The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1788-01-09 00:00:00

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND GENERAL WEDNESDAY, PORTSMOUTH: By JOHN MELCHER,
[VOLUME XXXII.—No. 1635.] GAZETTE, THE ADVERTISER, JANUARY 9, 1788.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN MARKET-STREET.
"WHEN ANGRY NATIONS PART IN LEAGUES OF PEACE, LET PRIVATE FEUDS AND CIVIL DISCORDS CEASE."
Mr. MELCHER,
A number of your Correspondents will be much obliged by your inserting in your useful paper the following humorous and sensible piece from the Providence Gazette—It suggests some thoughts very pertinent to the present important crisis of these confederated states, and must arrest the attention of such as mean solely to give their vote for members to sit in the approaching Convention.
To the PUBLIC.
THAT the political body, like the animal, is liable to violent diseases, which, for a time, baffle the healing art, is a truth which we all acknowledge, and which most of us lament. But as most of the disorders, incident to the human frame, are the consequence of an intemperate indulgence of its appetites, or of neglecting the most obvious means of safety; so most of the popular tumults, which disturb government, arise from an abuse of its blessings, or an inattention to its principles. A man of a robust constitution, relying on its strength, riots in gratifications which weaken the flamina vitæ ; the surfeiting pleasures of a few years destroy the power of enjoyment: and the full fed voluptuary feels a rapid transition to the meagre valetudinarian. Thus people who enjoy an uncommon share of political privileges, often carry their freedom to licentiousness, and put it out of their power to enjoy society by destroying its support.
Too much health is a disease, which often requires a very strict regimen—too much liberty is the worst species of tyranny, and wealth may be accumulated to that degree as to impoverish a state. If all men attempt to become masters, the most of them would necessarily become slaves in the attempt; and could every man on the earth possess millions of joes, every man would be poorer than any man is now, and infinitely more wretched, because they could not procure the necessaries of life.
My countrymen, it is a common saying now, that the Devil is in you. I question the influence of the devil however in these affairs. Divines and politicians agree in this, to father all evil upon the devil; but the effects ascribed to this prince of evil spirits, both in the moral and political world, I ascribe to the wickedness and ignorance of the human heart. Taking the word devil in this sense he is in you and among you in a variety of shapes.
In the first place, the weakness of our federal government is the devil. It prevents the adoption of any measures that are requisite
for us as a nation; it keeps us from paying our honest debts; it throws out of our power all the profits of commerce, and this drains us of cash, is not this the devil? yes, my countrymen, an empty purse is the devil.
You are jealous of your rights, & afraid to trust Congress; well, that jealousy is an evil spirit, & all evil spirits are devils; so far the devil is in you. You act in this particular, just like the crew of a ship, which would not trust the helm with one of their number because he might possibly run it ashore—when by leaving it without a pilot they were certain of shipwreck. You act just like men in rasing a building; who would not have a master-workman, because he might give out orders—You will be masters yourselves, and as you are not all ready to lift at the same time, one labours at a stick of timber, then another, then a third—you are then vexed that it is not raised—Why, let a master order thirteen of you to take hold together, and you will lift it at once. Every family has a master (or a mistress—I ask the ladies pardon.) When a ship or a house is built, there is a master—when highways are repaired there is a master—every little school has a master—the continent is a great school, the boys are numerous and full of roguish tricks, and there is no master. The boys in this great school, play truant, and there is no person to chastise them. Do you think, my countrymen, that America is more easily governed than a school? You do very well in small matters—extent your reason to great ones. Would you not laugh at a farmer, who should fasten a three inch cable to a plough, and yet attempt to draw a house with a cobweb? "And Nathan said unto David, thou art the man. " You think a master necessary to govern a few harmless children in a school or family; yet leave thousands of great rogues to be governed by good advice. Believe me, my friends, for I am serious; you lose rights, because you will not give your magistrates authority to protect them—your liberty is despotism, because it has no controul—your power is nothing, because it is not united.
But further, luxury rages among you, and luxury is the devil. The war has sent this evil demon to impoverish people and embarrass the public. The articles of rum and tea alone, which are drank in this country, would pay all its taxes. But when we add, sugar, coffee, gauzes, silks, feathers and the whole list of baubles and trinkets, what an enormous expence! no wonder you want paper currency.
