The New Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1797-02-11 00:00:00

THE New Hampshire Gazette.
HERE TRUTH IS WELCOME—CANDOUR GUIDES THE WAY.
PORTSMOUTH: (NEW-HAMPSHIRE)—PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY MORNING BY JOHN MELCHER, PRINTER TO THE STATE, AT HIS OFFICE CORNER OF MARKET STREET, WHERE SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THIS PAPER, ADVERTISEMENTS, AND ARTICLES OF INTELLIGENCE ARE THANKFULLY RECEIVED.
Vol. XLI.—Numb. 2098.]
SATURDAY, February 11, 1797.
[9s. pr. Annum.]
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 18.
SUNDRY private petitions were presented and referred.
A further discussion took place in committee of the whole on the subject of revenue. At the close of the sitting the motion for the committee's rising was carried 44 to 35. They had leave to sit again.
THURSDAY, Jan. 19.
Mr. Venable from the committee of elections made a report, viz. that Mr. Dana from Connecticut was entitled to his seat; and that they had proceeded to examine the complaints made against the undue election of Mr. Varnum, from the second middle district of Massachusetts: that no one of the petitioners or their agents, had appeared this session to prosecute their complaints, nor transmitted any evidence on the subject; that the sitting member had produced evidence that the election in the town of Dracutt, (the unfairness of which had been complained of) was conducted with fairness and propriety; and though there had been some irregularities committed in other places, they were mostly owing to the misconduct of the petitioners; the committee, therefore, report it as their opinion, that Joseph Bradley Varnum, is duly elected, and that any attempt to deprive him of his seat, appeared to be more the effect of malice, than of any real ground of complaint against the fairness of his election. Ordered to lie on the table.
FRIDAY, Jan. 20.
After some private petitions had been read, the House took up the resolution passed in the Committee of the whole, yesterday on the subject of further revenue, when, after some observations on the propriety of dividing the resolution, it was agreed to be divided, and the yeas and nays having been called for on the first part, viz. "for laying a direct tax on land with its improvements, including town-lots," they were as follows:
YEAS.
Messrs. Blount, Brent, Buck, Cabell, Coit, Coles, Craik, Dent, Ege, Findley, Gallatin, Gilman, Glenn, Goodrich, Greenup, Grove, Hancock, Harrison, Hartley, Hathorn, Havens, Hindman, Kittera, Livingston Madison, Milledge, Moore, Muhlenberg, Murray, New, Nicholas, Orr, Page, Patten, Preston, Rutherford, Sewall, Sitgreaves, Isaac Smith, Wm. Smith, R. Sprigg, Swanwick, Van Allen, Van Courtlandt, Venable, Williams—48.
NAYS.
Messrs. Ames, Baldwin, Bailey, Bradbury, Bryan, Burgess, Cooper, Christie, Dana, Davenport, Dearborn, A. Foster, D. Foster, Franklin, Freeman, Gillespie, Griswold, Harper, Henderson, Holland, A. Jackson, G. Jackson, Locke, S. Lyman, W. Lyman, MacLay, Macon, Malbone, Potter, Read, Sherburne, Jer. Smith, N. Smith, Studwick, Swift, Thatcher, Thomas, Thompson, Varnum, Wadsworth, Winn—39.
After a considerable debate on the latter part of the resolution, viz. "for laying a direct tax on slaves with certain exception," the question was taken by yeas and nays, as follows:
YEAS.
Messrs. Ames, Baldwin, Blount, Bradbury, Brent, Buck, Cabell, Claiborne, Coles, Cooper, Craik, Davenport, Dent, Ege, Findley, A. Foster, Franklin, Gallatin, Gillespie, Gilman, Glenn, Greenup, Gregg, Grove, Hampton, Hancock, Harper, Harrison, Hartley, Hathorn, Havens, Hindman, Holland, A. Jackson, Kittera, Locke, S. Lyman, MacLay, Macon, Madison, Milledge, Moore, Muhlenberg, Murray, New, Nicholas, Orr, Page, Parker, Patten, Preston, Rutherford, Sewall, Sitgreaves, Isaac Smith, Wm. Smith, R. Sprigg, Studwick, Swanwick, Van Allen, Van Courtlandt, Venable, Wadsworth, Williams, Winn—68.
NAYS.
Messrs. Bryan, Burgess, Coit, Dana, Dearborn, D. Foster, Freeman, Goodrich, Griswold, Henderson, G. Jackson, W. Lyman, Malbone, Potter, Read, Sherburne, Jer. Smith, N. Smith, Swift, Thatcher, Thomas, Thompson, Varnum—23.
The main question was then put on the resolution together, and the yeas and nays taken thereupon, when it was carried as follows:
YEAS.
Messrs. Blount, Brent, Buck, Cabell, Claiborne, Coit, Coles, Craik, Dent, Ege, Findley, Gallatin, Gilman, Glenn, Goodrich, Greenup, Gregg, Grove, Hancock, Harrison, Hartley, Hathorn, Havens, Hindman, Kittera, Madison, Milledge, Moore, Muhlenberg, Murray, New, Nicholas, Orr, Page, Parker, Patten, Preston, Rutherford, Sewall, Sitgreaves, Isaac Smith, S. Smith, Wm. Smith, R. Sprigg, Swanwick, Van Allen, Van Courtlandt, Venable, Williams—49.
NAYS.
Messrs. Ames, Bailey, Bradbury, Bryan, Burgess, Christie, Dana, Davenport, Dearborn, A. Foster, D. Foster, Franklin, Freeman, Gillespie, Griswold, Hampton, Harper, Henderson, Holland, A. Jackson, G. Jackson, Locke, S. Lyman, W. Lyman, MacLay, Macon, Malbone, Potter, Read, Sherburne, Jer. Smith, N. Smith, Swift, Thatcher, Thomas, Thompson, Varnum, Wadsworth, Winn—39.
The resolution was then referred to the committee of ways and means to bring in a bill accordingly.
The house went into a committee of the whole on the bill for carrying into effect the laws of the United States in the state of Tennessee, and after some debate the committee rose and had leave to sit again.
Adjourned till Monday.
MONDAY, Jan. 23.
Mr. Skinner, from Massachusetts appeared and took his seat. A report was read, and accepted, against a Light House on Gay-Head, (Mass.)—Resolutions were reported by the committee of Ways and Means, for laying additional duties on brown sugars, of an half a cent; bohea tea, two cents; and on cotton goods, not printed or stained, two and an half per cent ad valorem .
TUESDAY, Jan. 24.
The committee appointed to enquire into the business of the naval equipments ordered by former acts of Congress, and to report whether any and what further regulations were necessary, made a report. The whole amount of the expense of the frigates was estimated at 945,437 dollars, exclusive of masting and provisions. The expense of the galleys was estimated at 80,000 dollars. The annual expenditure, it was supposed, would be 233,174 dollars. The money wanted for completing the frigates, for that building at Philadelphia, named the United States , of 44 guns, 55,950 dollars; for that at Boston, named the Constitution , of 44 guns, 96,671; for that at Baltimore, named Constellation , of 36 guns, 47,275 dollars. The United States , it was estimated by the Secretary at War, would be completed in April, the Constitution , in July, and the Constellation in May. But the committee were of opinion, owing to the frost, they would not be ready so soon. The committee recommended that the vessels should be finished as soon as possible, and that dollars should be appropriated for the purpose; that there also be a sum appropriated for purchasing a proper place for a naval yard; and also that provision should be made for obtaining a sufficiency of live oak and red cedar for naval purposes. The report was twice read and referred to a committee of the whole on Monday next.
On motion the unfinished business of yesterday was postponed, to take up the report of the committee of elections on the election of Joseph Bradley Varnum, which was, as we have before stated, in favor of the sitting member. It was also stated
not only that his conduct had been fair and regular throughout the whole business, but that the object of the petitioners was "rather the officium malivolentiae than a visio of promoting the public good."
It was moved to strike out the words printed in Italics. The propriety of the house passing a censure of the kind proposed upon the petitioners and those who supported them, was doubted.
This motion caused a debate, which occupied the remainder of this day's sitting.
