The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1788-01-02 00:00:00

Hon. J. Whipple, Esq.
THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND GENERAL WEDNESDAY, PORTSMOUTH: By JOHN MELCHER,
[VOLUME XXXII.—No. 1634]
GAZETTE, THE ADVERTISER, JANUARY 2, 1788. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN MARKET-STREET.
"WHEN ANGRY NATIONS PART IN LEAGUES OF PEACE, LET PRIVATE FEUDS AND CIVIL DISCORDS CEASE."
Account of a most singular Cure, the truth of which is so well attested as to put it beyond a doubt—It is copied from an old London Magazine.
GOD in all ages, hath not left himself without a testimony of his eternal power and Godhead, as will appear in the following narrative: A church at Tiverton, in the west, being congregated together, and having one among them, whom they designed for their pastor, a letter was sent, by the consent or order of them, to a church in Colchester, for the dismission of a member their intended pastor; and likewise a clause in the letter for directions in ordination, whether it was judged necessary to lay on hands. The aforesaid church in Colchester having their pastor absent, I was desired to answer the aforesaid letter, and when I came to answer that point as to ordination, I wrote as follows, viz. Laying on of hands being an insignificant thing, only to denote the person ordained, it having no power to convey any ministerial gifts to the person so ordained, we rather judge it to be a primitive ceremony, such as the anointing of the sick, and the washing of the feet, which ceased with the lives of the apostles, and with the extraordinary gift of healing, &c.
This letter, thus written, was brought to the church for approbation, and to be subscribed by them; but some rejected it, and replied, that they believed anointing with oil, and also laying on of hands were ordinances in the church, and ought still to be practised; which I opposed and quoted the authors I had read against it; but to no purpose, for the letter they would not sign, and another was written according to their own minds. But from that time, I was left in great darkness of soul, so that I oftentimes questioned my interest in Christ Jesus, and I kept many days of fasting and prayer, for the return of the light of God's countenance; and thus I continued for the space of about two months, 'till at length being at St. Edmund's Bury, in Suffolk, towards the latter end of December, I was desired to pray with a gentleman and woman, who had been long afflicted; and whilst I was at prayer, I was much in the dark, and thought I had more need to pray for myself than others, which I did in these words: "Why hast thou left me, O Lord, why hast thou hid thy face from me? Return, return, O Lord, and lift up the light of thy countenance upon me." To which request, I was immediately answered by thought of mind, that I had denied
his ordinances, viz. anointing, and laying on of hands: I replied again in my own soul, Lord, if I did know they were thy ordinances, I would not willingly deny them, nor no other. So then I was convinced, that the ordinance of laying on of hands, and anointing with oil, were continued in the church; and that if I practised them, the Lord would own them. I then, upon this resolve of mind, had my desires granted, for the Lord did lift up the light of his countenance upon me and my prayer was turned into praises; and when I had concluded my prayer (the gentlewoman being lame of a dead palsy on one side) I said to her, Mistress, I believe if you were anointed in the name of the Lord, that your limbs will be restored; for I am convinced most strangely, of that which I opposed not long since with the greatest vigor. She told me she could not submit to it, neither did she believe it. I used some arguments with her, but to no purpose. So that day I returned to Colchester, and going to one Mrs. Mary Munnings, a widow, who kept a milliner's shop near the market, I told her how I had been convinced of the ordinance of anointing with oil; and further told her, I firmly did believe that God would own his own ordinances. She was much surprised, knowing how vigorously I had opposed it but a short time before; and supposing it to be a fancy, she asked, whether I had any faith in the application of it to her daughter, who was a cripple, as will plainly appear by this narrative? I told her yes, I had; and asked her, whether she believed it to be an ordinance? She said, she did. Then I looked into the room where her aforesaid daughter lay, and said, Child! do you believe the Lord can make you whole? She replied, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither is his ear heavy that it cannot hear, well I replied, if you believe his ability, I believe his willingness; then her mother asked me whether I would please to administer the ordinance to her? I told her I would, but this being the last day of the week, I could not now, because of my study. So I left them, and on the second day of the next week, going to expound, after my wonted custom, the aforesaid Mrs. Munnings being there, she thought it the most proper time to administer the ordinance to her daughter, while I was affected with the spirit and grace of God. According to her request, I went with her to her house; and she sent the maid for a pennyworth of oil, and told me, she hoped I
would be as good as my word, to anoint her daughter, I told her a bad promise was better broke than kept, but if I could find a warrant in the word of God, I would: calling for a bible, I desired not to be interrupted, and searched from one end to the other, for the space of three hours, viz. from nine to twelve, in which time, I had collected most places of scripture, both for the ordinance, and for the encouragement of faith, as James v. 14. Mark vi. 13. Mark xi. 24. which last I called a seal to my commission. Having done I closed up the bible, and said to the mother and the other sister present, I have not only found a commission, but a seal thereto. So I address'd myself to the ordinance in the manner following: First, I went to prayer, that God would raise our faith in the ordinance, and that also we might lay hold on the promise; then I set apart the oil from common to special use, by prayer.
