The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1789-09-17 00:00:00

New - Hampshire Gazette, and the General Advertiser.
Containing the Laws, &c. of the United States, as well as those of this State passed since 1787, with a variety of other matters both useful and entertaining.
PORTSMOUTH: Printed by JOHN MELCHER, at his Office in Congress-Street, at nine shillings per Annum.
Proceedings of CONGRESS.
Friday, August 14.
Sketch of the Debate on Amendments to the Constitution.
In committee of the whole.—The first article of the report being read, Mr. Gerry rose and objected to the sentence "Government being intended for the benefit of the people."
THIS said he, holds up an idea, that all government is intended for the benefit of the people: This is not true if we examine, we shall find that not one government in fifty, is constituted upon this principle. Most of the governments, ancient or modern, owed their existence to either fraud, force or accident, and are designed for the purposes of oppression and personal ambition. I wish to have nothing go out from this body as a maxim, which is not true in fact. He moved to amend the clause by inserting the words "of right."—This motion was negatived.
Mr. Tucker observed, that the preamble is no part of the Constitution: The object is to amend the Constitution; The preamble is no more a part of it, than the letter of the President which is annexed to the Instrument—and I cannot see that the committee has any thing to do with it.
Mr. Sumpter moved that the consideration of the preamble should be postponed till the whole amendments are gone through, and then we shall know what introduction may be proper.
Mr. Smith, (S. C.) observed, that the amendments proposed to the preamble, had been recommended by three States, which renders it proper.
Mr. Page said, that in his opinion the original preamble will not be altered for the better, by this amendment, and therefore I hope it will remain as it is.
Mr. Sherman said he was satisfied with the original clause: If the Constitution was a grant from another power it would be proper; but as the right is a natural and unalienated right, and inherent in the people, it is quite unnecessary to give any reasons for forming the Constitution. It is the act of their own sovereign will. The words "WE THE PEOPLE" contain in themselves the principle fully, and the alteration proposed will injure the preamble.
Mr. Madison observed, that the proposed amendment is a truth, and I conceive there is a propriety in inserting it; besides, several of the States have thought proper to mention the preamble in their ratifications, which renders it proper to be attended to. I can see no difficulty in associating the amendment with the preamble, without injuring the beauty or sense of the paragraph: The principle, it is acknowledged on all hands, is self-evident, and can derive no force from this expression, still for the reason before suggested, it may be prudent to insert it.
The question on this amendment was carried in the affirmative.
Second amendment: From art. 1, sec. II. par. 3. strike out all between the word "direct" and "until such," and instead thereof, insert "after the first enumeration there shall be one representative for every thirty thousand, until the number shall amount to one hundred; after which, the proportion shall be so regulated by Congress, that the number of representatives shall never be less than one hundred, nor more than one hundred and seventy-five; but each state shall always have at least one representative."
Mr. Vining: The duty which I owe to my constituents—my anxiety on the subject of amendments, and the justice,
propriety, and policy of the measure, lead me to propose, after the words, "one hundred and seventy-five," to insert these words, "that where the number of inhabitants of any particular State, amounts to 45,000, they shall be entitled to two representatives." This was negatived without a division.
Mr. Ames moved, that the word "thirty" should be struck out, and forty inserted—so that the ratio of representation should be one for forty thousand. I am induced, said he, to make this motion, because I think the present number sufficiently large for the purpose of legislation—that number which is found adequate to the object is to be preferred; The people, it is presumed, are universally satisfied with the present number which falls short of what would, on this proposition, actually constitute the house, upon an exact apportionment upon the present supposed number of inhabitants: Experience has taught, that all the information necessary, both of a general and local nature, may be found in a body not more numerous than the present legislature: The expence of a numerous representation would soon become dissatisfactory to the people, and be considered as an intolerable burden: The ratio of one to every 30,000 will swell the representation to an enormous mass, whose support will be insufferable, and whose deliberations will be impracticable: The present population will, on the first census, produce upwards of 100—the augmentation will be very rapid: It therefore appears proper to fix the proportion immediately, to prevent these evils. By enlarging the representation, we lessen the chance of selecting the most competent characters, and of concentrating the wisdom and abilities of the United States—which alone can support the importance and dignity of that branch in which the people are more peculiarly interested: The responsibility of any assembly, is in proportion to the number: In large representations the weight, the consequence and responsibility of individuals is diminished. Numerous representations engender parties, are subject to peculiar fermentations, delay the public business, and by increasing the expence, lead the people to consider government rather a curse than a blessing. Tho' parties may promote the public good, they often give rise to very alarming evils. Whether it is possible so to constitute a popular assembly as to banish or restrain to any considerable degree, a spirit of faction, is an important enquiry. This however is certain, that in proportion as the assembly is encreased, the opportunity for intrigue and cabal, to influence weak and unsuspicious characters, and to attach them to the views of ambitious men, is increased. It may also be observed, that responsibility is in some proportion to the numbers represented. A representative of a large body of people will feel in a higher degree the weight of the charge he undertakes, and will thereby be more interested to support a virtuous fame, and redouble his exertions for the public good.