The principal ground upon which the motion was supported was, that the committee of election had no business to scrutinize the motives of petitioners; that their motives had nothing to do with the legality or illegality of elections; that they ought to report that a petition had foundation, or it had not; that, that house had no right to take upon them to judge upon motives and characters. It was said, on the other hand, that the charges in the petition were so notoriously false and malicious, as to call for some other notice than barely to say they were unfounded, and that it was necessary to put a check upon such outrageous attacks upon members of that house, by some such notice as was reported, in order to prevent them in future.
The yeas and nays were called for upon this question, and all the papers relative to the business were read.—This took place towards the conclusion of the business, and so exhausted was the patience of the house, that four different motions were made and negatived for adjournment.
At length, Mr. Coit offered a substitute for his former motion, viz. to strike out the words, "that the conduct of the sitting member has been fair and honorable throughout the whole transaction." The motion was put and carried, 44 to 28.
DIALOGUE between an English gentleman and an Irish Innkeeper.
English Gen. H OLLOA, House! Innkeeper. I don't know any of that name.
Eng. Gen. Are you the master of the inn?
Inn. Yes, Sir, please your Honor, when my wife's from home.
Eng. Gen. Have you a bill of fare?
Inn. Yes, Sir, the fair of Mullingar and Ballinaslee are the next week.
Eng. Gen. I see—How are your beds?
Inn. Very well, I thank you, Sir.
Eng. Gen. Is your cellar well stored?
Inn. Very well indeed; wine is the milk of old age, and happy is the man who has his dairy full of it. Eng. Gen. Have you any mountain?
Inn. Yes, Sir, this country is full of mountains.
Eng. Gen. I mean a kind of wine.
Inn. Yes, Sir, all kinds, from Irish white wine (buttermilk) to Burgundy.
Eng. Gen. Have you any porter?
Inn. Yes, Sir, that is an excellent porter; he'll go any where.
Eng. Gen. No, I mean porter to drink.
Inn. Oh, Sir, he'd drink the ocean, never fear him for that.
Eng. Gen. Have you any fish?
Inn. They call myself an odd fish.
Eng. Gen. I think so. I hope you're no shark.
Inn. No, Sir, I am not a lawyer.
Eng. Gen. Have you any sole?
Inn. For your boots or your shoes?
Eng. Gen. Pish! I have you any place?
Inn. No, Sir, but I was offered one if I would vote for Mr.—
Eng. Gen. I mean a species of fish.
Inn. As good as ever swam on dry land.
Eng. Gen. Have you any wild fowl?
Inn. They are tame enough now, for they have been killed these 3 days.
Eng. Gen. I must see myself.
Inn. And welcome, Sir, I'll fetch you a looking glass.
THE best preservative of female honor is female delicacy: Modesty is the handmaid of virtue, appointed to tend, to dress, and serve her: It is, as it were, a kind of armour, which the sex should always bear, both to adorn and defend them; and, when that is laid aside, they are neither beautiful nor safe.
Some account of a remarkable Dream.
A PEDLAR who lived many years ago at Swaffham, in Norfolk, dreamed, that if he went to London, and stood upon London bridge, he should hear very joyful news; which he at first slighted, but afterwards his dream being doubled and trebled unto him, he resolved to try the issue of it; and accordingly to London he went, and stood on the bridge for two or three days, but heard nothing which might give him comfort that the profit of his journey might be equal to his pains.
At last it so happened, that a shopkeeper there, having noted his fruitless standing, seeing that he neither sold any wares, or asked any alms, went to him, and enquired his business; to which the pedlar made answer, that being a countryman he had dreamed a dream, that if he came to London, he should hear good news.
"And art thou (said the shopkeeper) such a fool as to take a journey on such a foolish errand? Why I tell thee this—Last night I dreamed, that I was at Swaffham, in Norfolk, a place utterly unknown to me; where, methought, behind a pedlar's house, in a certain orchard, under a great oak tree, if I digged there, I should find a mighty mass of treasure.—Now think you that I am so unwise, as to take so long a journey upon me, only by the intimation of a foolish dream! No, no; far be such folly from me; therefore, honest countryman, I advise thee to make haste home again, and do not spend thy precious time in the expectation of the event of an idle dream."
The pedlar, who noted well his words, glad of such joyful news, went speedily home, and digged under the oak, where he found a very large heap of money; with part of which, the church being then lately fallen down, he very sumptuously re-built it; having his statue cut therein, in stone, with his pack on his back, and his dog at his heels, which is to be seen at this day; And his memory is also preserved by the same form, or picture, on most of the glass windows of the taverns and ale-houses in that town.
REMOVED.
Oliver Briard
RESPECTFULLY informs the public that he has removed to the store lately occupied by Mr. Samuel Larkin, next door south to Messrs. Dean & Blake's in Market-Street, where he has for sale
An assortment of GOODS
which will be sold at the lowest cash prices. Portsmouth, Feb. 4, 1797.
Portsmouth Book-Store and Circulating Library
REMOVED.
S. Larkin
INFORMS his friends and the public, that he has removed from Market-Street, to the store lately occupied by Mr. Peter Pearse, corner of Court and Daniel-Streets, directly opposite the Court-House, where he has for sale an extensive assortment of
Books & Stationary
at the very lowest prices, for cash or approved credit. Portsmouth, Jan. 24, 1797.
Hard-Ware Goods.
H. & B. PENHALLOW
Have imported from London, Bristol and Liverpool, and by the Commerce from Amsterdam,
A large addition to their former assortment of HARD-WARE.
Among which are, A GREAT variety of Cutlery, Iron-Mongery, Ship, Chancery, Sadlery, Cabinet and Brass Foundery Wares; Horsemen's Pitsols, Hangers and Broad Sword Blades.
—ALSO—
Brass, Pewter, Shot, Lead, Anvils and Vises; German Mill-Saws; Cross-Cut, Whip and Cabinet Joiners-Saws; Holland-Scales; Drawing-Knives and German Gimblets of all sizes; Sheathing and Drawing-Nails; Bids and Tacks.
—LIKEWISE—
Sheet Iron; Carpenters, Carvers, Cabinet-Makers and Shoe-Makers Tools; Mahogany and Gilt Frame Looking-Glasses; Painters-Colours and Brushes; 6 by 3, 7 by 9 and 8 by 10 Crown-Glass, &c. &c.
All which will be disposed of, on the lowest terms for cash, at their Store in Market-Street. Portsmouth, February 3, 1797.
THE proprietors and owners of land in Haverhill, in the county of Grafton, and State of New-Hampshire, are hereby notified, that at a legal meeting of said proprietors and land owners, held at said Haverhill on the 18th day of November last by adjournment, it was voted and agreed to levy a tax of ten dollars upon each and every right or proprietors share of land in said town, the school right only excepted, for the purpose of discharging their debts and defraying their expenses, and that said tax should be apportioned and assessed, to and upon each lot laid out to or severed for each right; and that the subscriber was at the time aforesaid appointed collector to collect said tax, and that he has received from the assessors a tax-bill and warrant, to collect and pay said tax to the treasurer of said proprietors and land owners on or before the 20th day of April next.
Therefore said proprietors and land owners are hereby called upon to pay said taxes to the subscriber, collector as aforesaid, at my dwelling house in Haverhill aforesaid, within fourteen days after the last week of this notice, otherwise said taxes will be levied by the sale of said lands, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient for said purpose fourteen days after said last week of notice.
JAMES WOODWARD. Dated Haverhill, Jan. 25, 1797.
NOTICE is hereby given to the owners of land in Kearfarge-Gore, in the county of Hillsborough, and State of New-Hampshire, that in pursuance of an act passed in the year 1796, for laying a tax on all the lands in said Gore (public rights excepted) for the purpose of repairing roads and bridges in said Gore, that in pursuance of said act the selectmen of Kearfarge Gore have assessed a tax of three cents per acre upon each and every acre of land in said Gore (public lands excepted) for the term of one year, for the purpose of making and repairing roads and bridges in said Gore, and committed the same to the subscriber to collect, & where as it is in, and by the aforesaid act provided, that the owners or proprietors of land in said Gore shall have liberty to pay their proportion of the assessment aforesaid in work to be done on said roads and bridges between the first day of May and the first day of October, and shall be allowed six cents for every hour actual labor performed by an able bodied man finding his own diet; therefore unless the work is performed by the 1st day of October next or the money paid, so much of the land as will pay the same with incidental charges will be advertised and sold at public auction, for the purposes aforesaid.