Then I anointed her in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, on the place grieved, three times according to the number of the persons of the Trinity; but note, when I came to anoint her ankle, I was astonished, for her lameness was in manner following: Her hip bone was sprung up under her arm; her leg was crooked, and her ankle sprung out of its place, so that on the inside none was to be seen; her left foot in form of a stump, besides her other bodily infirmities for the want of her limbs. Her mother saith, she knows not whether she was born so or not, for she first perceived it when she was in her leading-strings and she being nigh 16 years of age, many did her mother make use of for help but to no purpose, she still growing worse and worse. At length she made her application to an eminent surgeon, who told her he would not take her money, for no man in the world could help her, nor reduce the bones into their proper places; the sinews being shrunk, and gathered under her ham as big as a man's hand; and the whole side so weak, that she could not carry a four pound weight on that side. When I saw her leg so deformed, for I never saw it before, my countenance fell, and I said within myself, Sure I am worse than a mad man; can crooked bones be made straight? And with that such a trembling seized me, that I could not stay my hand (but with the help of the other) to anoint her; and while I was in this confusion, this text dropt into my mind, Tho' you believe not, yet he abides faithful, and cannot deny himself. So as soon as I had a-
ointed her, I fell on my knees, as it were in an agony, and said these words; Lord, I have done my part, I have gone to the outside of my commission; Lord, I leave the work in thy hands to be accomplished. And while I was thus saying, I fell as it were into an extasy, and beheld as it were the heavens open, and Christ at the Father's right hand presenting a petition. Then I cried out, Lord, that is our petition, and we wait for an answer. The mother and sisters wondered at the expression; but as soon as I had so said I had these words brought to me: Be it unto you according to your faith; I replied, I believe she shall be made whole. And then I had this reply, I will, she shall be whole. And then, before I came off my knees I praised God for making her whole; and when I had concluded, I got up and walked some turns round the room; and then sat down, and fixing my eyes upon her, said, Child, the Lord hath made thee whole. Her mother replied, Sir, what do you mean to say so before you know? I replied, unbelief stand by; Child, the Lord hath made thee whole; her mother replied as before; at which I replied the third time, with greater earnestness than before, Child, the Lord hath made thee whole. Then she got up, and said, What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits! For while you pronounced me whole the second time, my bones snapt without the least pain, and are come into their places. And to our astonishment, we beheld her straight and whole, and a full hand's breadth taller than before. So she put forth her foot, shewed us her ankle, and all was well; her bodily infirmities also removed, and her soul, with ours, fill'd with the loving kindness of the Lord, so that we knew not how to contain ourselves. Come, said I, to her mother and sister, let us sing the praises of the Lord: No said her mother, the neighbours will hear us, it being but three o'clock last newyears-day in the morning. I replied, if we hold our peace, the stones in the street will cry against us. So we sung extempore and concluded the morning with blessing and praising God. In the morning her mother said, go see whether your brother does not cry; she went up stairs, and fetched him down, he being a lusty child near five years old. So the day following (when some members of the church were called together) was spent in praising God.
Signed at our church meeting; we whose names are after written

(members of the same society) do attest the truth hereof, and know of no other means that have been used, but that God hath shewed his great power therein.
Thomas Pryer, Daniel Hart, John Maxey, Francis Howard, Nathaniel Hicks, Robert Harris, Samuel Todd, Philip Stowars, John Blackfill, Benjamin Smith, John Browne, Jeremiah Baxter, Thomas Pettly, William Rawlings, Joseph Ellingford.
The above narrative is signed and sworn to by a great number more, among whom is a Surgeon who had examined and attended the girl.
L O N D O N, Oct. 6 Extract of a letter from Whitehaven, Sept. 25.
A very heavy equinoctial gale came on here last Thursday night. At twelve o'clock on Friday, a phenomenon, not seen by the oldest person living, presented itself in this harbour. It was then the time of low water, and the vessels which in the ordinary course of the ebb should have been left dry, were surrounded with water. On inquiry, it was found that the tide had not fallen more than three feet out of twelve—the most flood that is known in the present neap state of the tides. At the same time the low-water mark at the old Quay, was covered at eight feet and a half.
We are sorry to add, that this storm has occasioned a great and melancholy loss in the Isle of Man—The extent of the loss of lives and property could not be ascertained when the packet left Douglas—It was only known that three boats foundered on the herring bank, and the crews perished. Twenty-five boats were lost at Douglas—three were put ashore in the creeks between that port and Laxey, and all hands lost—twenty eight are on shore near Ramsey—It is feared the number of persons which perished would amount to sixty or seventy.—The darkness of the night, the fury of the tempest, and shrieks of the unfortunate men, made the scene truly shocking and lamentable—and the event will involve numbers of poor people in the utmost distress.
CHARLESTON (S.C.) Nov. 19.
Captain Kennedy, of the sloop Hannah, from Dominica, that three days after the arrival of the British Packet with the September mail, a cutter, had arrived from England with an express for the governor. That orders were immediately issued for putting the island in the best state of defence; that all the subjects were ordered to appear and take the oath of allegiance to the British government within forty days, or else depart the island by that time. Captain Kennedy also mentions a report having prevailed that an English squadron had arrived at Barbadoes, and some French ships with troops, at Martinico.
PITTSBURGH, (Virginia) Nov. 3.
