. in said town, at ten o'clock, A. M. on said day.
Table with columns: No. of lots, No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts., No. of Rds., No. of Cts. Rows list landowners like Nathan Wyman, Daniel Wilson, Matthew Forsyth, etc.
THADDEUS MONROE, Collector. Hillsborough, Dec. 5, 1798.
Ten Dollars Reward.
Deserted from the Continental ship of war
PORTSMOUTH,
New lying at Portsmouth, N. H. MAN by the name of John Riley, who enlisted as a marine on board said ship; said Riley is about 5 feet 4 inches high, light coloured hair, has a large red mark over his left eye, had on when he deserted a short blue jacket and trowsers—whosoever will return said deserter on board said ship, shall have the above reward paid by THOMAS HOIT, Lieut. of Marines. Portsmouth, Dec. 24, 1798.