ABNER WATKINS, Collector. Kearfarge-Gore, Feb. 1, 1797.

DOCUMENTS
Which accompanied the message of the President of the United States to both houses of Congress, Jan. 19, 1797.
Letter to Mr. Pinckney, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States to the French Republic.
Department of State, Jan. 16, '97.
SIR,
IN my letters of the 5th and 26th of Nov. I sent you two Notes from Mr. Adet, the Minister of the French Republic to the United States; the former dated the 21th of October, and the latter the 15th of November last; and my answer to the first. The latter note embracing numerous topics of complaint, and going as far back as the year 1793, required a particular examination of all the transactions of our government from that time to the present. The other indispensable duties of the office prevented my entering on this examination as early as I had expected, and the current business has retarded the pursuit. The result of this examination I am now, by the direction of the President of the United States, to communicate to you. This history of our affairs you will find supported by documents many of which were delivered to you at your departure, and the residue will be herewith transmitted. The remarks and reasonings on facts you will duly appreciate; and, from the whole joined with your own observations, you will be enabled, it is believed, to vindicate the United States, and to demonstrate their impartiality as a neutral nation, their fidelity in the observation of treaties, and their friendship as an ally.
The discussion on which I am entering will involve much repetition; for the general questions and particular cases grouped together in the minister's last note, have been subjects of controversy and correspondence from May 1793 to this day. Some other points have indeed been contended for, which the minister has now passed without notice. Why they are omitted I know not; for in these cases the United States were as positively charged with violating treaties as in those which he has been pleased now to detail. Some of them it may be found proper to introduce, to render less imperfect the view of our relations to France.
The complaints of the French Minister against the United States, have reference to three principal subjects. 1st. To the abandonment of their neutral rights to the injury of France, in not maintaining the pretended principles of the modern law of nations, that free ships make free goods, and that timber and naval stores for the equipment and armament of vessels, are not contraband of war.
2d. To violations of our treaties with France, even in their letter.
3d. To the treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Great Britain; which he alleges "deprives France of all the advantages stipulated in a previous treaty." A fourth complaint is truly ingenious. The fortune of war has constrained some of the belligerent powers from enemies, to become her allies; and if the alleged abandonment of the rule of the modern law of nations, in its consequences, works an injury to those allies, from that moment France is also injured. Perhaps it will be in time to notice this last charge when the allies themselves complain; if the answer to the first, involving the same principle, should not render such notice altogether unnecessary.
I shall now present to your view those facts and observations which will prove, we conceive, that the minister's complaints are without any just foundation.
Under the first charge, That we have not maintained, as we ought to have done, our neutral rights, it is alleged:
1st. That the position, that free ships make free goods, is an established principle of the modern law of nations, and that Great Britain, by capturing French property on board our vessels, has violated our neutral rights; and that unless we compel Great Britain to respect those rights France will be justified in violating them.
Not to remark on the singular reasoning, That if one warring power commits an act of injustice towards a neutral and innocent nation, another warring power may lawfully commit the like injustice, we may ask what authority is adduced, to show that the modern law of nations has established the principle, That free ships make free goods? Vattel says positively that "effects belonging to an enemy found on board a neutral ship, are liable by the rights of war." Agreeably to this long established rule of the law of nations, France herself, in her marine laws, has directed that the merchandise & effects belonging to her enemies which shall be found on board neutral vessels shall be good prize. By a former law, indeed, the neutral vessels themselves, as well as the effects of her enemies on board, were declared to be good prize. Valin remarks, however, that this regulation was peculiar to France and Spain; and that elsewhere the goods of the enemy were alone subjected to confiscation. And in the treaty of France with the city of Hamburg in 1769, it was stipulated that "all effects, provisions and merchandise whatsoever belonging to her enemies, and found on board the vessels of Hamburg should be confiscated."
Mr. Adet remarks, that one of his predecessors, in July 1793, applied on this subject to the government of the United States, but was unsuccessful. He must refer to Mr. Genet's letter to Mr. Jefferson, dated July 9, 1793 [the subject was resumed in terms still more extraordinary in his letter of July 25th, 1793] to which Mr. Jefferson answered on the 24th, declaring "his belief that it cannot be doubted, but that by the general law of nations, the goods of friend found in the vessel of an enemy are free, and the goods of enemy found in the vessel of a friend are
lawful prize. It is true that sundry nations deliberate of avoiding the inconveniences of having their vessels stopped at sea, rancked, carried into port and detained, under pretence of having enemy goods on board, have, in many instances, introduced, by their special treaties, another principle between them, that enemy bottoms shall make enemy goods, and friendly bottoms friendly goods—but this is altogether the effect of particular treaty, controlling, in special cases the general principle of the law of nations, and therefore taking effect between such nations only as have agreed to control it." And it is plain, that it was to avoid the inconveniences resulting from this general rule of the law of nations, that France and the United States stipulated, in the 23d article of their commercial treaty, "That free ships should give freedom to goods; and that every thing should be deemed free which should be found on board the ships belonging to the subjects of either of the contracting parties, although the whole lading, or any part thereof, should appertain to the enemies of either, contraband goods being always excepted." It is also plain that this stipulation was intended to operate (indeed it was its sole object, and otherwise could have no operation at all) when one of the parties should be at war with a nation, or nations, with whom the other should be at peace. France, therefore, has now no right to complain if the goods of her enemies find protection on board American ships, or to pretend, that in order "To restore the balance of neutrality to its equilibrium," she may seize on such goods: the just equilibrium between her and the United States will be restored when we are at war and she at peace; at which time the goods of our enemies will find protection on board the vessels of her citizens.
2d. It is alleged that we have abandoned the modern public law on contraband, and by our treaty with Great Britain granted to that power exclusively the free carriage of articles for the equipment and armament of vessels.
Here, as in the former case, the question recurs, what is the law of nations on the point in dispute? Vattel defines contraband goods to be "commodities particularly used in war—such are arms, military and naval stores, timber, horses, and even provisions in certain junctures, "when there are hopes of reducing the enemy by famine." In the treaty between France and Denmark, concluded on the 23d of August, 1742—"Tar was declared contraband, together with rosin, sails, hemp, cordage, masts, and timber for ship building." Thus, on this account (says Valin) there would have been no cause for complaining of the conduct of the English, if they had not infringed particular treaties; for of right these things are now contraband, and have been so since the beginning of this century, which, however, was not the case formerly. "The modern public law on contraband," mentioned by Mr. Adet and his predecessor probably refers to the principles declared by the armed neutrality, during the American War. This transaction is too remarkable to be passed unnoticed.
During that war, Great Britain and the other belligerent powers, exercising the rights assured to them by the law of nations, made prize of enemies property on board neutral vessels, and of contraband goods belonging to neutrals. Eager as neutral nations must be to seize the opportunity which war presents, of becoming the carriers for the belligerent nations, where ships and mariners are wanted for military operations, it was perfectly natural that the former should desire to establish as a rule, that free ships should make free goods, or in other words, that neutral bottoms should protect the goods on board, to whomsoever these belonged: and it was equally natural for them to desire to diminish the list of contraband. In respect to the latter, it must have been particularly interesting to the three northern maritime powers, from whose dominions chiefly the other maritime nations of Europe received supplies of timber and naval stores, to strike these from the list of contraband, or by some means to exempt them from capture.
With these dispositions, the empress of Russia in February 1780, made public the principles on which she would maintain the commerce of her subjects. It is necessary here to recite only two of them, 1st. That all the effects belonging to subjects of the nations at war should be free on board neutral vessels; contraband goods excepted. 2d. That the articles of contraband, should be regulated by the 10th and 11th articles of her treaty of commerce with Great Britain, extending the regulations of those articles to all the belligerent powers.
To enforce the observance of these principles, she gave orders for equipping a considerable part of her marine.