On Saturday last the party of volunteers which went in pursuit of the Indians returned without having come up with them; they had got two days march a head. At the Salt-Licks, the Indians attacked Captain Robbins, who, with a few men, and a quantity of goods, was proceeding to the Moravian towns. The party was sleeping in a small hut built by Mr. David Duncan, and one of them having
occasion to go out in the night, was struck on the head with a tomahawk, this alarmed the rest, who immediately got up, and, after firing a few shots, dispersed the Indians, and returned to this town. The wounded man is in a fair way of recovering.
Nov. 19. At a meeting of the inhabitants of Pittsburgh, on the 9th instant, at the house of Messrs. Tannehill, for the special purpose of taking the sense of this town with respect to the system of confederate government, proposed by the late convention at Philadelphia.
General JOHN GIBSON, in the Chair.
It was considered, that having had an opportunity of hearing on both sides the strictures which have been made upon this system of government, in conversation, in the Gazettes, and in other writings, on mature deliberation we are of opinion, that it is the result of much political wisdom, good sense and candour in those who framed it; that we have no reason to expect any thing better from any other body of men assembled in convention; that from the necessity of mutual concession with the different states, it is not probable that any thing more equal could be formed; that our prosperity depends on our speedy adoption of some mode of government more efficient than that which we now possess; that of all people it becomes us of the western country more especially to desire an object of this kind, as, from the weakness of Congress to take proper measures with the courts of Spain and Britain, we are on the one hand deprived of the advantages of the Mississippi trade, which is our natural right, and on the other, are liable to the incursions of the savages, the posts on the lakes not being yet delivered up according to treaty.
Resolved, therefore, unanimously, that it is our ardent wish and hope that this system of government may be speedily adopted.
Signed by order of the meeting. JOHN GIBSON, Chairman.
NEW-BRUNSWICK, December 11.
We hear from Hunterdon of a most dreadful accident happening a widow woman of the name of Martha Andz, whose house, on Wednesday the 21st ult. at night took fire, and the poor woman with all her goods consumed. It is thought she was murdered and robbed and afterwards fire set to the house.
A L B A N Y, Dec. 13.
A gentleman in the suit of the American ambassador at the court of London writes, by the July packet, to his friend in Jamaica, that his Excellency having lately applied to Mr. Pitt to know "when the posts on the frontiers of Canada were to be delivered up according to treaty," received for answer, "that it was the intention of his majesty's ministers to comply with the treaty, in its fullest extent, whenever the courts of laws in the United States were open to British creditors, and when British subjects were countenanced in their application to them for the recovery of their just debts."
P R O V I D E N C E, Dec. 20.
The ship General Washington, Capt. Jonathan Donnison, of this port, bound for the East Indies, fell down the river yesterday:—Her cargo will be completed in a few days, when she will proceed to sea, Col. Samuel Ward goes supercargo.
B E N N I N G T O N, Dec. 3.
By a Gentleman of varacity from Canada we have obtained the following particulars of a late inhuman murder perpetrated in those parts, viz. One James Gale, a native of Goshen, state of New-York, who commanded a plundering party on Long-Island in the late war, had lately resided in Canada, and had
sustained the character of an idle, factious gambler. Reduced by extravagance he was lately taking a tour to the western country in search of plunder, where he unfortunately fell in with a Mr. Street, of Farmington in Connecticut, who had delivered by contract, a number of cattle to a gentleman at Niagara, and received about six hundred pounds York currency in cash. During Mr. Street's stay at that place, from his benevolence and Gale's address, and necessitous circumstances, he had become so intimate with him as occasioned Mr. Street not only to make known his business to Gale, but repeatedly to pay his expences. The morning Mr. Street left the falls at Niagara he had rode but a small way before he overtook Gale with a bridle in his hand and a comrade with him. Mr. Street bid Gale good bye, who asked him if he was going home, and being answered in the affirmative, I am looking for my horse, said he, and I'll go on to the great spring with you, for it is as probable he is gone that way as any other. Street accepted it kindly, and rode on sociably conversing to the spring. Gale then said well I can go no further, Mr. Street replied I am sorry, but we will not part with dry lips. He immediately dismounted, took from his portmanteau a bottle of spirits, and a cup from his pocket handed his horse to Gale's comrade, and stooped to dip up some water from the spring. At that instant Gale drew his tomahawk and struck him dead by repeating his blow. He then robbed him of his money, plundered his portmanteau, and tied up his cloaths in his handkerchief, which was marked with J. G. the initials of his name, and hid them under a log, put Mr. Street's body a small distance into the bush and covered him with brush; the horse he took into the bush and killed.
Some time after the murder some Indians stopped at the spring and were alarmed at the unusual scent. After searching a little while they found the body of Mr. Street, and his cloaths. The circumstance of the handkerchief being marked with the initials of Gale's name, who was still at Niagara, as was likewise his comrade, with some other circumstances, occasioned them to be apprehended and committed to prison. Our informant further says that Gale's comrade has made a full confession of the whole barbarous transaction, and that they were both confined in irons, in the goal at Quebec, when he left Canada.
N E W - Y O R K, Dec. 15. Extract of a letter from Major Elham to the honorable Major General Moultrie, dated Augusta, (state of Georgia) Nov. 11.
Sir, "The Savages are daily committing new marks of cruelties on the inhabitants of this state, (shocking to humanity) the other day they tortured a prisoner as long as they could contrive to give pain to human nature, and then left the unfortunate victim with a stake drove through his bowels.