My countrymen are all grown very tasty! feathers and jordans must all be imported! certainly gentlemen, the devil is among you. A Hampshire-man who drinks forty shillings worth of rum in a year and never thinks of the expence, will raise a mob to reduce the governour's salary, which does not amount to three pence per man per ann. Is not this the devil?
My countrymen, an industrious man appeared, not long ago, in this paper, informing you how to redress grievances. He gives excellent advice. Let every man make a little box and put into it four pence every day. This in a year will amount to six pounds one shilling and eight pence, a sum sufficient to pay any poor man's tax. Any man can pay three or four pence per day, though no poor man can at the end of a year, pay six pounds. Take my advice every man of you; and you will hardly feel your taxes.
But further, a tender law is the devil. When I trust a man a sum of money, I expect he will return the full value. That legislature which says my debtor may pay me with one third of the value he received, commits a deliberate act of villainy—an act for which an individual, in any government, would be honoured with a whipping post, and in most governments, with the gallows. When a man makes dollars, one third of which only is silver, and passes them for good coin, he must lose his ears, &c. But legislatures can with the solemn face of rulers and guardians of justice, boldly give currency to an adulterated coin, enjoin it upon debtors to cheat their creditors, and inforce their systematic knavery with legal penalties. The difference between the man who makes and passes counterfeit money, and the man who tenders his creditor one third of the value of the debt, and demands a discharge, is the same as between a thief and a robber. The first cheats his neighbour in the dark, and takes his property without his knowledge; the last boldly meets him at noon-day, tells him he is a rascal, and demands his purse.
My Countrymen the Devil is among you. Make paper as much as you please—make it a tender in all future contracts, or let it rest on its own bottom—But remember that past contracts are sacred things—that legislatures have no right to interfere with them—they have no right to say, a debt shall be paid at a discount or in any manner which the parties never intended. It is the business of justice to fulfil the intention of parties in contracts—not to defeat them. To pay bona fide contracts for
cash, in paper of little value or in old horses, would be a dishonest attempt in an individual; but for legislatures to frame laws to support and encourage such detestable villainy, is like a Judge who should inscribe the arms of a rogue over the seat of justice, or clergymen who should convert into bawdy houses the temples of Jehovah. My Countrymen, the world says, the Devil is in you—Mankind detest you as they would a nest of Robbers.
But lastly, mobs and county conventions are devils. Good men love law and legal measures. Knaves only fear law and try to destroy it. My Countrymen, if a constitutional legislature cannot redress a grievance, a mob never can. Laws are the security of life and property—nay, what is more, of liberty. The man who encourages a mob to prevent the operation of law, ceases to be free or safe; for the same principal which leads a man to put a bayonet to the breast of a Judge, will lead him to take property where he can find it; and when the Judge dare not act, where is the loser's remedy? Alas, my friends, too much liberty is no liberty at all. Give me any thing but mobs, they are the Devil in his worst shape. I would shoot the leader of a mob, sooner than a midnight ruffian.—People may have grievances perhaps, and no man would more readily hold up his hand to redress them, than myself; but mobs rebel against laws, of their own, and rebellion is a crime which admits of no palliation.
My countrymen, I am a private peaceable man; I have no office of any kind; I have nothing to win or lose by the game of paper currency; but I revere justice. I would sooner pick o kum all my life, than stain my reputation, or pay my creditor one farthing less than his honest demands.
While you attempt to trade to advantage, without a Head to combine all the states into systematic uniform measures—the world will laugh at you for fools—While merchants take and give credit, the world will call them idiots and laugh at their ruin—While farmers get credit, borrow money, and mortgage their farms, the world will call them fools and laugh at their embarrassments—While all men live beyond their income and are harassed with duns and sheriffs, no man will pity them, or give them relief—But while you and conventions oppose boom, of justice, and legislature paper and old horses a legal, in all cases, the world will exclaim with one voice, you are rogues and the devil is in you!
TOM THOUGHTFUL
J. Whipple Esqr.

Mr. PRINTER,
SOMETHING may be learned from almost every thing—We are about forming a new government, and the mite of every man ought to be thrown into the general treasury, from which those who may be appointed to make laws under that government, may draw instruction. Taxation is, perhaps, the most delicate point in legislation—therefore the hint which I am now about to communicate, as it relates to that, is the more important.—It is an historical scrap;—and is as follows—which I call.
THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE.