In July of the same year, Denmark acceded to the principles of the armed neutrality, and entered into a convention with Russia, for maintaining them, assuming for her rule in determining what articles should be deemed contraband, her treaty of commerce with Great Britain, concluded the 11th of July, 1767. In the third article of this treaty, the description of contraband goods is in general terms: "Any provisions of war, as soldiers, arms, machines, cannon, ships or other things of necessary use in war." But by a convention concluded at London on the 4th of July 1780, between Great Britain and Denmark, "to explain the treaty of commerce of 1767 between the two powers," the articles deemed contraband are particularly enumerated, and among them we see "timber for ship-building, tar, rosin, copper in sheets, sails, hemp and cordage, and generally whatever serves directly for the equipment of a vessel, un wrought iron and fir-planks excepted." It is remarkable that these are the very articles admitted as contraband in the 18th article of our treaty of commerce with Great Britain, and for which admission Mr. Adet declares, "All
the commercial relations between France and the United States are entirely broken." But it is further to be noticed that this convention between Russia and Denmark, concluded in the midst of the American war, for maintaining the principles of the armed neutrality, and to which other European powers acceded, is explicitly declared, in the 9th article*, to have been concluded and agreed on for the time that war should last; though it was to serve as a basis to future engagements, which circumstances might render necessary, on account of new naval wars in Europe. And with the latter view, the king of Sweden manifested the utmost solicitude lest the war should be closed without the intervention of the neutral powers. He therefore was urgent that the empress, with all the parties to the maritime convention † should propose to the belligerent powers the establishing of a congress, in which the different concerns both of the powers at war, and of the neutral states, should be examined and terminated." And these concerns he afterwards mentions to be "the pacification, and the settling of a maritime Code of Laws; objects truly important, and meriting all the solicitude manifested on the occasion by the king."
But these steps of the king of Sweden serve as additional proofs that the principles of the armed neutrality were not considered by the parties to the maritime convention, as sanctioned by the existing law of nations. For permanently to establish those assumed principles, by introducing them into a maritime code, was obviously the influential motive with the king for desiring a congress, at which such a code might be settled with the assent of all the nations of Europe. But this project did not succeed: no congress was formed: the belligerent powers made peace at different periods, and with that war ended the maritime convention. This no nation has more reason to regret than our own, as well because the principles in question respect some very valuable portions of our exports, as because our disposition and our policy preferring us in peace such an extended liberty of commerce would prove highly advantageous to us as carriers for the powers at war.
We have seen, then, that the law of nations, the marine laws of France, her own treaties as well as those of other nations, and even the system of the armed neutrality, inconteſtably establish these principles, that enemies goods on board neutral vessels, are rightful subjects of capture and condemnation; and that timber and other articles, for the equipment and armament of ships of war are contraband; and, therefore, that the admission of these principles, in the treaty between the United States and Great Britain, not being a grant to her of any right (for in what sense could we be said to give what she before possessed?) furnishes no just ground of offence to France. In what sense too can the United States be said to have "refused to other nations a right" which they and we voluntarily and mutually agreed to renounce? Or how are we chargeable with "partiality in favor of England," because we do not take arms to compel her also to renounce it?
But Mr. Adet, still relying on the idea that to compel Great Britain to renounce is to grant her a right, seems to imagine that we shall attempt to obviate his complaints, by saying "That France having the right, by her treaty of 1778, to enjoy all the advantages in commerce and navigation which the United States have granted to England, is not injured by the stipulations of the treaty of 1794, (with Great Britain) relative to contraband of war; as they become common to her." But we shall say no such thing. The 2d article to which he refers has no relation to this subject. Had we granted any particular favor to Great Britain, or to any other nation, in respect to commerce and navigation, we readily admit that by this article France would be immediately entitled to the same. But in regard to contraband of war, we have granted nothing, and therefore, under that article, France can claim nothing.
Under the influence of present and temporary interests, the very nature of the stipulations between France and the United States on the subject of free commerce and the limitation of contraband, seems to be forgotten. They took for the basis of their treaty, "the most perfect equality and reciprocity"—would they then conspire to their own hurt? Would they voluntarily and mutually stipulate for injuries? Or for advantages? Certainly the latter; and both considered the agreement reciprocally advantageous which seemed to each, in its turn, the freedom of commerce provided by the rules, that free ships should make free goods, and that timber and naval stores should be excluded from the list of contraband.
Connected with this subject is what concerns the article of provisions. Mr. Adet says, that "after having assured to the English the carriage of naval stores, the federal government wished to assure to them that of meals; in a word, it desired to have commerce only with England. Thus it stipulates by the 18th article, that the American vessels laden with grain, may be seized under the frivolous pretext, that it is extremely difficult to define the cases wherein provisions and other articles which are generally excepted, could be classed in the list of contraband of war."
There are so many extraordinary assertions in Mr. Adet's notes, those in the above paragraph excite no surprise. The federal government is constituted of citizens who have a common interest with their fellow-citizens of the U. States. That common interest has a peculiar relation to commerce, on the freedom and extension of which the public revenue and the general prosperity of our country chiefly depend. Will it then be believed that the government wished this commerce to be
restrained, particularly the commerce in meals which compose the most valuable part of our exports? Especially will it be believed that the government desired that our citizens might have commerce only with England? Let the general sense of our fellow-citizens answer these charges. Let the great mass of our commercial brethren answer; they whose enterprise traverses every sea and explores every region of the globe, to extend their gainful trade; citizens whose commercial adventures to France and her colonies have risen annually to many millions; adventures by which many have hazarded their credit and their fortunes. Yet among all our citizens none have been more solicitous to form a commercial treaty with Britain; none more decided in oppressing that which has been made.
For the reasoning of our own government on this subject, I beg leave to refer you to my letter of September 12th, 1795, written by the President's direction to Mr. Monroe. Therein it was attempted to show the necessity and our right of forming that treaty with Great Britain, and I hope it will appear to you that the conclusion is there fairly drawn, that even the 18th article, as it respects provisions, would operate favorably to France.
Before the treaty with Great Britain, her cruisers captured neutral vessels bound to France with provisions. She asserted, that in certain cases, provisions were contraband of war; consequently, that she might lawfully capture and confiscate such provisions. We opposed the principle and the practice. Britain insisted on her right. In this dilemma, it was agreed by the treaty that whenever provisions, becoming contraband by the law of nations, should be captured, they should be paid for with a reasonable mercantile profit. This stipulation, without admitting the principle, for securing the American merchants from loss in case of capture, would certainly tend to promote rather than to discourage adventures in provisions to France.
But as this treaty has been the subject of serious complaint on the part of France, it is important to inquire with what foundation the complaint is made.
I might pass over the unworthy insinuations of the minister, that the treaty was entered into by us in order to assure advantage to the English, and to furnish our own government with a reply to the claims of France, and presumptuous motives for refusal to accede to them; that the true object of the negotiations was incessantly disguised under specious pretexts, and covered with the veil of dissimulation. These insinuations have been indirectly addressed to the people of the United States. They will gain no belief. It may, however, be useful for you to be truly informed on this subject.
The President's message to the senate on the 16th of April 1794, does not declare (as Mr. Adet asserts) "that Mr. Jay was sent to London only to obtain a redress of wrongs." The President says that Mr. Jay's mission would announce to the world "A solicitude for a friendly adjustment of our complaints," and that "going immediately from the United States, such an envoy would carry with him a full knowledge of the existing temper and sensibility of our country: and thus be taught to vindicate our rights with firmness, and to cultivate peace with sincerity."—And shall the pursuit of either of these objects be denied to us? What were our complaints? The most urgent regarded the spoliations on our commerce, and the inexecution of the article of the treaty of peace respecting the posts. With the latter was connected the Indian war, with which we had been harassed for so many years; and with the former, the injury or ruin of our merchants, and the consequent extensive damage to agriculture. These being the most prominent objects of the mission, were of course most observable, and most talked of, and without them the mission probably would not at that time have been contemplated. But had we no other "complaints?" Did not the impressment of our seamen, like the spoliations on our commerce, excite an universal complaint? Had we never manifested our uneasiness at Great Britain's avoiding a commercial treaty? Was it not even a subject of complaint and reproach? Was not the inducing her to enter into such a treaty the object of divers measures agitated in congress? Had not a commercial treaty with Great Britain been earnestly sought for from the conclusion of the war to the time of Mr. Jay's mission? How also could Mr. Jay, after adjusting the primary objects of his mission, better prove the sincerity of our pacific disposition and more effectually "cultivate peace," than by forming arrangements calculated to extend and protect our trade, to promote good neighborhood and a friendly and mutually beneficial intercourse; by prescribing a previous demand of justice and satisfaction to halcyon reprisals, which naturally lead to war; and by agreeing on other regulations to prevent disputes or to adjust them when they should arise? All these objects then, and whatever else would be the means of "cultivating peace" were clearly comprehended in the President's message.