"Every possible preparation to bring the Creeks to justice is made; and one half of the militia immediately ordered into the field: Recruiting officers industriously engage in raising four regiments, consisting of 750 men each; and I am informed with great success. I have engaged (authorised by my fellow citizens for that purpose) for Franklin, to act in concert with 1500 Franks, with the movements of the State of Georgia, and to be commanded by a general of their own, to the west of the mountains.
"A commissioner is to be sent to the Spanish governors, to request of that government not to assist our common enemy with any arms or ammunition, &c.
Extract of a letter from a merchant in London to his friend in America, dated the 3d October, 1787.
"Your last letters are very discouraging to our farther advances in the American commerce, the precarious state of property under the instability, and I might say—of the partial state laws, make us fear we have much more abroad than we shall ever recover; however, we would not with you to be more than decently pressing with our debtors, the present prospect of a war gives us hopes that we shall at last be secured and eventually paid. It is whispered, that should the war be determined on, we shall, with a powerful fleet and army, take possession of Rhode-Island, from which it is expected the following advantages will arise.
1st. It will be in our power to restrain any commerce to or from America, which we may think injurious, and perfectly guard against her taking any secret part contrary to our interests.
2d. It will be an advantageous and safe port for our shipping, and in case any enterprise should be undertaken against the West Indies, it will be a healthy and well chosen rendezvous for any army.
3d. We shall obtain all the provisions we shall want from America, and secure the carrying of them in our own bottoms.
4th. In case of necessity, we shall be able with our frigates to collect a large quantity of American seamen for manning our navy.
5th. By granting commissions for privateers to the Americans (if they retain their spirit of enterprise) we shall employ the greatest part of the their naval strength against their good friends and ally, and perhaps eventually draw them into the war, in defiance of all the requisitions of their Congress.
6th. By the sale of prizes at that port, we shall necessarily draw there the principal merchants of America, and from the quantity of money that will necessarily be in circulation there, we shall not only have the means of collecting our arrears, but the Americans may be brought to wish for a return to their ancient government, we have no doubt of the Rhode-Islanders. And should this not be the case at the close of the war, a few of our frigates could lay your sea port towns under contribution, to reimburse us some of those guineas we have trusted you with; and to convince the Americans of the insignificance of their Federal Government.—These and many other substantial reasons, it is said, are urged in the cabinet, for the measure. I should not have been so explicit with you upon this subject, but the circumstances being duly considered, it becomes necessary for you to determine, whether it would not be proper for you to secure a house at New-Port: if the event take place, I make no doubt I shall have the necessary intelligence, so as to be able to send you out a proper cargo to answer our mutual interest, I shall proportion it to the embarkation from 2000 to 5000, and abide your future orders for further shipments."
A person lately arrived in this city from Canada, informs, that Lord Dorchester has strongly fortified an island at the mouth of the river St. Lawrence, and planted the island all round with three tier of cannon, from 18 to 42 pounders, his Lordship being apprehensive of a visit from the Baille de Suffrein, accompanied by the Toulon squadron, which consists of 17 ships of the line, besides fifties, corvettes, bomb.ketches and fire-ships, together with a large number of transports and store ships loaded with a numerous train of battering cannon, of size enormous.

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 12.  O N Monday last Mr. M c Kean delivered a learned and sensible speech in the Convention, of three hours length, in which he fully and ably answered every objection that had been made to the proposed Constitution, and afterwards pointed out the influence which the adoption of it would have upon the character and prosperity of the United States, both at home and abroad. He concluded by declaring, that, after full examination, he thought the proposed Constitution was the best the world ever saw.
So very acceptable was Mr. M c Kean's speech to the gallery, which was unusually crowded, that, contrary to custom in a popular assembly, they expressed their approbation by clapping him. This threw Mr. Smith into a rage, and led him to use many fiery sharp-pointed expressions, which were coolly answered by Mr. M c Kean with the following short observation, "The Gentleman, Sir, is angry—because other folks are pleased."
It has been rumoured that official accounts were received of the declaration of war between France and England, but on enquiry we find the rumour not well founded.
BOSTON, Dec. 28.
A gentleman who arrived in town yesterday, from Georgia, assures us, that two days before he left that State, war was formally declared against the Indians and that every thing was in the greatest agitation possible.
We have an instance of the increased population of the State of Franklin, in an account, which mentions, that on an intimation of a number of Indians being in the vicinity, Gov. Savier, in two days and one night, raised and marched 1500 men.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Gottenburg (Sweden) to a gentleman in this town, dated Nov. 4.
"Since writing, every ounce of hemp in town is bought up for the English, so that no supplies of that article will be at market before next July."
"Our letters just arrived from Germany, breathe nothing but war between the king of Prussia and the emperor, and the same between France, England and Holland."
"You will have heard that the Turks have already declared war against the Russians, who will call on the court of Vienna for assistance."