The people are not anxious to have a representation for every 30,000: This was not the object originally in view by those who proposed this amendment; their intention was to fix a limitation, so that the representation should not be diminished by Congress in any future time, below the point of security—their object was certainly not augmentation, for in proportion as the people multiply, the representation will increase, and their influence will be diminished; this will lessen the controul of the people over them; increasing the number therefore
beyond certain limits will expose the government to factions, will lessen the agency of the understanding, and augment that of the passions. Improper characters will more easily get elected. The number of suitable persons is not great in any country; of those, many will be indisposed to serve. The United States has as great a proportion of competent abilities perhaps as any country whatever.
If, however, the representative body is unduly enlarged, the probability of inferior candidates being elected; will rise. It has been asserted that so large a territory as the United States contain, cannot remain united under one government, even if the administration was entrusted to men of consummate abilities, and incorruptible virtue; but this idea will receive additional force, if the chance of different characters being called to the administration is increased.
Mr. Ames added many other observations, and concluded by saying, that from the foregoing reflections upon the subject, he was led to make the motion, conceiving it to be consonant to the ideas of the people, and that it would conduce to the dignity and security of the government, and the preservation of the rights, and privileges of the people.
Mr. Madison said, he thought differently from the gentleman last speaking: The design of the amendments is to conciliate the minds of the people to the government—prudence requires that the opinion of those States who have proposed this important amendment should be attended to. It is a fact that some States have proposed an increase of the number—several have mentioned 200—this renders it probable that they would not be satisfied with a less number. I do not think it necessary at this time to go into an accurate investigation of the advantages or disadvantages of a numerous representation; beyond a certain rule, the number might be inconvenient; that point is a matter of uncertainty. It is true that numerous bodies are liable to some abuses, but large assemblies are not so subject to corruption as smaller ones: If we fix the ratio at one for forty thousand, it will not prevent the abuses the gentleman apprehends, for before the second census shall be taken, it is probable that the population will be so increased, as to make the representative body very large; there is, therefore, with respect to futurity, but little choice between one ratio, or the other. I think it will be best to retain the 30,000, as attended with the least difficulty—it is the proportion contemplated by the States, and I hope, therefore, that this part of the report will be adopted.
Mr. Sedgwick stated some particulars respecting instructions from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and said he hoped the article in the report of the committee would be adopted.
Mr. Gerry also replied to Mr. Ames: He controverted his calculations, and enforced the necessity of an ample and adequate representation. He observed, that the gentleman had said, "increasing the number lessens the importance of the members;" but Sir, said Mr. Gerry, are we, in order to preserve our own dignity and importance, to sacrifice the liberties of the people? He asserted that small assemblies are more liable to fermentation than large; large representative assemblies will commonly be composed of a considerable proportion of the yeomanry of the country, who are found to be more dispassionate than persons elected from elevated walks of life.
Mr. Livermore was opposed to the motion for 40,000.
Mr. Ames rose to justify the motives which induced him to make the motion: He made a copious reply, and among other observations said, that he had no idea of attempting any alterations of the Constitution which would injure or weaken the system: The amendments it is to be expected will improve and make it better; this he conceived would be the case by the alteration he proposed.
Mr. Jackson said, that what he had expected, had taken place. It is now proposed, by way of amendment to the Constitution, to restrict the number of the representative body to one for every 40,000 inhabitants. In support of the argument, the gentleman says, that in a small assembly the abilities of the best men may be brought as it were to a focus: If this argument has any weight in it, why not trust one person? One representative to 30,000 has been complained of—one to 40,000 would certainly be less competent to doing justice to his constituents. The motion for striking out 30,000, in order to insert 40,000, was negatived.
Mr. Sedgwick moved, that the words "one hundred and seventy-five" should be struck out, and two hundred inserted.
Mr. Sherman objected to this motion: He said, that was the constitution now to be formed, he should be for one representative to every 40,000 inhabitants, instead of 30,000,—and upon that principle I was going to move, said he, that 175 be struck out, in order to insert a less number.