But Mr. Adet says "That Mr. Jay's negotiation was enveloped from its origin in the shadow of mystery." And to whom was our government bound to unveil it? To France or to her minister—Mr. Adet should answer; or not have complained. And was it for this, to make us a dependence on the French Empire that our alliance was formed? Did we stipulate to submit the exercise of our sovereignty (if it is not a contradiction in terms) to the direction of the government of France? Let the treaty itself furnish the answer. "The essential and direct end of the present defensive alliance is to maintain effectually the liberty, sovereignty, and independence absolute and unlimited, of the said United
States, as well in matters of government as of commerce." So likewise the treaty of amity and commerce in its preamble, declares that his most Christian Majesty and the United States willing to fix the rules which ought to be followed relative to the correspondence and commerce which they desire to establish between their respective countries, have taken "for the basis of their agreement, the most perfect equality and reciprocity," "and reserving withal to each party the liberty of admitting, at its pleasure, other nations to a participation of the same advantages." Corresponding with this declaration in our treaty of amity and commerce with France, is the declaration of the Marquis de Noailles, her ambassador at the court of London, on the 13th of March, 1778, five weeks after the treaty was signed. Some passages in this declaration are so pertinent to the subject in discussion, I shall quote them at length.
"The undersigned ambassador of his most Christian Majesty, has received express orders to make the following declaration to the Court of London."
"The United States of North America, who are in full possession of independence, as pronounced by them on the 4th of July 1776, having proposed to the king to consolidate by a formal convention, the connection began to be established between the two nations, the respective plenipotentiaries have signed a treaty of friendship and commerce, designed to serve as a foundation for their mutual good correspondence."
"His Majesty being determined to cultivate the good understanding subsisting between France and Great Britain, by every means compatible with his dignity, and the good of his subjects, thinks it necessary to make this proceeding known to the court of London, and to declare, at the same time, that the contracting parties have paid great attention not to stipulate any exclusive advantages in favor of the French nation, and that the United States have reserved the liberty of treating with every nation whatever upon the same footing of equality and reciprocity." Why, after all this, do we hear from Mr. Adet the complaint, That the negotiations of the British treaty were secretly conducted? In other words, that in exercising their absolute and unlimited rights of "government and commerce" the United States did not lay open to the French minister or his government the instructions to our envoy for letting our own disputes and regulating our own commerce with Great Britain? So far as candor and friendship required, a communication was made to the French Minister. He was officially informed, "That Mr. Jay was instructed not to weaken our engagements to France." This instruction was obeyed; Mr. Jay having taken care to insert in the 25th article of the treaty this explicit stipulation, that "nothing in this treaty contained shall be construed or operate contrary to former and existing public treaties with other sovereigns or states."
(To be continued.)
TO BE SOLD
For cash or approved notes, By Daniel Huntress, At his store at the bottom of Daniel Street, FOUR hundred quintals Jamaica Fish. 100 c/s Scale. Quantity Turks-Island Salt. Few hogheads of Tobago and Antigua 2d and 3d proof Rum. Few barrels Liver Oil. Portsmouth, Feb. 11, 1797.
Take Notice.
TO BE SOLD AN EXCELLENT FARM In Londonderry, VERY pleasantly situated, about 3 miles south of the east meeting house, said FARM contains about 120 acres, a suitable proportion whereof is woodland, and a large proportion of orcharding, it is remarkably well watered, & the buildings and fences thereon of a very good quality, and in very good repair. Any person wishing to purchase may know the terms by applying to Mr. Wm. MOOR on the premises. Londonderry, Jan. 26, 1797.
State of New-Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors and owners of land in the township of Eaton, in the county of Strafford, and State aforesaid, that a tax of three dollars on each original right or share in said township, was voted to be assessed by the proprietors of said township, on the 4th day of January last, and the same has been assessed accordingly, and committed to me to collect; this is therefore to give notice, that unless the same is paid to me the subscriber within six weeks from this date, at my dwelling-house in said Eaton, so much of the delinquents shares will be advertised for sale as the law directs, as will pay the same together with incidental charges. JOHN BANFILL, Prop'r's Collector. Eaton, Feb. 6, 1797.
*Hist. armed neutrality, page 77. †Martin's Treaties, volume 2, pag 103. ‡Hist. Arm. Nav. p. 147—150.
*Treaty of Alliance, Art. 2.

English Official Accounts
FROM Robert Crawford, Esq. to Lord Grenville, give a detail of the affairs in Italy, to Nov. 8, and on the Rhine to Nov. 14. — Of the former he informs, that the whole Austrian army, destined to relieve Mantua, and commanded by Field Marshal Alvinzy, had commenced offensive operations in Italy, on the 3d Nov. The French army being then at Vicenza. On the 6th Gen. Buonaparte, attacked the whole Austrian line. "The action" says Crawford "began with Gen. Povera's corps, about 7 in the morning, and very shortly afterwards the enemy also advanced against Bassano. The enemy's attacks, though made with the greatest impetuosity, were constantly and completely repelled; and night put an end to the affair, without either party having gained or lost any ground. But the next morning the French retreated towards Liscera." The Austrians crossed the Brenta the 7th, and Alvinzy's whole corps arrived at Caldo Ferro. While the operations were making by the main body of the Austrians, Gen. Davidovich, commanding the Austrian right wing, after having made himself master of Trente (in Tyrol) and taking 1000 prisoners attacked on the 6th the strong pass of Caliano, near Roveredo: The strength of the position was such, that notwithstanding his repeated efforts. Gen. D. could not force it on the 6th, but on the following day he renewed his attack. "The corps on the right of the Adige, established batteries on the heights of Norre, which fired with considerable effect; the troops on the left of the river, attacked the castles and entrenchments of Bassano and La Pietra, with persevering bravery, and the enemy was at length completely defeated, with the loss of five pieces of cannon, eight ammunition waggons, and a thousand prisoners. Gen. D. supposes the French loss to have been very considerable—his own amounted to 400 killed, wounded and missing."
On the Rhine,
Mr. Crauford's accounts are to the 14th Nov. He informs, that Gen. Neu, commander at Mayence, had advanced a corps of his garrison as far as the Nahe, and that he had been obliged to fall back with them behind the Selz. "The loss of the Austrians on this occasion" says Mr. Crauford "was 10 killed, 184 wounded, and 96 missing—in all 299 men, and 89 horses. The enemy's loss was certainly considerable; two hundred of them were made prisoners, and sent into Mayence." "I am," he continues, "thus circumstantial in stating the particulars of this, in fact, unimportant affair, because I observe that the official reports of the army of Sambre and Meuse, I mean the late ones, contain the most absurd exaggerations. I should consider them perfectly undeserving of notice, were it not that those who have no other means of judging of the events of the campaign than by comparing the accounts published by the contending armies, would be led into the most erroneous conclusions if they give each party credit for only an equal degree of fairness in their relations. "In the enemy's official account of the affair of the 21st of last month near Neufied, it is represented as having been a serious and general attack; whereas it was merely undertaken for the purpose of destroying his bridge, and spreading alarm on the left bank of the Rhine. Both these objects were effected by a very insignificant force; and there was not the smallest idea of making a serious assault on the Tete-de-Point of Neufied. The enemy states, that, besides an immense number of killed and drowned, he actually took one thousand prisoners, whereas I can assure your Lordship from the most authentic information, that the whole loss of the Austrians did not exceed two hundred and eighty-four men."