By the brig Hope, Captain Page, arrived at Cape-Cod, in 48 days from the Orient, in France, we have received advices which enabled us to assure our readers, that all differences between the courts of France and England are happily accommodated. Thus those two rival powers, contrary to the expectations of many on this side the Atlantic, have consented, jointly, to sacrifice their differences on the altar of reconciliation. We have, however, to sympathize with the Goddess of LIBERTY, for the loss of a once favourite branch from the towering plant of FREEDOM, lopped off by the blasting hand of a Prussian despot. But it is our earnest prayer,
That tyranny's dark clouds may soon decay, And freedom brighten in unfading day; Th' extensive world with one consent combine To pay their homage at great concord's shrine.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Salem to his friend in this town, dated December 26.
"The new constitution meets with general approbation in this town; almost every person of property and honesty wishes for the adoption of it. There are some few, however, whose characters as honest men and good citizens, is thoroughly established, who are rather in opposition to it. This I much wonder at; but candour obliges me to judge favourably of their motives, because they have ever been decided friends to the welfare and happiness of their country. I however
hope that time will effect a change of their sentiments; and I think I have some foundation for my hopes."
For truth and reason's bright'ned rays combin'd, Will force conviction on the candid mind.
You ask me, whether I suppose that there will be much opposition made to the new constitution, in our state convention. I answer, I hope not. For before the federalism of a HANCOCK, a BOWDOIN, a DANA, a KING, and many other illustrious characters, who are members of the convention, anti-federalism must droop, and recoil in silent shame. I think we have every thing to hope, and very little to fear."
Accounts, by Wednesday's mail, are received, which mention, that the inhabitants of Kentucky, who for several years past, and indeed almost from the time of their first settlement, have been disturbed and harassed by their neighbours the Indians, are now realizing and enjoying, in their fullest extent, the invaluable blessings of civil society, peace and plenty. Our accounts further say, that the population of that country daily increases, so that in a few years, in case they are not contented with the Spaniards withholding from them the free navigation of great Mississippi, by them denominated the Father of Rivers, they will, in all probability, seek to redress this great grievance by driving, with a numerous host of freemen, the slaves to tyranny from their strong holds on the river, and establish themselves in glory on the ruin of their oppressors.
A gentleman being asked, in Philadelphia, why only TWELVE guns were discharged on announcing the ratification of the proposed constitution in that city, gave the following reason: Because TWELVE states were represented in the late federal convention, and their system was adopted by Pennsylvania on the TWELFTH day of the TWELFTH month in the TWELFTH year of the independence of America.
SALLEM, Dec. 25.
On Thursday last, the brig Patty Capt. Phippen, arrived here from Cadiz: She sailed the 27th of October; at which time no account had been received there of the King of Spain's death—we therefore conclude the Irish account of that event, in a late paper, must be premature.
The accounts by Capt. Phippen do not favour so strongly of war as those from other parts of Europe—War was indeed talked of at Cadiz, but not immediately expected.
A merchant from Cadiz writes to his correspondent here, "Should war break out, which God forbid! it would be fortunate for the American flag."
PORTSMOUTH, Jan. 2.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, dated Dec. 13.
"Yesterday the Convention of this State adopted the new plan of government, and this day made proclamation of the same publickly. That the State of Delaware have done likewise, I suppose you have heard. In a day or two, I think I can assure you New-Jersey will follow the laudable example."
Ten States have called Conventions—South-Carolina we have not heard from—New-York as yet could not, and Rhode-Island—shame come upon her rulers for it—will not. The call of Conventions is tantamount to the final adoption of the Constitution—as, in these assemblies, such unanswerable arguments will be given as must convince every member, disposed to hearken to truth, of the expediency of the measure, whatever may have been their former sentiments respecting it.
From a late South Carolina paper.
"A few days ago a countryman enquiring in King street, for the best bar iron warehouses a waggish young gentleman undertook to conduct him to the cheapest in town, and carried him to the new prison, at which place he was shown some of the iron barred rooms, with an intimation that those
sort of warehouses had all the run of business at present; at the same time several of the prisoners insisted on receiving a small sum of money for garrison—The countryman complied with all that was asked of him, but being one of those four, irascible mortals whom it is much safer to laugh with, than at, went back immediately to the store where his kind conductor resided, and imprinted on his rueful visage some marks of GRATITUDE that will not easily be erased, and will no doubt teach him the propriety of an adage—ALL IS WELL THAT ENDS WELL."
NAVAL OFFICE. PORT OF PISCATAQUA, Jan. 2, 1788. C L E A R E D, For. Brig Tryall, Sargent, West-Indies. Brig Betsey, Long, ditto. Brig Abigail, Peirce, ditto. E N T E R E D, From. Schooner Mary, Prescott, St. Lucia.
From a Philadelphia Paper. A N E C D O T E, Recommended to the serious attention of every Member of the Convention.
THE late Mr. Isaac Norris, whose memory will forever be revered by every good citizen of Pennsylvania, had served his country with the utmost fidelity for more than twenty years, in the character of a Legillator. His age, and increasing weakness of constitution, at length obliged him to quit the arduous task of reconciling and directing the various interests and views of his fellow Representatives to the good of his country. Not long before this happened, some measures were pursued, against which Mr. Norris thought proper to bear testimony with more warmth than usual. On this occasion, having quitted the Speaker's chair, he, with all the fire of juvenile patriotism, and the dignity of venerable old age, made the following remarkable declaration—"No man shall ever stamp his foot on my grave, and say Curse him—here he lies who basely betrayed the liberties of his country!"
B E A U T Y.