The representations of several of the states are too large, and have been justly complained of; the rights of the people are less secure in a large, than in a small assembly: The great object is information; and this may be acquired by a small number, and to better purpose than by a large.
It has been said that a future legislature will not increase the number, should it be found necessary: If that supposition is true, the present house will not agree to this motion, unless we suppose that a future house will be less patriotic than the present: as to the largeness of the number being a security against corruption, I do not think it is; the British house of commons consists of upwards of 500 members, and yet money enough has always been found to corrupt a sufficient number for the minister's purpose.
Mr. Madison observed that as the number of two hundred had been mentioned in the ratifications of several of the states, and no substantial reason has been assigned why their expectation should not be complied with, it is reasonable to adopt this motion: Not, said he, that I would have the house give up their own judgment, when any substantial reason to the contrary is offered.
Mr. Laurence, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Livermore, Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Page, Mr. Tucker, and Mr. Stone, severally spoke upon this motion—which was finally carried in the affirmative—The paragraph as amended, was agreed to by the committee.
The third amendment is "Art. 1, Sec. 2. Par. 3—Strike out all between the words "direct" and "until such," and instead thereof, insert but no law varying the compensation, shall take effect, until an election of representatives shall have intervened. The members."
This clause was debated for a short time, and then the question being taken, it was carried.
Mr. Leonard had leave of absence for one month.
(To be Continued.)

COLLECTION LAW of the UNITED STATES.
(Concluded.)
AND be it further enacted , That all draw-backs allowed by law on the exportation of goods, wares and merchandise imported, shall be paid or allowed by the collector, at whose office the said goods wares and merchandise were originally entered; and not otherwise, retaining one per centum for the benefit of the United States.
PROVIDED ALWAYS, and be it further enacted , That no goods, wares or merchandise entitled to draw-back, shall be reladen before an entry shall be made with the collector of the port from whence such goods are intended to be exported; which entry shall contain a particular account of the casks and packages, their marks, numbers and contents, the cost thereof, the vessel or vessels in which they were imported, and the place or places imported from, and the person or persons intending to export such goods, shall give bond, with one or more sufficient sureties, that the same or any part thereof, shall not be reladen in any port or place within the limits of the United States, as settled by the late treaty of peace; and shall moreover make oath or affirmation as to the truth of the entry, that the goods, wares and merchandise, are in quantity, quality and value, as therein expressed, according to the inward entry thereof, which entry was duly made at the time of importation, pursuant to the directions of this act; and that the quality is the same as at the importation; and the exporter of such goods shall not be entitled to draw back the duties, until at least six months after the exportation thereof, and until he shall produce to the collector with whom such outward entry is made, a certificate in writing of two reputable merchants, at the foreign port or place in which the same were landed, together with the oath or affirmation of the master and mate of the vessel in which they were exported, certifying the delivery thereof; but in case any vessel shall be cast away, or meet with some unavoidable accidents, as to prevent the landing such goods, a protest in due form of law, made by the master and mate, or some of the seamen, or in case no such protest can be had, then the oath or affirmation of the exporter shall be received in lieu of the other proofs herein directed, unless there shall be good reason to suspect the truth of such oath or affirmation, in which case it shall and may be lawful for the collector to require such further proof as the nature of the case may demand. PROVIDED ALSO , That no goods, wares or merchandise imported, shall be entitled to a draw-back of the duties paid, or secured to be paid thereon, unless such duties shall amount to twenty dollars at the least; nor unless they shall be exported in the same cask, package or packages, and from the port or district into which they were originally imported, and moreover shall be reladen, under the inspection of the collector, naval-officer or surveyor of the port.
And be it further enacted , That the sums allowed to be paid by law on the exportation of dried or pickled fish, and of salted provisions, shall be paid by the collector of the port or district from whence the same shall be exported: PROVIDED , that due entry thereof shall be first made, and bonds given, as in case of draw-backs, and that no such allowance shall be made, unless it shall amount to three dollars at the least upon any one entry.
And be it further enacted , That if any goods, wares or merchandise, entered for exportation, with a view to draw back the duties, or to obtain any allowance given by law on the exportation thereof, shall be landed in any port or place within the limits of the United States as aforesaid, all such goods, wares and merchandise shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture, together with the vessel from which such goods shall be landed, and the vessels or boats used in landing the same, and all persons concerned therein, shall on indictment and conviction thereof, suffer imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months: And for
discovery of frauds, and seizure of goods, wares and merchandise, reladen contrary to law, the several officers established by this act shall have the same powers, and in case of seizure the same proceedings shall be had, as in the case of goods, wares and merchandise, imported contrary to law; and for measuring, weighing, or gauging goods for exportation, the same fees, shall be allowed as in like cases upon the importation thereof.