ASAD, the Pacha of Damascus, in the dominions of the Grand Signior, held this Pachalic 15 years—during which time he did an infinite deal of good—his passion was to amass money—but he did not let it remain idle in his coffers—but let it out to the necessitous at very low interest: Being one day in want of money, the informers, by whom the Pacha are constantly surrounded, advised him to levy a contribution on the Christians, and on the manufacturers of stuffs. "How much do you think that may produce?" said Asad. "Fifty or sixty purses," replied they. "But," answered he, "these people are by no means rich, how will they raise that sum?" "My Lord, they will sell their wives jewels; and besides, they are Christian dogs." "I'll shew you," replied the Pacha, "that I am an abler extortioner than you." The same day he sent an order to the Mufti to wait upon him secretly, and at night. As soon as the Mufti arrived, Asad told him, "He was informed he had long lead a very irregular life in private; that he though the head of the law, had indulged himself in drinking wine and eating pork, contrary to the precepts of the most pure book; assuring him, at the same time, he was determined to inform against him to the Mufti, of Stambul (Constantinople) but that he wished to give him timely notice, that he might not reproach him with perfidiousness." The Mufti, terrified at this menace, conjured him to desist; and as such, offers are an open and allowed traffick among the Turks, promised him a present of a thousand piastres. The Pacha rejected the offer; the Mufti doubled and trebled the sum, until at length they strike a bargain for six thousand piastres, with the reciprocal engagement to observe a profound silence. The next day, Asad sends for the Cadi, addresses him in the same manner; tells him he is informed of several flagrant abuses in his administration, and that he is no stranger to a certain affair, which may perhaps cost him his head. The Cadi, confounded, implores his clemency, negotiates like the Mufti, accommodates the matter for a like sum, and retires, congratulating himself that he has escaped even at that price. He proceeded in like manner with the Wali, the Nakib, the Aga of the Janissaries, the Mohteseb, and, after them, with the wealthiest Turkish and Christian merchants. Each of these charged with offences peculiar to their situations, and, above all, accused of intrigues, were anxious to purchase pardon by contributions. When the sum total was collected, the Pacha, being again with his intimates, thus addressed them, "Have you heard it reported, in Damascus, that Asad has been extorting?" "No, Signior, what means, then, have these two hundred purses, I tell you? The informers exclaim in great admiration and enquire what method he employed. "I have fleeced the sheep," replied he "and not skinned the lambs and the kids."
PARIS, (France) Sept. 26.
The French court has softened; and after asserting the doctrines of high prerogative, in a flaming arrest, condemning all the measures of the parliament, the king has withdrawn all the obnoxious edicts, in lieu of which the reforms are to be pushed to the utmost extent, and the parliament have agreed to enregister an edict for the continuation of the second twentieth, which was about to expire and for a third twentieth, to be exacted with the utmost rigour.
Thus, thanks to the prevailing spirit of liberty, and the enlightened doctrines of the age, kings find it their interest to listen to truth, and wittingly to retract in discussions, which but a century ago would have deluged their dominions with the blood of their best citizens. The parliament have in fact gained the most important point for which they struggled, the convocation of the States General, on the proposition of every new impost. To this the court have tacitly assented; the edict now enregistered, as the price of peace, is not for new taxes. But even these the parliament have only passed as a proof of zeal and loyalty at the present critical moment, and are expressly stipulated to continue only till 1793, when, if other imposts be necessary, the States General are to be called, and in the interim the provincial assemblies are to examine minutely, and to report all the resources of the country, with the changes necessary in the contribution, mode of collection, &c.
The comte de la Luzurne, governor of St. Domingo, and brother to the late French ambassadour at Philadelphia, is appointed minister of the marine—a frigate is sent for him, monsieur de Brienne the prime minister's brother, is appointed to the war department.
LONDON, Oct. 6.
Extract of a letter from Venice, Aug. 20
"Notwithstanding the powerful fleets of men of war and armed ships which are fitted out by several maritime powers of Europe, and cruising in the Mediterranean for the protection of commerce against the depredations of the Algerines, those daring freebooters, in open defiance of these armaments, still continue to capture & plunder ships of almost every nation that sail in their way, indiscriminately, except the British, which pass free and without molestation. A gentleman just arrived here from Algiers says, the Algerines are fitting out several stout vessels from 18 to 30 guns, which will be ready in three weeks, by that time a fleet of corsairs, which have been cruising along the coast of Portugal, is expected in. He further adds, that he was there but nineteen days, in which time no less than seven prizes were brought in belonging to different nations, condemned, and sold, and the crews thrown into slavery; and that the day before he left the harbour, a captain of a large xebec had his head taken off, because he came in without a prize, although his vessel was almost shattered to pieces, and three parts of the crew killed, in an engagement with a Spaniard of double his force, which he beat off after a severe conflict of 13 glasses."