BEAUTY has so many charms, one knows not how to speak against it; and when it happens that a graceful figure is the habitation of a virtuous soul, when the beauty of the face speaks out the modesty and humility of the mind, and the justness of the proportion raises our thoughts up to the wisdom of the great Creator, something may be allowed it,—and something to the embellishments which set it off;—and yet, when the whole apology is read,—it will be found at last, that Beauty, like Truth, never is so glorious as when it goes the plainest.
STERNE.
Beauty, as the flowery blossoms, soon fades, but the divine excellencies of the mind, like the medicinal virtues of the plant, remain in it when all those charms are withered.
FIELDING.
Beauties, in vain, their pretty eyes may roll; Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.
POPE.
Translation of a Welch Epigram.
A WOMAN's charms will pass away, Her eyes grow dim, her teeth decay; But while she breathes the vital gale, 'Tis strange her Tongue should never fail.
WEEKLY ALMANACK FOR PORTSMOUTH.—Lat. 43d. 5 N. Jan. 1. O. L. 1. F. 1. F. Sea. 1. Calendar.
   2 7 34 5 048 5 29   3 7 34 5 150 6 15   4 7 33 5 252 7 2   5 7 33 5 354 7 50 rain or snow   6 7 33 5 450 8 38 0.1. cl. 6m   7 7 32 5 541 9 27 cold.   8 7 31 5 628 10 16 Q Ap.  
THE Subscribers appointed Commissioners to receive and examine the Claims of the several Creditors to the Estate of JOHN MOFFATT, late of Portsmouth, Esq. deceased, represented insolvent, give notice that they will attend to receive said claims on the last Monday of this and the five ensuing months, from six to nine o'clock, P. M. at the dwelling-house of Col. William Brewster, in this town.
WOODBURY LANGDON, DANIEL RINDGE, JOHN PARKER. Portsmouth, Dec. 20.
TAKE NOTICE!
THAT I Walter Bryant, of Newmarket, in the county of Rockingham, and State of New-Hampshire, administrator to the estate of Walter Bryant, jr. and Jeremy Bryant, Esqrs. both late of Newmarket, deceased, find among their papers above forty deeds of land in the towns of Tamworth, Eaton, Burton and Chatham, not recorded, and many of them not acknowledged, and being persuaded that many of them were sold by said deceased in their life time, and many sold at vendue for taxes, some of which I have redeemed, and if I do not soon hear from the purchasers, I shall sell them; therefore I give this public notice, that all purchasers may have the original proprietors deeds authenticated, least they be lost.—The subscriber hath upward of a THOUSAND DOLLARS in Loan-Office Notes with considerable interest due thereon, belonging to the estate that was said Walter's, deceased, which will be sold at public vendue on Tuesday the 22d day of January, 1788, at one of the clock, P. M. at the dwelling house of the subscriber, in Newmarket, aforesaid.
WALTER BRYANT.
THE commissioners appointed by the hon. Judge of Probate for the county of Strafford, to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of Meshech Drew, late of Madbury, in the county Strafford, aforesaid, husbandman, deceased; do hereby give notice, that the hon. Judge of Probate hath been pleased to grant the further time of six months to said creditors for bringing in their claims and proving their debts, from the 9th day of October, 1787; therefore said commissioners will attend for said purpose at the house of Silas Drew, innholder, in Barrington, on the last Monday of this and the four following months, from 2 to 7 o'clock, in the afternoon.
Madbury, Dec. 14.
THE subscribers appointed commissioners to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of JACOB TREADWELL, late of Portsmouth, merchant, deceased, represented insolvent, give notice that they will attend to receive said claims at the Post Office in this town, on the second Tuesday of this and the five ensuing months, from six to nine o'clock, P. M.
JOHN PARKER, Dec. 5. PEIRCE LONG, JEREMIAH LIBBEY.
THE subscribers appointed a committee to make sale of all the undivided lands in the first, second and third divisions in the town of Shapleigh, in the county of York, at private sale, or at public auction; any person or persons having a mind to purchase at private sale, may have an opportunity by applying to John H. Bartlett, Esq. at his dwelling-house in Kittery, or at the opening the vendue, which will be on the 29th day of January inst. at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, at the house of Capt. Phillip Hubbard, in Berwick, in said county.—Conditions of sale may be known at the opening the vendue.
John H. Bartlett, } Committee. William Stacy, Andrew P. Fernald, Kittery, January 1, 1788.
THE subscribers being appointed commissioners to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of DANIEL FOWLE, late of Portsmouth, Esq. deceased, represented insolvent;—give notice that we shall attend for said purpose, at the Post-Office, in Portsmouth, on the last Monday of this, and the five following months, from 3 to 6 o'clock, P. M.
JOSHUA BRACKET, JOHN PARKER. JEREMIAH LIBBEY. Portsmouth, Aug. 20, 1787.

Parnassian Spring.
J A N U A R Y.
ACCORDING to the present computation, is the first month in the year. It was introduced by Numa into the calendar, and placed at the winter solstice, where March was before, which Romulus had placed at the vernal equinox. The word is derived from Janus, to whom the Romans on the first of this month offered solemn sacrifice.
On J A N U A R Y.