And be it further enacted , That if any officer of the customs, shall directly or indirectly, take or receive any bribe, reward or recompence for conniving, or shall connive at a false entry of any ship or vessel or of any goods, wares or merchandise, and shall be thereof convicted, every such officer shall forfeit and pay a sum not less than two hundred, nor more than two thousand dollars for each offence, and be forever disabled from holding any office of trust or profit under the United States; and any person giving or offering any bribe, recompence or reward, for any such deception collusion or fraud, shall forfeit and pay a sum not less than two hundred, nor more than two thousand dollars for each offence: And in all cases where an oath or affirmation is by this act required from a master or other person, having command of a ship or vessel, or from an owner or consignee of goods, wares and merchandise, if the person so swearing or affirming, shall swear or affirm falsely, such person shall on indictment and conviction thereof, be punished by fine or imprisonment, or both, in the discretion of the court before whom the conviction shall be had, so as the fine shall not exceed one thousand dollars, and the term of imprisonment shall not exceed twelve months.
And be it further enacted , That all penalties accruing by any breach of this act, shall be sued for and recovered with costs of suit, in the name of the United States, in any court proper to try the same, by the collector of the district where the same accrued, and not otherwise, unless in cases of penalty relating to an officer of the customs; and such collector shall be, and hereby is authorized and directed to sue for and prosecute the same to effect, and to distribute and pay the sum recovered, after first deducting all necessary costs and charges, according to law. And all ships or vessels, goods, wares and merchandise, which shall become forfeit by this act, shall be seized, libelled and prosecuted aforesaid, in the proper court having cognizance thereof; and the court shall cause fourteen days notice to be given of such seizure and libel, by causing the substance of such libel, with the order of court thereon, setting forth the time and place appointed for trial, to be inserted in some public newspaper, nearest the place of seizure, and also by posting up the same in some most public manner for the space of 14 days, at or near the place of trial; and proclamation shall be made in such manner as the court shall direct; and if no person shall appear to claim such ship or vessel, goods, wares or merchandise, the same shall be adjudged to be forfeited; but if any person shall appear before such judgment of forfeiture, and claim any such ship or vessel, goods, ware or merchandise, and shall give bond to defend the prosecution thereof, and to respond the cost in case he shall not support his claim, the court shall proceed to hear and determine the cause, according to law: And upon the prayer of any claimant to the court, that any ship or vessel, goods, wares or merchandise so seized and prosecuted, or any part thereof should be delivered to such claimant, it shall be lawful for the court to appoint three proper persons to appraise such ship or vessel, goods, wares or merchandise; who shall be sworn in open court for the faithful discharge of their duty; and such appraisement shall be made at the expense of the party on whose prayer it is granted; and on the return of such appraisement, if the claimant shall, with one or more sureties, to be approved of by the court, execute a bond in the usual form, to the United States, for the payment of a sum equal
to the sum at which the ship or vessel, goods, wares or merchandise so prayed to be delivered, be appraised, the court shall by rule order such ship or vessel, goods, wares or merchandise, to be delivered to the said claimant, and the said bond shall be lodged with the proper officer of the court; and if judgment shall pass in favour of the claimant, the court shall cause the said bond to be cancelled; but if judgment shall pass against the claimant as to the whole or any part of such ship or vessel, goods, wares or merchandise, and the claimant shall not within twenty days thereafter pay into the court the amount of the appraised value of such ship or vessel, goods, wares or merchandise so condemned, with the costs, the bond shall be put in suit: And when any prosecution shall be commenced on account of the seizure of any ship or vessel, goods, wares and merchandise, and judgment shall be given for the claimant or claimants; if it shall appear to the court before whom such prosecution shall be tried, that there was a reasonable cause of seizure, the same court shall cause a proper certificate or entry to be made thereof, and in such case the claimant shall not be entitled to costs, nor shall the person who made the seizure, or the prosecutor be liable to action, judgment or suit, on account of such seizure or prosecution. PROVIDED , That the ship or vessel, goods, wares or merchandise be after judgment forthwith returned to such claimant or claimants, his or their agents: AND PROVIDED , That no action or prosecution shall be maintained in any case under this act, unless the same shall have been commenced within three years next after the forfeiture or penalty was incurred.