Extract of a letter from Cadiz, August 28.
"A strong fleet from Russia is expected to arrive here daily in their way to the Mediterranean, on purpose to cruise against the Algerines, who have lately taken some of their ships, and sent the crews to slavery. These pirates are become more and more troublesome, and increase very fast; they have broke the peace with Spain, and taken several rich ships belonging to the Spanish merchants; in consequence of which, a fleet of men of war, and a number of frigates, are getting ready, and
will soon join the rest of the powers in scouring the seas of those sanguinary and vindictive plunderers.
"P. S. We have just received intelligence of a bloody engagement between three Portuguese cruizers and some Algerine frigates, off Cape Spartel, in which it is said, the latter came off victorious; we further hear, the pirates lost a vast number of men, killed, and bought the victory at a dear rate; amongst the slain was their chief d'escadre, a very resolute, enterprising fellow.
Extract of a letter from Dublin, September 17.
"The following, however incredible it may appear is, we are assured, a most undoubted fact: two gentlemen, returning to Dublin from Irishtown, took notice of a sailor pursuing a rat on the low ground, near the rear of the marine school, and asking him why he did so? he replied, that the rat had a shilling in his mouth. Through curiosity they all pursued it into one of the fields, when discovering the hole it went into, the sailor dug it up, and to the surprize of the gentlemen, he found half a guinea and seventeen shillings pretty deep in the ground."
Oct. 4. It is confidently asserted in Paris, that the archbishop of Thoulouze has it in contemplation to adopt the glorious and popular measure of opening the state prisons, and in conjunction with mons. de Lamoignon, the chancellor, who is labouring at a reform in the criminal code of laws, to abolish forever the horrid usage of Lettres de Cachet.
So far has the licentiousness of the populace of Paris, in their present clamour for liberty, carried them, that papers have been stuck up against the walls, in which it is recommended, that the king be put into a convent, and monsieur (the king's brother) appointed regent of France!
To have fought and been overpowered, might have given the Dutch some credit in the eyes of their enemies; but to steal off without striking one blow, must make them contemptible even to France, who cannot be supposed inclinable to assist those who would do nothing for themselves.
Though the Cape of Good Hope has always nominally belonged to the Dutch, yet it has in fact been wholly in the possession of the French ever since the peace. Two French regiments, of 1000 men each, have been there in garrison, and a French officer in the chief command of it. The compliment has likewise been paid him of a band of musick serenading before his house, morning and evening, and he was still, about two years since, paid the greatest respect to. But some jealousies arising between the Dutch and French officers about that time, some blows happened in consequence, and several duels were fought. The matter was referred to the two courts in Europe, and, notwithstanding the Dutch remonstrated in a very spirited manner, they were never able to obtain any redress.
The possession of the above garrison, in the hands of the French, is certainly a matter of the most serious and alarming nature to this country. Its situation commands the navigation of the Eastern ocean, nor will the East India company ever be secure in their commerce, as long as it remains in possession of our Gallick rivals.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of JOHN MOFFATT, Esq. deceased, are once more requested to make immediate payment to the subscriber, at his office in Portsmouth, or they will be sued without further notice. SAM'L SHERBURNE, jr.
Attorney to the Executors. Portsmouth, Jan. 4, 1788.
NEWBURN, (N. Carolina) Nov. 22.
We hear from Tarborough, that both Houses of the General Assembly were expected to be formed on Monday last; and that the Federal Constitution meets with an almost universal approbation.
ALEXANDRIA, Dec. 13.
Last Saturday, a gentleman ran a quarter of a mile, over a course near this town, in 1 minute, for a bet of 20 guineas.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Richmond, to his friend in this town Dec. 4.
"Yesterday came before a Committee of the whole House the Bill for payment of British debts, when an amendment was proposed and carried by 80 against 31, that the Law be suspended until Britain complies with the treaty on her part."
NEW-YORK, Dec. 26.
Extract of a letter from Trenton, (New Jersey) December 20.