NOW o'er the frozen world the feeble sun Sheds faint his almost horizontal beams, And, without warming , gilds the barren scene. From the keen north the snow incumber'd clouds, Engender'd on the Hyperborean hills, Dispense their frozen treasures. Globes of hail, And curious flakes of vegetative nitre, Sail thro' the air, or with resistless force Assault the shiv'ring windows. Roaring winds, With sounds hoarse murmuring in the vault of heav'n, Pour the inclement blast. The forests shake, And from the ancient oaks, crackling descend The wither'd branches, and bestrew the ground With fuel for the poor. The shiv'ring poor, With cold infeeble, pick the scanty boon, And on the cheerless hearth, with frugal hand, Quick raise the blazeing pyle. The children round Exult with joy to see the rising flame, And clap their little hands. The smiling Sire, Pleas'd with their joy, forgets the toils of day, Partakes with grateful heart his ev'ning meal, And o'er the glowing embers sits reclin'd, Till sleep recalls him to his nightly rest. Thro' the still night descends the white wing'd snow, And hides the works of men. Alas! how chang'd The face of things! how wond'rous is the change! When from the east, at morn's approach the sun Illumes the landscape with a feeble ray, A dazzling brightness strikes the gazer's eye. All nature's face in one bright veil is hid, And hills, and plains, and gardens, brooks and vales, A shining vesture wear. The rolling floods Creep sileat thro' their icy skirted channels, And standing lakes become a glassy plain. The groves, with chrysal fring'd, in bright attire Wave, beauteous to behold. The pearly thorn, Naked in milder days, is now array'd With sparkling gems, the beauteous work of frost. Thro' all the held a sullen silence reigns: No sound of mirth salutes the traveller's ear; No jocund swain, with harsh, natuneul tongue, Hums the rude lay, or whistling plowman drives His team a field. The voice of eccho sleeps Within her caves, confin'd by rigid frost. The herds cold shiv'riag, seek the friendly ricks, Their food, and their defence. The feather'd tribes Sit pensive in the thicket, or attend The hospitable barn, where thund'ring fails Beat out th' elastic grain, and round the doors Scatter the golden treasure. Here they hop, And chirp, and pick; joy swells their little breasts, And long forgotten notes attune their tongues
With momentary praise. Safe let them hop, And chirp, and pick; let no unfriendly hand Extend the murderous tube , whence issues swift The leaden balls of death. Let pity reign (Triumphant virtue!) in the human breast, And heav'n born charity , her dearest son. The sun his daily race now swiftly runs Thro' the low southern arch, and hovers bright Over the western main. Soon he resigns The face of nature to the rule of night; Then howls the frigid tempest, then descends, Driven by the furious winds, the driving snow, And levels all the footsteps of the day, Now wanders, mournful, the benighted swain; O'er the wild heath (no kind director near) He wanders mournful; thro' the pathless bog. Where human feet no tracks have left behind, Still on he wanders, Conscious of his fate, Hope quits his bosom, and despair invades His throbbing breast. Now faint with fear and toil, His shiv'ring limbs no longer him sustain, Trembling he casts his mournful eyes around, For some kind hand to guide him on his way; Some hospitable cottage, whence the ray, Of friendly tapers might direct his steps, And rescue him from death. But no kind hand, Of human voice, no taper's guiding beams, Extend their friendly aid. Nought but the storm Invades his list'ning ear. The driving storm With fury beats on his defenceless head, Relentless and severe. No longer now Can he resist the fury of its force, But in the dreadful tempest of the night He faints, and falls, and dies.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in Middletown, who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the year 1784, unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before Tuesday the 22d day of January next, so much of their land as will pay said taxes with incidental charges, will be sold on said day at my dwelling-house in Middletown, at public vendue, unless prevented by previous payment. State.
   No. Q'ty s. d.    Stephen Roberts 46 50 0 9  John Tasker 59 50 1 6  Nathaniel Varney 77 50 9  Benjamin Evans 78 100 1 6  Peter Cook 91 50 1 6  Alexander Hodgdon 45 50 6  John Peal 13 100 3  George Hanson 76 100 1 6  Andrew Horn 64 50 9  Nathaniel Young 47 100 2 3  Tho's Wallingford 43 60 1 6  Bedford Plummer 75 100 2 3  Eph'm Wentworth 18 100 1 6  Benjamin Roberts 38 100 2 3  Timothy Roberts 35 100 1 6  Benj. Wentworth 19 100 2 3  Jonathan Gage 37 100 3  Thomas Varney 89 100 1 6  John Kelley 20 100 2 3  Nathaniel Austin 10 50 1 6  Richard Philpott 14 100 2 3  Zebulon Davis 41 44 7 6  Capt. John Collamay 41 75 5 3  Samuel Clements 80 100 2 3  Benning Wentworth 99 100 2 3  Samuel Varney 49 50 8 3  Law Lott 31 100 3 9    ISAAC STANTON, Constable. Middletown, Dec. 18, 1787.
State of New-Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in Middletown, who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the year 1785, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before Wednesday the 23d day of January next, so much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges will be sold at public vendue at my house in Middletown, on said day, unless prevented by previous payment.