And be it further enacted , That all ships, vessels, goods, wares or merchandise, which shall be condemned by virtue of this act, shall be sold by the proper officer of the court in which such condemnation shall be had, to the highest bidder at public auction, by order of such court, and at such place as the court may appoint, giving at least 15 days notice (except in case of perishable goods) in one or more of the public newspapers of the place where such sale shall be, or if no paper is published in such place, in one or more of the papers published in the nearest place thereto.
And be it further enacted , That all penalties, fines, and forfeitures recovered by virtue of this act (and not otherwise appropriated) shall, after deducting all proper costs and charges, be disposed of as follows: One moiety shall be for the use of the United States, and paid into the treasury thereof: the other moiety shall be divided into three equal parts, and paid to the collector, naval-officer and surveyor of the district wherein the same shall have been incurred, and in such districts where only two of the aforesaid officers shall have been established, the said moiety shall be equally divided between them; and in such districts where only one of the aforesaid officers shall have been established, the said moiety shall be given to such officer: PROVIDED NEVERTHELESS , That in all cases where such penalties, fines, and forfeitures, shall be recovered in pursuance of information given to such collector, by any person, other than the said naval-officer, and surveyor, the one half of such moiety, shall be given to the informer, and the remainder thereof shall be disposed of between the collector, naval-officer and surveyor, in manner and form as above limited and expressed.
AND WHEREAS the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, and North-Carolina, have not as yet ratified the present constitution of the United States, by reason whereof this act doth not extend to the collecting of duties within either of the said two States, and it is thereby become necessary, that the following provision with respect to goods, wares or merchandise imported from either of the said two States should for the present take place:
Be it further enacted , That all goods, wares and merchandise not of their own growth or manufacture, which shall be imported from either of the said two States of Rhode-Island and Providence
Plantations, or North-Carolina, into any other port or place, within the limits of the United States, as settled by the late treaty of peace, shall be subject to the like duties, seizures and forfeitures, as goods, wares or merchandise, imported from any State or country without the said limits.
And be it further enacted , That no goods, wares or merchandise of foreign growth or manufacture, subject to the payment of duties, shall be brought into the United States, in any other manner than by sea, nor in any ship or vessel less than thirty tons burthen, except within the district of Louisville, and except also in such vessels as are now actually on their voyages; nor shall be landed, or unladed, at any other place than is by this act directed, under the penalty of seizure and forfeiture, of all such vessels, goods, wares or merchandise, brought in, landed, or unladed in any other manner. And all goods, wares and merchandise brought into the United States by land, contrary to this act, shall be forfeited, together with the carriages, horses, and oxen, that shall be employed in conveying the same.
FREDERICK AUGUSTUS MUHLENBURG, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
JOHN ADAMS, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate.
Approved—July 31st, 1789. GEORGE WASHINGTON, President of the United States.
WARSAW, June 6.
The accounts received here of the Turkish force on the black sea, make it amount to sixteen ships of the line, and twenty-one frigates. In all one hundred and twenty-one sail, including bomb-ketches, gun-boats, &c.
L O N D O N, June 25.
The mails from Holland, due on Monday, arrived yesterday.—A report very strongly prevailed at Vienna, 6th inst. that Field Marshal Laudohn had surprised the Pacha of Travenick, killed the greater part of his people, and taken the Pacha himself prisoner. This victory is said to have cost the Imperialists a thousand men. This intelligence was not gazetted when the post left Vienna.
Mr. Hastings's trial will most certainly be soon adjourned to next sessions. There is not the smallest prospect of its being finished this year. Ex. gr. A question among the Law Lords relating to the production of a particular paper, has occasioned an adjournment for a whole week.
DR. WILLIS.
In a paper of yesterday it is said, a report prevails, that Dr. Willis ( the clerical physician who cured the King ) is soon to be created an Irish Peer, with a pension of 4000l. a year, for his own life and the life of his two sons.