After Gen. Moreau crossed the Rhine, he detached two divisions towards Landau, and a division of the Gen. Bourdonville's army advanced to Kayserlautern; these movements obliged General HOTZE, who had advanced into Lower Alsace with a body of troops, to retire towards the entrenched camp of Manheim. This he did without being molested. On the 7th the French attacked Hotze's line; and the action continued a great part of the day; but the enemy were repulsed, and Gen. Hotze maintains his post in front of the entrenched camp, extending from the Reebach, by the village of Maubach, to Franckental. (Signed) R. CRAUFORD.
FRANKFORT, Nov. 4.
Gen. Moreau's head-quarters are still at Schiltigen, and Gen. Defaix is stationed on the Island of the Rhine. Nothing important on the side of Kehl has yet occurred, but every thing announces that an action of importance will soon take place there; on both sides the most formidable preparations are making. The Republicans are completely demolishing the village of Kehl. They have burned a boat, which was stationed at some distance from the village, to the end that there might be nothing to mask their front. The Austrians, on their side, have demolished Neumuhl and Kork, or rather have converted them into barracks. All the inhabitants have been sent off. The head of the bridge of Kehl, furnished with redoubts, outer works, mines, &c. forms one of the most redoubtable fortresses constructed during any war. The great bridge, and also the bridges of boats, are secured from an attack either by land or by water. The fortress itself is defended by 20,000 men and 80 guns.
November 9.
Letters from the frontiers of Tirol state, that the French have been entirely driven from the Bishopric of Trente; and that Gen. Alvinzi is advancing towards Mantua, at the head of 50,000 men. Letters from Vienna, dated the 2d instant, state that the Imperial Court has received a dispatch from Field-Marshal Wurmsier, by which it appears that his situation is by no means critical, and that since the successful combat of the 7th ultimo, nothing of any importance has occurred.
November 12.
The bridge redoubts at Hunningen have surrendered, but the island on the Rhine holds out.
Armies on the "Lower Rhine."
The accounts from those quarters are to Nov. 14, at which period, the French army, lately commanded by Gen. Bourdonville; but now said to be under Gen. Kleber, still remain in the vicinity of Coblenz, on the west side of the Rhine. The Austrians continue on the Sieg, under Gen. Werneck, his head quarters being at Uckerad. Skirmishes between the contending armies occur daily, without any decisive consequence.
Accounts from Elberfeldt, Nov. 4, say, that a few days before there was a smart action before Mulheim.
The French Gen. Oudinot, in the name of Gen. Defaix, has proposed to Gen. Hotze, a partial armistice. The imperialist would not agree to this, unless the French retired behind the Lauter.
On the Sieg tranquility prevails. Every thing depends on the attack upon Kehl.
Near Manheim the French are increasing in great numbers. Reports say, they are marching for winter quarters. Notwithstanding this, the imperialists are at work, night and day, enlarging their works before Manheim.
Reports say, that Gen. Count Wartenleben is dead of his wounds.
Pacific negotiation.
PARIS, Nov. 12.—Lord Malmesbury has been here several weeks; but the prospect of Peace seems daily more & more obscured. He appears to be studiously cautious not to make direct advances; and M. Talleyrand as studious not to commit himself in the smallest degree with this wary Negotiator.—Couriers are eternally passing between Paris and London; and from the manoeuvres daily making, it should seem that the negotiation was set on foot without one determinate point being contemplated.—Something between Status quo, and the Uti Possidetis will be insisted on; what that something will be, can exist only in the wild speculations of conjecture.
SUABIA, Nov. 10.
The Arch-Duke Charles has been in several reconnoitering parties against the fortress of Kehl.—On the 4th the French made a sally from the side of Neumuhl, with a numerous corps, particularly cavalry, and repulsed the Austrian advanced posts, by means of their superiority in numbers; but the latter soon took up again their former position.
The Imperial troops which are now posted from Rastadt as far as Basle, form an army of nearly 100,000 men.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 28.
Melancholy Event.
Never since we have assumed the office of recording passing events to the public, have we entered on the task with more painful sensations, than on the melancholy occasion we have now to mention. About
5 o'clock yesterday morning the house of Mr. ANDREW BROWN, Printer of the Philadelphia Gazette, in this city, was discovered to be on fire. How it originated or progressed, we have not correct information, but the melancholy and almost unparalleled catastrophe, is, we fear, too certain. Mrs. BROWN, two daughters, one son, and a negro boy, have perished in the flames. Two apprentices have suffered severely, and Mr. BROWN is so dreadfully burnt, that but faint hopes of his recovery are entertained. This, as far as we can learn, is a correct statement of this shocking accident; happy shall we esteem the talk of contradicting any of the melancholy facts here detailed, so as to diminish the horror which is attached to them. The dwelling house is greatly injured; but the printing-office, which lies backward, we understand has escaped any material damage.
The subscribers to the Philadelphia Gazette, are informed, that the publication of that paper is suspended until to-morrow, by an awful accident as this city ever witnessed. Devouring flames, in the space of a few minutes, hurried the principal part of the family—Mrs. Brown and her three children—into Eternity!
Mr. BROWN has received considerable injury—but is supposed not to be in a dangerous situation.—The printing-office and materials are preserved—and the publication will be resumed to-morrow, with the same industry and exertion, to acquire and preserve public favour, that ever characterized the Editor.
Office of the Philad. Gaz. Jan. 27.
Extract of a letter from Cape Francois, December 10, from Capt. Stoy, whose vessel was carried into a port in St. Domingo.
"In my last I informed you, that I had hopes of being released, but the French Minister's letter arrived here soon after, in the newspapers from Philadelphia; and as soon as the commissioners saw it they altered their tone, and gave out the orders to take all American vessels bound to or departing from English ports."
"When our vessels are tried we might as well be a thousand miles off, for they will not hear a word we have to say."
Capt. Stoy's vessel was condemned, soon after he wrote the above, and he is returned home.
February 1.
Intelligence of an highly interesting nature to our government is said to be received within a few days from Europe; we cannot pretend to be acquainted with secret operations of foreign governments, nor have we any other authority for assuming what the matter in question really is, than what arises from the analogy of facts known, with the course and time of the present circumstances, and the probability of the measures we surmise.
We understand, that the information received comes circuitously from Paris, and we thence conclude, that as the French Government have already suspended their diplomatic connexion near the United States, that they have also refused to receive Mr. Pinckney; upon these conjectures—and which we offer only as such—our readers will form their own opinion, it may be reasonably supposed that if such an event has really taken place, it will be speedily communicated to the legislature.
Merch. Daily Advt.
Arrival of the English Fleet in the West-Indies.
NEW-YORK, Feb. 3. Extract of a letter from Martinique, dated 7th January, 1797, received by the Schooner Liberty, Capt. Crane, arrived at Marcus Hook.
"On the 15th inst. arrived at Fort Royal, Sir R. Abercrombie, Gen. Hope, &c. from England after a passage of 51 days in the Arethusa frigate; and we learn that 15,000 men may be expected in the course of this month, it is supposed to attack Guadaloupe, although the most profound secrecy is observed at head quarters. "Tranquility is at length restored to the ill fated islands of St. Vincents and Grenada, and the insurgents of St. Lucia are nearly reduced.—The Charibs have all surrendered, and are now on the island of Barbuda."
"On the 26th inst. six sail of the line, with some frigates failed; it is supposed, to Trinidad, to cut out the Spanish squadron, consisting of five ships of the line."
Postscript of a letter from Jamaica, dated 24th December, 1796.
"Gen. Abercrombie and his army are landed in St. Domingo, and were within a few miles of Cape Francois driving all before them."
A fleet of two hundred sail lately passed Monte Christal apparently toward Cape Nicholas Mole, supposed to be the force under Gen. Abercrombie, from England.
In a Paris paper, of Nov. 24, we see the following article; corroborative of an opinion that the orders of the Executive Directory, respecting neutrals, is enforced in Europe as well as the West-Indies:—"A Marseilles privateer has captured and carried into Malaga, an American vessel, laden with codfish, bound to an enemy's port."