   No. Q'ty s. d.    Benjamin Roberts 38 100 2 6  Timothy Roberts 35 100 1 8  Benj. Wentworth 19 100 2 6  Thomas Varney 89 100 1 8  John Kelley 20 100 2 6  Nathaniel Austin 10 50 1 8  Richard Philpott 14 100 2 6  Zebulon Davis 41 50 8 4  Capt. J. Collamay 41 50 6 8  James Clements 80 100 2 6  Benn'g Wentworth 99 100 3 4  Stephen Roberts 46 50 10  John Tasker 59 50 1 8  Nathaniel Varney 77 50 10  Samuel Varney 49 100 6 8  Benjamin Evans 78 100 1 8  George Hanson 76 100 1 8  Andrew Horn 67 50 10  Nathaniel Young 47 100 2 6  Tho's Wallingford 43 60 1 8  Bedfield Plummer 75 100 2 6  Eph'm Wentworth 18 100 1 8    SOLOMON PERKINS, Constable. Middletown, Dec. 4th, 1787.
State of New-Hampshire.
PUBLIC notice is hereby given, that a memorial was preferred to the General Court at their session in September last, by the Masonian proprietors representing that they were aggrieved by a certain act passed by the General Court at their session in June last, intitled, "An act to quiet all bonafide purchasers of lands between a line crossing over lands upon a straight course, from the north east extremity of the east line of Mason's patent, being sixty miles from the sea on a straight line, and running to the extremity of the western side line of said patent sixty miles distance from the sea, on a straight line and the curve line so called, claimed by the persons calling themselves the Masonian proprietors, as the head line of said patent."—That said act would have an operation wholly against the intention of the legislature, that it was first proposed by the heirs of Samuel Allen, Esq. and their assigns, and while it promotes their interests, abridges the rights of the memorialists as they conceive—that contrary to the good intention with which it was made, it would (should it operate at all) materially affect the title of the memorialists to certain lands, and law trials upon said title—take away their right of possession—quiet and encourage trespas-sers upon those lands.
Whereupon the memorialists prayed that said act might be reconsidered and repealed.
Whereupon the General Court at their session in December instant, ordered that the memorialists be heard thereon, before them on the second Wednesday of their next session, and that in the mean time they cause the substance of the memorial and order of Court thereon to be published three weeks successively in one of the New-Hampshire newspapers, prior to the sitting of said Court, that any person or persons may then appear and shew cause if any they have, why the prayer thereof should not be granted.
Attest, JOSEPH PEARSON, Sec'ry. Portsmouth, Dec. 17, 1787.
Samuel Bean,
HAVING contracted with the Publick to convey the Mails once every week from Portsmouth to Concord, by the way of Exeter and Haverhill; will leave the Post-Office at Portsmouth, every Thursday at 2 o'clock, P. M. and arrive at Exeter that evening; on Friday morning will set out from Exeter, and arrive at Haverhill in Massachusetts; from thence proceed to Concord, in New Hampshire; and return from Concord and arrive at Portsmouth on Wednesday evenings—Any gentlemen that incline to take either of the New Hampshire papers, may be regularly supplied by said Bean, and any business entrusted to his care, shall be faithfully attended to.
He informs his present customers, that the time for which he engaged to supply them with the papers, will expire next week, he therefore expects those who are indebted to him and are desirous of having their papers continued, will make immediate payment.
Take Notice!—Those who are desirous of being supplied with the Newspapers in future, will do well to attend to the following directions:—They will please to send a line directed either to him or to the printer of the paper they wish to have, with THREE SHILLINGS inclosed (being one quarter's advance) This done, they may depend upon being served with the greatest fidelity.
Said Bean puts up at Col. Brewster's Coffee-House Tavern,— in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth, Dec. 21.
State of New Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Middletown, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1782, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before the 24th day of January next, so much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue at 10 o'clock, A. M. on said day, at the dwelling house of John Kenniston, in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
   N. Q'ty. s. d.    Stephen Roberts 46 26 2 1  Samuel Varney 49 25 2 1  Benjamin Evans 78 30 2 6  Andrew Marshall 39 100 8 3  Thomas Bickford 73 100 8 3  Joseph Conner 63 20 1 8  Law lot 61 100 8 3  George Hanson 76 100 8 3  Andrew Horn 64 26 2 1  T. Wallingford, Esq. 43 60 5 0  Bedfield Plummer 75 100 8 3  Benjamin Roberts 38 100 8 3  Benja. Wentworth 99 100 8 3  Richard Goodwin 83 100 3 3  Benjamin Mason 94 26 2 2  Thomas Varney 89 100 8 3  John Kelley 20 100 8 3  Nathaniel Austin 10 20 1 8  Jotham Odiorne 74 100 8 3  Samuel Clements 80 100 8 3    JOHN KENNISTON, Constable. Middletown, Dec. 12.
THE subscribers appointed commissioners to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of Mr. Noah Parker, late of Portsmouth, deceased, represented insolvent, hereby give notice that they shall attend for that purpose at the Post-Office, on the second Tuesday of this and the five following months, from 5 to 8 o'clock P. M.
JOHN FURNALD, JOHN GODDARD, DANIEL R. ROGERS. Portsmouth, Dec. 5, 1787.
SUBSCRIPTIONS for this Paper, at Two Shillings and Three Pence per quarter, exclusive of postage, are taken in by the Publisher, at his Printing-Office in Market-Street, Portsmouth; where Advertisements are received, the favours of Correspondents carefully attended to, and Printing performed reasonably.