July 2. Mr. Pitt gave an explicit account of the state of the national expenditures, which he explained in articles, nearly to the substance of those which follow:
  104,000l for extraordinaries of the navy.   398,000l for the army.   80,000l Armament in the East-Indies   459,000l Ordnance.   56,000l Convicts.   313,000l American loyalists.   55,000l Different bonds.   350,000l Land and malt tax.   24,927l Plantation exigencies.   330,713l Deficiency of grants of 1788.   216,000l Prince of Wales' debts.   35,000l Building at Carleton-house.   80,000l Foreign secret service.   The mode in which he meant to produce the required sums, was by taxes on   Land and malt, £.2,750,000   By lottery. 500,000   By short annuities, 187,000   Growing produce of sinking fund,   from April, 1788, to 1789, 1,530,000   Tobacco produced under excise, 350,000   Augmentation of duties on News-   papers and advertisements, 17,000   Of Probates of Wills, 5,000   Legacies, 9,000 
An additional duty on each pack of cards, dice, coaches, chaises and horses, com-

prehend all the new objects of taxation; which, taken in the aggregate, amounted to 5,730,000 being the total of the supplies necessary for the services of the current year.
The master of a vessel arrived here reports, that an action had taken place between the Russian and Swedish fleets, and that they continued in action until he was out of sight.
The connections which our Minister has made, has established the following new balance of power, if that can be called a balance which cannot prevent a preponderancy in one scale, and which makes the other kick the beam.
  Great-Britain, Austria,   Prussia, Russia,   Holland, France,   Sweden, Spain,   Naples,   Sardinia,   Denmark, 
The maritime strength on both sides may be fairly stated as follows:
   Ships of the line. Ships of the line.     Great-Britain 100 France 87   Holland 62 Spain 60   Sweden 30 Russia 40   Denmark 30  
Total 192 217 Balance of ships against us 25
The naval force of Naples is not included in this estimate, though that crown has certainly some ships of the line.
June 30.—Six sail of ships, deeply laden with American wheat, are now lying in the Yarmouth Roads, but the British Ports being unexpectedly shut, they are now re-consigned to different parts in France.
The King of Sweden will certainly lead his troops to action against the Imperialists in Finland.
The boast of Col. Lenox, it is said, is, that he fought a Soldier, a Bishop, a Prince, and a Sovereign in one day, that he had like to kill them all, and escaped himself unhurt.
An honest Hibernian having asked, the other day, what was the meaning of the Prince's motto, "Ich Dien!" A friend told him, "I serve." "Devil a better;" said Paddy, "for he serves every one in power, God bless him!"
WINCHESTER, (Virginia) Aug. 19. New-Epsom Springs: A recent gift of Providence to the People.
A Sulphur Spring has lately been discovered at New-Epsom, which promises to become of very general utility to the public at large:—Its salutary effects, in the cure of many disorders, have already been evinced in a variety of instances. Several families from the counties of Fairfax and Loudoun are lately arrived there, and the neighbouring people are daily flocking in, to partake of its benefits. New-Epsom is only two miles and an half from the town of Stephensburg, in this county.
NEW-YORK, Sept. 2. Extract of a letter from an officer belonging to the federal troops, to his friend in Philadelphia, dated Rapids of the Ohio, the 1st July, 1789.
Our affairs in this quarter at present bear a gloomy aspect. I am just returned from post Vincennes on the Wabash, with a detachment of 35 men, who were employed as an escort to provision for that garrison; and believe me, Sir, it is almost next to an accident that my whole party was not cut off; the river was lined with Indians. I routed two parties, and finding where their strength lay, evaded coming to action by crossing the other side of the river, and in short I made such expedition that they had not time to assemble in one body.—They killed one man and wounded another, who were sent down express in a light canoe to me, directing me to fortify on an island until I could be reinforced. I completed a passage to and from the post in twenty one days. The distance between the two places is called five hundred and twenty miles. This will prove to you how easy it is to ascend the river Ohio. The Indians are daily committing depredations in Kentucky, and from the Miami we learn, that the troops there would be unsafe to go two hundred yards
from their post, as lurking fellows are frequently seen in wait for them. I want much to know if our new councils are about to take measures to get possession of the Western Posts. This, and this alone, will secure peace with the Indians. The presence of the Governor is much wanted at the different settlements on the Mississippi, and indeed if he does not come out soon, we may judge from appearance, those settlements will generally break up.'
Extract of another letter from the same gentleman, dated July 10.
'Since the date of my last, I learn, that on the first of next month, Major Hardin, with two hundred volunteers on horseback from the district of Kentucky, are to assemble at the Rapids, on their way to some of the Indian towns on White River, in order to destroy a banditti that live there, and are very troublesome to the settlements.'
BOSTON, Sept. 14. "There appears to be uneasiness among some importers, that the ruble of Russia should be estimated at one dollar, when its current value in Russia is not more than 60 cents."
It is said that the Admiral of his Most Christian Majesty's Squadron intended to have passed this season at Newport, but learning that Rhode-Island was not now one of the United States, he altered his intention.
FROM NEW-YORK.