"Our Convention met on Tuesday last week, and by a resolution requested the Rev. Mr. Armstrong to open the business of the day with prayer. John Stevens, Esq. was elected President, and Samuel Stockton, Esq. Secretary of the Convention—On Friday they unanimously ratified and confirmed the Federal Constitution, and have since risen."
Late advices from Augusta inform, that the Spaniards have referred to the Upper Creeks a large tract of land on the other side of the Mississippi. Several warriors and head men have been to view it, and returned extremely well pleased with their proffered situation. If the Spanish proposal is generally acceded to by the savages, there will be a stop to the war at present; but Georgia will have more to fear from the continual eruptions of those savages, who are not likely to forget that they have been compelled to leave that land where the bones of their ancestors are interred.
By a letter just received from a gentleman of accurate observation at Pittsburgh, dated the 24th of November last, it appears, that no less than 4200 people passed down the Ohio since the first of that month, and that several boats were still preparing to follow them with more settlers, but not a word of any disturbances amongst the Indians.
The following gentlemen, Members of CONGRESS, are now attending in this city:
New-Hampshire, Mr. Gilman. Massachusetts, Mr. Otis, Mr. Thatcher. New-Jersey, Mr. Clark, Mr. Elmer, Mr. Dayton. Pennsylvania, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Irvine, Mr. Reid. Virginia, Mr. Carrington, Mr. Madison, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Brown. North Carolina, Mr. White. South-Carolina, Mr. Huger, Mr. Parker, Mr. Tucker.
It is expected that in a few days there will be a sufficient number of members to proceed to business.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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 20th 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, William Stacy, Andrew P. Fernald, } Committee. Kittery, January 1, 1788.

WILMINGTON, Dec. 19.  Extract of a letter from a member of the British parliament to his friend in this Borough, dated, London, October 4, 1787.
"To-morrow it is supposed affairs will come to a decision between our court and that of Versailles—probably without a positive answer from France; we are peremptory in declaring war against them, if the Cape of Good Hope and Trincomale are not restored to the Dutch, which France has completely in possession, by three regiments of their troops, to 400 Dutch. The nation in general enter heartily into war, the opposition in parliament join in saying they entirely approve it, and I am happy to say that more sailors have offered to enter than government want. We could not have begun a war at a better time, our different fleets at home, and Lord Howe has brought our navy into a better state than ever it was. Our only fear is that France may have a superior force for us in the West-Indies; a fleet with troops will be ready in the course of a week to sail for that quarter, equal at least, if not superior to any they have to oppose us, the mischief may however have happened before they arrive as well as in the East. Notwithstanding which we have every hope of success, and are in the greatest spirits. We flatter ourselves matters will not be made up between Russia and the Porte. France will be obliged to assist the latter. Holland will probably be on our side. Spain against us."
NEW-YORK, Dec. 26.
Late advice from France mention, that there were above 13,000 hogheads of tobacco in the hands of the importers unfold, and the farmers general refused to purchase at any price, having two years consumption in their magazines. Money was so scarce, that public and private distresses for want of it, were very great.
NEW-HAVEN, Dec. 26.  Extract of a letter from Baltimore, (Maryland) to a gentleman in this city, dated December 12.
"The mercantile interest in this town, and the majority of the inhabitants of the state, are in favour of the new federal plan; yet, like the state of New-York, it will be strongly opposed by some men, of great influence and very leading characters in the state. For which opposition, 'tis said, they are actuated by a dread of the loss of their own popularity—not the liberties of their country.—I think it will be adopted."
BOSTON, January 4.
Anti-federalism, says a correspondent, rapidly depreciates; the 'Republican Federalist,' alias the anti-federal votary of anarchy, has got a decent drubbing in yesterday's Chronicle—'Helvidius Priscus' makes his appearance next Thursday, but it is supposed his sentiments will go off 'by the grist.'—Agrippa has expired, being suffocated by his own smoke.—'Brutus,' alias the anti-federal G—r of a fister state, still fumbles on with his discordant farrago—'Candidus' gasp'd out a few broken and piteous expressions, yesterday, in the Chronicle, in which he greatly bemoaned the hard fate of the anti federal junto, the harsh treatment they met with, and the ill success which seemed to crown their incendiary attempts. In short, continues our correspondent, matters seem to wear a very pleasing aspect, and almost every honest and just man ardently wishes for the ratification and adoption of the federal constitution.