BOSTON, Feb. 9.
Five of the counterfeits of the Branch Bank Bills, have been apprehended, and committed to gaol.—But very few of the counterfeits are in circulation; and may easily be known by examining the water-marks of the paper.
On the 1st Jan. were lying in the harbor of Charleston, S. C. 33 ships, 3 snows, 31 brigs, 34 lch'rs and 16 sloops—Total 217—exclusive of coasters.
A correspondent was pleased at seeing a prospect of an incorporation
of the Mechanics of this town, for benevolent and other purposes. Every institution which has charity & friendly relief for its object, ought to be encouraged; but more especially those which unite with that object the promotion of the arts and handicrafts of our country. Our correspondent was led to this remark, by observing in a Baltimore paper of Jan. 14, an advertisement, in which the Managers of the Mechanical Association of that city, inform that they had appointed three members of their body, to give their temporary relief during the recess of the board, in that inclement season, to members, or to widows & orphans of deceased members, where circumstances may require it; and requesting information of distress, in order that the funds of the society may be appropriated to the object of the constitution.
PORTSMOUTH, Feb. 11.
DIED at Trinidad, Capt. BENJAMIN CLARKE, and his mate Mr. RICKER of the ship Providence of this port.
At Portorico, Mr. William Collins aged 17; in this town a child of Mr. Isaac Nelson; and a child of Mr. John Daniels.
NOTICE!
THOSE gentlemen who are desirous of celebrating the birth day of the President of the United States, are informed a subscription is opened at Mr. Melcher's Printing Office, where they are requested to leave their names before Thursday evening next; at which time the subscribers are desired to meet at Walden's Hotel to make choice of persons to provide a suitable entertainment for the occasion.
Portsmouth, Feb. 11, 1797.
TO BE SOLD At Public Auction,
On Wednesday next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. 15th Feb. 1797, at the house of Benja. Leverett,
A variety of genteel Household FURNITURE, consisting of
 Mahogany hair bottom'd Chairs.  ditto Card Tables.  ditto Dining ditto.  ditto 4 post Bedstead, with suit of red and white Copperplate Furniture complete.  Cherry tree chamber Chairs with stuff'd bottoms.  ditto Bedsteads.  Looking Glasses.  Carpets.  Brass Andirons.  Ditto Shovels and Tongs.  Mahogany and Cherry tree Stands, with a number of other articles. 
N. B. As said Leverett is shortly to remove from the house he now occupies, he is induced to dispose of part of his furniture. Portsmouth, Feb. 8, 1797.
William Leverett
Informs his friends and customers, that he has just received and now for sale at his Grocery Store, No. 2, Jeffrey's-Row, Sign of the Golden Bottle, the following Fresh Articles.
MALAGA Grapes in the highest preservation, by the jar or single pound.
Fresh Olives of a superior quality. Anchovies by the bottle.
English Herring, by the dozen or cask, of a most excellent quality, suitable for the morning or evening, as a relisher; fresh Capers, by the pound or less; Cordials of different kinds.
Shel'd Almonds, & without shells; Bloom and Musqueado Box Raisins; cask Raisins ditto; Figs.
Confectionary; Cinnamon; Cassia, and Cinnamon Buds; Nutmegs; Mace; Cloves; Ground and Raw Ginger; Mustard by the pound or bottle; Philadelphia and Boston Manufactured Leaf Sugar; Brown Sugar; Chocolate 1st and 2d quality; Coffee; Liquid Bluing in jugs, or by the less quantity; Patent Blacking by the Cake; Hair Powder of a superior quality; Soft Pomatum of different scents.
Brandy; Rum; Gin; Malaga, Sherry and Lisbon Wines; Molasses; mould and dipt Candles; Sweet Oil in Flasks; Cheeses; Crockery Ware of every kind—with every article kept in a Grocery Store.
N. B. Every attention paid to Customers, the smallest favours received with thanks, and the articles warranted good, or received back and money returned. Portsmouth, Feb. 10, 1797.
Land for Settlers.
SEVERAL thousand acres of good land in two townships, lately granted to the sufferers of Portland, about ninety miles to the northward of said town, may be had on very reasonable terms, by any person who should incline to settle upon part of the same. Enquire of SAMUEL FREEMAN, Esq. Postmaster in said Portland, or JEREMIAH LIBBEY, Esq. Postmaster in Portsmouth.
Mr. Harrangl INTENDS teaching
the French Language, should he find a sufficient number of Scholars; the young ladies and gentlemen who wish to study it, and the parents who will commit that part of the education of their children to his care, may depend on his ability in their instruction. For terms, &c. apply to Mr. Harrangl at Mr. Jotham Rindge's.
A FARM
Near the town to be let. Inquire of the Printer.
Portsmouth, Feb. 8, 1797.
TO BE SOLD
The Dwelling-House
AND LAND.
NOW occupied by Mr. Daniel Symes, in Daniel-Street, having a good cellar and well, &c. land about 24 feet by 117; a lot of land in Crofs-Street, 30 by 48 feet, opposite the widow Dennies; and a lot near the North School, adjoining Mr. Perkins Ayers, 31 by 94 feet, with a small neat house on it, and a privilege of an excellent well. For conditions apply to JACOB WALDEN. Portsmouth, Feb. 10, 1797.
State of New-Hampshire. In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven.
An act to repeal an act, entitled, "an act for altering, repairing and making fit for the passing of carts and wagons, the road from the town of Conway to the upper Coos; and also for cutting a new road from the said road which is now used to the town of Gunthwaite, or to the town of Littleton, formerly called Apthorp."
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the act, entitled, "an act for altering, repairing and making fit for the passing of carts and wagons, the road from the town of Conway to the upper Coos, and also for cutting a new road from the said road which is now used, to the town of Gunthwaite, or to the town of Littleton, formerly called Apthorp, be, and the same hereby is repealed."
And be it further enacted, That all persons who have sold lands pursuant to said act, and for the purposes therein mentioned, shall on or before the first day of April next, render an account of their sales and expenditures on said road to Oliver Peabody, John Goddard and Ephraim Robinson, Esquires, who are hereby authorized to adjust the account or accounts so rendered, and directed to lay the same before the General Court at the next session thereof.
State of New-Hampshire. In the House of Representatives. J. Tates Dec. 7. 1796. The foregoing bill having had three several readings passed to be enacted.
Sent up for concurrence. RUSSELL FREEMAN, Speaker. In Senate the same day, this bill having been read a third time, voted that the same be enacted.
EBENEZER SMITH, President of the Senate.
J. T. GILMAN, Governor. Approved Dec. 8th, 1796.
A true copy, Attest, NATHL PARKER, Deputy Secy.
Pursuant to the above act of the General Court, the subscribers give notice that they will attend at the dwelling-house of Benjamin Lamson, innholder in Exeter, on the fifth day of April next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon for the purpose mentioned therein; and all persons concerned are requested to attend at the above time and place, and render an account of their sales of lands, and expenditures on the road, described in the same.
OLIVER PEABODY, JOHN GODDARD, EPHRAIM ROBINSON. Feb. 9th, 1797.
State of New Hampshire. Whereas Asa Porter of Haverhill in said county, Esquire, has petitioned the judge of the court for the probate of wills, &c. in and for said county.
Setting forth, THAT he is a creditor to the estate of Byfield Lyde, late of Boston, Esq. deceased; that there is no administration of said estate, nor widow or children of said deceased, to be found in this State, by which means he is unable to recover his just dues from said estate, altho' he believes there is property within said county, which belonged to said deceased, and thereupon praying that letters of administration might be granted to him.
Whereupon ordered, that the petitioner be heard thereon before said Court, on Tuesday the 25th day of April next, at 2 of the clock in the afternoon, at the dwelling house of Capt. Joseph Bliss, innholder in said Haverhill, and that in the mean time the petitioner cause the substance of said petition, and the order of Court to be published in the New Hampshire Gazette three weeks successively, commencing eight weeks previous to said day of hearing, that any person or persons may then and there appear and show cause (if any there be) wherefore the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
Copy examined. Attest, MOSES DOW, Register Prelate. Nov. 22, 1796.