New-York, Sept. 5, 1789. I informed you in my last letter, that I should continue here until the question respecting the permanent residence of Congress was determined—and indeed the debate on the subject was well worthy attention—as it was animated, ingenious, and in many instances decently warm. On this subject, the House sat yesterday—and in committee, agreed upon the east bank of Susquehannah, and upon continuing at New-York until the accommodations are provided:—The House then took up the report of the committee, and acceded to the same. As also to Mr. Fitzsimon's resolutions so far as to fill the blank, before commissioners with Three, the blank for the sum was filled with 100,000 dollars—the time to be repaid in 20 years—interest, 5 per cent. or less. They could not agree on the time to be allowed for the erecting the buildings. Five, four, three, two, and one years were negatived—So it was agreed to pass over this blank for the present. After all I have no idea that any thing serious will be attempted at present. It must be considered as an unlucky business at this moment as it absorbs the time that might be infinitely better employed. The history of this business you will learn from the papers,—But there is yet a doubt, to use the words of a member, in the debate of Thursday, whether "Congress shall tickle the trout in the stream of the Cadorus—build their sumptuous palaces on the banks of the Patowmack—or admire commerce, with her expanded wings, on the waters of the Delaware."
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Providence, dated September 11, 1789.
"Our Assembly is specially called, to meet at Newport, on Tuesday next. A majority of the New Members (to meet in October) are said to be honest men, and friends to order and good government. It is probable that the present House, in order, if possible, to save their reputation, may order a Convention called; but if not, assure your friends that the measure will certainly take place at October session; soon after which we hope to be relieved from a situation scarce one remove from the d—d."
It is said that there have been launched in France since the conclusion of the late war, no less than 22 ships of the line—all built on the construction of the Leopard now in this harbor, and for elegance of workmanship she has not her superior in any navy in the world.
The pirates who where seized some time since in Barnstable, were on Saturday put on board a sloop bound for Maryland, from whence they ran away with the vessel.
PORTSMOUTH, Sept. 17.
Recent accounts state, that North-Carolina and Rhode-Island will very probably soon come into the Federal Family: In the mean time the legislature of the Union, are paying all due attention to their representations and petitions upon those parts of the revenue laws which bear hard upon them, by reason of their alien present situation.
The President has been pleased to appoint Andrew Ellicot, Esq. Geographer to the United States, in the room of Mr. Hutchins, deceased. Mr. Ellicot is a gentleman of superior abilities, and has an extensive knowledge of the western territory.
CUSTOM-HOUSE, Portsmouth.
   ENTERED from     Schooner Mary, Prescot, St. Lucia.   Brig Mary-ann, Gerriso, Turks-Island.   CLEARED for   Brig Nancy, Frost, West-Indies.   Brig Rookby, Parrott, Ditto.   Sloop Polly, Hooper, Ditto.   Ship Nine-Sons, McIntire, Ditto.  
For PHILADELPHIA,
THE SLOOP LAUREL, JAMES SHORES, Master, now lying at Jacob Sheafe, junr's wharf—
For freight or passage apply to the Master on Board. September 17.
TO BE SOLD
A valuable Farm of 105
ACRES of good land, pleasantly situated within two miles and half of Portsmouth, on the post road to Boston, consisting of mowing, tillage, pasture, wood-land, a young orchard of upwards of 100 apple-trees, with two good dwelling-houses, a barn, and some other buildings on the same, all in good repair. Conditions of sale will be made easy, but one half, or less of the purchase will be requested down, the remainder with security on interest, payable at a future day, that may be agreed on.—For further particulars apply to the Printer hereof.
Portsmouth, Sept. 16.
Ten Dollars Reward.
LOST on the 9th day of February, 1777, between Madbury and Dover, a worsted work'd POCKET BOOK, containing two notes of hand, together with sundry receipts, one dated Dover, June 2, 1770, for five shillings in full of all demands of Theophilus Hardy on the widow Sarah Hicks, and Capt. Joseph Hicks deceased, and about one hundred and twenty dollars in State certificates, whoever has found the same and will return it to the subscriber, shall have the above reward. JOSEPH HICKS.
Madbury, Sept. 2.