The General Assembly of North-Carolina have recommended to their constituents the election of a convention, to take into consideration the proposed plan of continental government. Nine states have now agreed to this measure.
We are informed, that the General Assembly of Virginia, finding there
appeared a sum of money, amounting to about 15,000l. in the hands of the treasurer, which was appropriated, agreeable to the requisition of Congress, for the purpose of raising a body of cavalry, but which Congress afterwards found unnecessary, have directed, that it shall be applied to the purpose of purchasing continental facilities, in order to enable that state to fulfil, on their part, the requisitions of Congress, with respect to the domestic debt.
By late accounts from Jamaica, we learn, that a severe shock of an earthquake was felt at that island, about the 20th of November last. By the severity of the shock, the town clock at Kingston, and many private ones, were stopped, and the church bell was observed to strike distinctly, two or three times; the inhabitants were also alarmed by the tottering of houses &c. The earthquake was also very sensibly felt at Port-Royal and Montego-Bay.
A Savannah paragraph of Nov. 22, says:—By Capt. M c Lean, who arrived here on Saturday last from the Windward Islands, we have advice, that a hurricane happened there on the 24th of last month; he was then off St. Eustatia, and afterwards went into the Danish island of St. John, where he learnt that all the shipping at St. Croix were driven ashore, except one brig that foundered at her anchors; that a great many houses and other buildings were thrown down, and numbers of lives lost; and that the sugar canes had suffered much. He also heard that the hurricane had done considerable damage at Tortola, and thinks it must have been severely felt at St. Christopher.
The legislature of South-Carolina, is to convene on the 8th January. The subject of the new Constitution, begins to be freely discussed in the papers of Georgia and South-Carolina.
Saturday a vessel arrived at Marblehead from France. A letter, by this arrival, to a gentleman at Salem, dated at l'Orient, Oct. 24, has the following:—"I suppose you will have heard, before you receive this, that War is likely to be proclaimed between France and England, with several other powers in the northern parts of Europe. All English vessels were ordered out of Bourdeaux this month; and two French frigates, now in l'Orient, were ordered out on a cruise to-day—from which we conclude war will soon commence. October 30. Since I wrote the above, no salt has arrived—owing, it is said, to the seamen being pressed into the King's service."
Extract of a letter from Sandwich, Dec. 24.
"This good town has instructed their delegates to Convention, to vote against the adoption of the new Constitution—let what will be said in its favour. Pure antifederalism this, my friend."
A HIGH-WAY ROBBERY!
Last Tuesday evening, about six o'clock, MICHAEL BACON, going from this town to Cambridge, in a Horse-Cart, was requested near the Hay-Scales in Charlestown, by a Molatto Man, to let him ride in the Cart, and he having obtained leave, rode in it, till he arrived opposite the place where the Gibbet formerly stood, when he struck Mr. Bacon, (whose face was towards the Horse) with a walnut stick, over his head, and repeated the blow, brought him to the ground: Mr. Bacon was so stunned, as not to have retained his senses, further than to recollect, that the Molatto continued his strokes with an apparent design to take his life. Mr. Bacon was robbed of a small sum of money, which was all he had in a purse, but was not sensible when the money was taken. The Robber was about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high; about 19 or 20 years old, well made, but rather slim, and had on a light-coloured homespun short Coat, Waistcoat and breeches, with a round Hat; he said he was going to Pompey, a Negro Man, who lives on the Boston road, just below the Colleges, for a fiddle.
S A L E M, January 1. The brig Hector, Captain Lewis, arrived here since our last, in 42 days passage, from Gottenburg.