WHEREAS by a vote of the proprietors of Wolfborough, at a legal meeting on the 6th of Sept. 1786, the subscriber collector of taxes, was ordered to collect the taxes then due, and in default of any of the proprietors not paying said taxes to advertise so much of their lands to be sold at public vendue as would pay the same with incidental charges: Therefore notice is hereby given to the following delinquent proprietors that so much of their lands will be sold at public vendue, at the Bell Tavern in Portsmouth on Wednesday the 28th October next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. as will pay the several sums affixed to their names, unless the same should be paid to me at my house in Portsmouth prior to that time.
   l. s. d.     The late Governor Wentworth's six rights, now owned by And. Cabot, Esq. 10 10 9   The original right of Paul March, Esq. deceased, now owned by —Horn 6 14 0   Nathaniel Peasey Sargeant, Esq. 5 10 0   Henry Rust, Esq. 3 2 0   The original right of Isaac Rindge, Esq. now owned by —Glyn 1 0 0   The original right of Robert Odiorne, deceased, now owned by Capt. George Sproule 1 0 0  
A. R. CUTTER, Collector. Portsmouth, Sept. 6, 1789.
(CLAREMONT.)
THE delinquent proprietors of original rights of land in the township of Claremont, having been legally notified, that three several taxes were assessed by the Proprietors of said town, at several legal meetings, and committed to the subscriber to collect the same, notwithstanding said notice, many are yet delinquent in the whole or in part—Notice is hereby again given to said delinquents, that unless the sums due from them as set against the names in this advertisement, are not paid to me on or before Monday the 12th day of October next, so much of their rights will be sold at public vendue at my dwelling-house in said Claremont, at 10 o'clock, A. M. on said day, as will pay said taxes with incidental charges, unless prevented by previous payment.
   Delinquent proprietors. £. s. d.     Josiah Willard, Esq. 2 4 6   Jeremiah Hall 2 6 11   Josiah Willard, jr. 1 3 10   John Ellis 4 19 10   Sampson Willard 3 6 7   Abraham Scott 3 6 7   Henry Forster 3 6 7   Solomon Willard 4 19 10   Jonathan Hammond 3 6 7   William Heaton 3 6 7   Joseph Hammond 3 6 7   Prentice Willard 1 10 0   William Grimes 4 19 10   Jonathan Willard 4 19 10   James Scott 3 6 7   Abijah Willard 3 6 7   Abel Lawrence 3 6 7   Clement Sumner 4 19 10   Abel Willard 4 19 10   Samuel Scott 3 6 7   Michael Metcalf 4 19 10   Ephraim Dorman 3 6 7   J. Powers 3 6 7   Simon Davis 2 4 2   John Armes 4 19 10   Henry Bond 1 2 5   Stephen Putnam 4 19 10   Elijah Alexander 4 19 10   Ebenezer Dodge 3 6 7   Nathaniel Heaton 2 15 5   Joseph Ellis 2 4 2   Gideon Ellis 4 19 10   John Grimes 2 4 2   Joseph Cals 2 14 1   John Scott 1 8 9   William Richardson 3 6 7   John Peirce 4 19 10   Thomas Lee 3 6 7   Timothy Taylor 3 6 7   Benjamin Freeman 3 6 7   Oliver Fairwell 3 6 7   John Serles 4 19 10   Oliver Farewell, jr. 4 19 10   Ephraim Adams 1 2 5   Phineas Wait 1 4 11   Samuel Wells 2 7 6   William Smeed 3 6 7   Theodore Atkinson, Esq. 3 6 7   Daniel Jones, Esq. 3 6 7   Col. William Symns 2 13 3   Col. John Goffe 2 13 3   Theodore Atkinson jr. Esq. 2 13 3   Mark H. Wentworth, Esq. 2 13 3   Hon. John Temple, Esq. 2 13 3   Gov. Benning Wentworth 5 6 6  
BENJAMIN SUMNER, Collector. Claremont, Sept. 4.
THE proprietors of New-Grantham in the county of Cheshire, and State of New-Hampshire, are hereby notified that at a legal meeting of said proprietors holden at New-Grantham, on the 31st day of May, 1773; Voted a tax of five shillings on each right to defray the charges of laying out a hundred acre lot to each proprietors right; at another legal meeting held in said town the 17th day November, 1784; Voted a tax of fifteen shillings on each right to defray the necessary proprietary charges; this is therefore to notify the proprietors that so much of their land will be sold at public vendue, on the 8th day of October next, at 10 o'clock A. M. at the house of deacon John Stevens in said town, as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, unless prevented by previous payment to the subscriber in Plainfield.—Each of the proprietors in said town are delinquent in the payment of said taxes, except Capt. Samuel Hunt, James Stoodley, Medad Pumroy and Eleazer Pumroy. JOHN STEVENS, jun'r Collector. Plainfield, Sept. 11.