While the brig lay at Marlstrond, (where she discharged her cargo) a Swedish ship was wrecked on a very rough and rocky part of the island, in a violent storm: The crew with assistance from the land, soon got safely ashore, except the mate, who went overboard with the foremast, to the top of which he had retreated for safety; the mast remained attached to the wreck by the shrouds, and the man continued his hold on the mast, the waves continually breaking over him. The sea was in such violent agitation, and the shore so rugged, that an attempt to recover him was extremely hazardous. About twenty sail of Swedes were then in the harbour, whose boats were many of them employed to succour the distressed object—but returned without effecting it, intimidated by the danger. At length, application was made to Capt. Lewis's crew, for their assistance, with the offer of a considerable pecuniary reward, if they would make the attempt, even should it fail of success; but they nobly refused going on a mercenary principle; however, from pure motives of humanity, the mate and six hands went off in a boat, at the utmost hazard of their lives; and under the discouraging representations of those Swedes who had before failed—surmounted every danger, and brought the sufferer, with just the remains of life, ashore, after hanging, as it were by a straw, several hours in the water. The offer of money was now repeated to them, and again refused. The governor of the place, being made acquainted with the transaction, sent for these brave Americans to his house; and, taking each of them by the hand, made the most honorable acknowledgments for their successful exertions to rescue from destruction a subject of Sweden, but a stranger to them; and presented the mate with a golden spoon, and each of the others with a silver spoon, as testimonies of their heroism and humanity; and also granted them the liberty of walking in any part of the city, at any time of day or night—a privilege, in which even their own subjects are not indulged. In short, so much was this act admired, that it gained them every mark of respect from the citizens; and the name of an American became synonymous with those of a hero and friend.
PORTSMOUTH, Jan. 9.
Last week, Dr. Rowe, of Kentington, who for a number of years past has been afflicted with the dropsy, was tapped, and had so much water extracted from him as with what had been before taken away, amounted to upward of one thousand weight.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in London, to his friend in America; dated Sept. 25.
"I have heard nothing of your doings in America—Will your Convention be able to invigorate your government? or will my prediction, be true—alas! I fear so. All Europe have an opinion you are sinking into anarchy and ruin; but when I reflect on the astonishing exertions during the war, to which you were roused by your extreme danger, I have some hopes."—Think on Poland!
Died. ) Mr. Samuel Cate, aged 74; Mrs. Dorothy Brock, aged 74; a child of Thomas Moses.
THE MONITOR.
If Drunkenness be not the worst of vices, it is certainly the parent of the worst. It levels man to the grade of the brutes—it depresses the soul—destroys the understanding—impairs health—and disturbs the peace and good order of civil society. Happy would it be for mankind could some antidote be found universally to prevent this malady—a malady which, considered as praiseworthy, by the courageous, the warlike, and the rich—may never be eradicated—How pernicious are such applauses! Do the applauders reflect on the train of evil Genii which attend the practice they
praise? Are the destruction of morality—the ruin of families—the loss of reason and health to them matters of sport?—Life itself is often sacrificed at the shrine of drunkenness. At a feast Alexander gave to his captains, he proposed a prize for those who would drink most: Promachus, the hero of the revelry, gained a crown, but died three days after; and his death was followed by forty-one of those who disputed with him the glory of this wicked contest. Are not our clubs and society meetings, too often like Alexander's entertainment—and though the mortality that ensues may not be so speedy, is it less certain? Let the friends of those who frequent them, answer the Monitor these questions.
FEMALE HEROISM. NOT many years ago, the then Earl of Pembroke, who in a rencounter by night in the streets of Madrid, had the misfortune to kill his man, fled into a church porch for sanctuary. Leaning against the door, he was surprised to find it open, and a glimmering light in the church. He had the courage to advance towards the light, but was terribly startled at the sight of a woman in white, who ascended from a grave, with a bloody knife in her hand. The phantom marched up to him, and asked what he did there? He told the truth without reserve, believing he had met a ghost. Upon which, she spoke to him in the following manner. "Stranger, thou art in my power; I am a murderer as thou art. Know then, that I am a man of a noble family. A base, perjured man undid me, and boasted of it. I soon had him despatch'd; but not content with the murder, I have bribed the sexton to let me enter his grave, and have pluck'd out his heart from his body; and thus I use a traitor's heart. At these words she tore it in pieces, and trampled it under her feet.
WEEKLY ALMANACK For PORTSMOUTH.—Lat. 43d. 5 N.     Mo. Da. Day Calendar.     9 7 39 5 Pleasant.   10 7 29 5 Perhaps rain.   11 7 28 5   12 7 28 5   13 7 27 5 Cloudy.   14 7 25 5   15 7 25 5 Cloudy.  
Samuel Place
INFORMS his customers and the public, that he has removed from the house and shop which he lately occupied, to his house in Chaple-Street, next door to Capt. Pearne's, where he carries on the
Watch-Maker's business
in all its various branches, And has for Sale,
  Cristols,  Pendants,    Dial Plates,  Watch-Hands,    Cafe Springs,  Silver Cate-    Pendent-Bows,  Buttons,    Main-Springs,  Chain Hooks,    Pinions,  Pendent-Shanks,    Screws,  Inside Chains,    Varges,  3 & Contuite-    Pendulum-Wire,  Wheels,    Steel and Brass,  Screw-Wheels,    Keys,  Watch-Maker's    Steel and Gilt,  Files and    Chains,  Brushes, &c.  
He has in his pos- session a number of Watches left with him to repair, by persons he has not heard from for several years, he therefore requests those persons to call for their property.
He also requests all
persons who have any demands on him to exhibit their claims for adjustment, and all indebted to him are desired to make immediate payment. Portsmouth, Jan. 8.
For sale by Auction,
To-morrow, 3 o'Clock P. M. At DEARBORN's Auction Room, (In such lots as may best suit purchasers) Ten pieces of  Mill'd Cloths, Baizes, &c. made under the direction of the Manufactory Society in this town. Wednesday, Jan. 9.

Parnassian Spring.
To a young LADY curling her HAIR.
NO longer seek the needless aid Of studious art, dear lovely maid! Vainly from side to side forbear To shift thy glass, and braid each strag- gling hair. As the gay flowers which nature yields So various on the vernal fields, Delight the fancy more than those The garden gives to view in equal rows; As the pure stream, whose mazy train The prattling pebbles check in vain, Gives native pleasure, while it leads Its random waters swiftly thro' the meads: As birds on boughs, in early spring, Their wood notes wild, near rivers sing, Grateful their warbling strains repeat, And sooth the ear irregularly sweet: So simple dress, and native grace, Will best become the lovely face; For naked CUPID still suspects In artful ornaments conceal'd defects. Then cease, with crisping tongs, to tear And torture thus the flowing hair: O! cease, with tasteless toil, to shed A cloud of scented dust around thy head. Not BERENICE's locks could boast A grace like thine! Among the host Of stars, tho' now transform'd they guide Th' doubtful sailor thro' the nightly tide; Nor VENUS, when a form like thine She chose, to veil her charms divine, And gave her trusses unconfin'd, To wave and wanton in the balmy wind.
THE commissioners appointed to examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of the Honorable JOHN WENTWORTH, late of Dover, in the county of Strafford, deceased, represented insolvent, give notice that a further time of six months from the 22d of November last, being allowed for the creditors to exhibit their claims; — they will attend for that purpose on the second Tuesday of this, and the five months next ensuing, from 2 to 6 o'clock in the afternoon, at the late dwelling house of said deceased in Dover aforesaid. MOSES WINGATE, } Commissioners. WILLIAM KING, December 3.
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.
State of New-Hampshire.
WE the subscribers being appointed commissioners by the hon. Charles Johnson, Esq. judge of probate, &c. for the county of Grafton, to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of Col. Timothy Bedel, late of Haverhill, deceased, and six months being allowed for that business, hereby give notice that we will attend the same on the last Monday in December next, and on the first Monday of the five following months, from 10 o'clock, A. M. to 2 o'clock, P. M. at the house lately occupied by Amos Fisk, innholder in said Haverhill.
ASA PORTER. JAMES WOODWARD, ANDREW CROCKER. Haverhill, November 15.
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 first Tuesday of this and the five ensuing months, from six to nine o'clock, P. M.
JOHN PARKER, Dec. 5. PIERCE LONG, JEREMIAH LIBBEY.
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.
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.
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.
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, Esq's. 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 BRYENT.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of Col. Timothy Bedel, late of Haverhill, in the county of Grafton, and state of New-Hampshire, deceased, intestate, are hereby requested to make immediate payment to the subscriber, MOODY BEDEL, Administrator. November 26.
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.
   No. 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 Clemments 80 100 8 3    JOHN KENNISTON, Constable. Middletown, Dec. 12.
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.
   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 Wallingsford 43 60 1 6  Bedfield Plummer 75 100 2 3  Eph'm Wentworth 18 100 1 6  Benjamin Roberts 38 100 2 3  Timothy Roberts 33 100 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 Clemments 43  Samuel Varney 80 100 2 3  Benning Wentworth 99 100 2 3  Law Lott 31 100 3 9    ISAAC STANTON, Constable. Middletown, Dec. 18, 1787.
BLANKS of all sorts for sale at this Office, at the lowest Boston prices.
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 33 100 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 64 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, intituled, "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 trespassers 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'y. Portsmouth, Dec. 17, 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.