On the lowest terms. A complete assortment of Books and Stationary Are just received and for sale By J. Melcher At his Printing-Office and Book Store, Too large to enumerate in an advertisement, Among which are,
A LARGE assortment of Writing Paper, from 12/ to 42/ per ream. Ink Powder, black and red, warranted of the best kind, or the money returned, per dozen or single paper. Dutch Quills and Pens. Account Books of all sizes and prices. Record Books. Wafers, red. Sealing Wax. Slates and Slate Pencils. Cyphering Books, made of the best of paper. Copy Slips. Writing Books, made of the best of paper, with the necessary rules in Arithmetick printed upon the inside of the covers. Ink Chests and Ink Stands of various kinds. Black lead Pencils. Webster's Spelling-Book, Webster's 2d part, Webster's 3d part, American Preceptor, Perry's Spelling-Book, Diltworth's Spelling-Book, Child's Companion, Ticknor's Exercises, Psalters, Pike's Arithmetick, Pike's abridgement, Schoolmaster's Assistant, Vinal's Arithmetick, Bonycastle's Arithmetick, Young Man's Companion, Short Arithmetick, Dwight's Geography (a small book for schools,) Child's friend (4th vol.) Young lady's Accident, Primers, per dozen and retail, Art of Speaking, Dana's Selection, Dramatic Dialogues, Perry's Dictionary, per dozen & retail, Entick's Dictionary, Morse's Geography, 2 vols. Morse's abridgement, Paley's Philosophy, Davidson's Virgil, Duncan's Logic, Ward's Latin Grammar, Ash's English Grammar, Usher's English Grammar, Philadelphia Latin Grammar, Alop's Fables (Latin and English,) Clark's introduction, to making latin, Coderus, Eutropius, Erasmus, London Vocabulary, Accident, Catechism of nature, Children's small diverting and instructing history's & picture Books of all sizes and prices, per dozen and retail, Watt's Psalms and Hymns, per doz. and retail, Bibles of various sizes per dozen and retail, Testaments per dozen and retail, Seaman's Daily Assistant, Shipmaster's Manuel, Playing Cards, Harry the 8th and Merry Andrew per doz. and retail, Ready Reckoner, Love on Surveying, Law of Bailments, Nisi Prius Cases, Probate Laws, Justice's Assistant, Young Clerk's Magazines (book of useful forms,) Conductor Generalis, Every man his own Lawyer, Chelidon's Anatomy, Buchanan's Domestic Medicine, Worcester Collection, Federal Harmony, Holyoke's Collection, Law's Collection, Looking Glass for the mind, Mason on self knowledge, Mason's Student and Pastor, Complete Letter Writer, Smith's Hymns per dozen and retail, Church Prayer Books, Token for Mourners, The Foresters, (a new edition) Lendrum's History of American Revolution, Carver's Travels, Cook's voyages, Franklin's life, Evening Amusements for the ladies, Chesterfield's Principles of Politeness, Riddle Books, Fortune Teller, Song Books.
With as large a collection of BOOKS as can be found in any place in town, all of which will be sold very low for cash down, or at a short credit.
REMOVED. Joseph Haven Has removed to the New Brick Store (middle apartment) on Spring-Hill, Where he has opened a large assortment of European and India GOODS, For sale at the lowest rate. Portsmouth, Sept. 15, 1796.
Notice to Shopkeepers in distant towns. AT this favorable time for transporting heavy goods into the country, Wm. Neil
takes the liberty of informing gentlemen who keep stores in the country, that he has lately imported and has for sale Number crates Earthen Ware, well assorted, cream colored, and blue and white. Linen Cloth per box. Brandy per pipe, barrel or gallon. Rum per hoghead, Sherry Wine. Lisbon Wine. Malaga ditto. English Mustard per box. Glass Ware per quantity. He is also well supplied with a general assortment of Groceries. Instead of engaging to sell as cheap as any other store in town, he only professes to sell articles of a good quality as cheap as he possibly can. He wants a quantity of White Beans and Flax-Seed.
State of New-Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors and owners of land, in New-Durham, who are delinquent in paying their proprietary tax, made and assessed in the year 1796, and committed to me to collect, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before the 23d day of February next, so much of their land, as will pay the same with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at ten of the clock, A. M. on said day, at the dwelling house of Capt. John Bennet, innholder in said town.
   Original Prop's names. No. 1st Div. Cts. 2d Div. Cts.     Volentine Hill, 4 100 70 4 195 88   Abednego Leathers, 3 125 88   Theodore Wille & John Bickford, 6 50 35 6 125 88   John Andrews & Philip Cromit, 7 125 88   Joseph Jones, 8 125 88   Mimiller's lot, 9 125 88   William Weeks, 12 38 27 12 75 53   John Moffatt, Esq. 14 100 70 14 117 82   Nath'l Meserve, Esq. and others, 16 125 88   Lemuel Chesse, 15 100 70 15 125 88   John & Francis Durgin, 17 125 88   Daniel Rogers, 24 100 70   Ichabod Chesse, 25 65 46   Law lot, No. 1, 26 50 35 26 35 29   Eleazer Bickford, 27 60 42   Jeremiah Drisco & Peter Moe, 28 50 35   Samuel Smith, jr. 30 100 70   Joseph Thomas, 32 117 82   Joseph Smith, jr. 34 125 88   Joseph Bickford, 36 25 18   Robert Kent, 35 25 18   Joseph Chesse, 37 125 88   Rev. John Adams, 41 100 70   Thomas Young, Esq. 45 125 88   Will'm Jackson, jr. 47 125 88   Benjamin Mathes, 48 125 88   John Cromit, 51 100 70 51 125 88   Joseph Smith, 55 100 70   Joseph Burnum, 56 125 88   Simon Randel, 57 88 62 57 125 88   Thomas Wallingford, Esq. 60 85 60 60 49 35   Law lot, No. 2, 61 125 88   John Bickford, 64 25 18   Francis Drew and Abra'm Simson, 65 104 8   Benjamin Smith, 66 125 88   John Footman & Thomas Simson, jr. 67 5 4   Rich'd Wibird, Esq. 68 100 70 68 125 88   Benjamin Bennick & John Mason, 69 125 88   Thomas Wille, jr. 70 100 70   Samuel Wille, 71 100 70   Thomas Packer, Esq. 72 125 88   Jonathan Chesse, 73 125 88   Walter Bryant, 74 125 88   Sam'l Stevens & Ja. Thompson, 75 21 15   Jotham Odiorne, Esq. 76 100 70   John Burnum, 77 125 88   Joseph Sias, 80 100 70 80 125 88   John Runnals, jr. 81 58 41 81 125 88   Miles Randel, 85 125 88   Samuel Solly & CL. March, Esq's, 86 100 70   Mark H. Wentworth, Esq. 87 50 35   Jeremiah Burnum, 93 100 70   Thomas Chesse, 96 100 70 96 125 88   Thomas Tash, 99 125 88   William Bruce, 99 28 20   JOSEPH JACKSON, Prop's Collector.    New-Durham, Jan. 17, 1797.
English Goods. FOR SALE BEST English black Satins for Mens ware; red, green, yellow and white Baizes and Flannels, some very fine. Superfine & common Forest Cloths; superfine, middling and low priced Broad Cloths, very cheap. Superfine and common Cashmeres. Swandown and other Waist coatings, suitable for the season. Blue and grey Lambkins & Coatings. 2, 3 and 4 Rose Blankets, Duffil ditto; Serges; Halfthicks; Velvets; Corduroys; Thickets. Jeans; Fustians; Florentines; Satinets; Rattens; Mo-greens; Shalooms; Durants; Tammies; Calimancoes. Chintzes & Calicoes; patch color'd and purple and white Shawls. Black Barcelona and Pocket Handkerchiefs. Mens' Silk, Worsted and Cotton Stockings; Ladies' white Cotton ditto, some very fine. Mens' best English Beaver Gloves; Boys' Worsted ditto; Ladies long and short Kid and common Leather Gloves. Strip'd, fringed and plain Mullins; Mullin and Lawn Handkerchiefs. 1/4 black Satins; black Velvet Modes; strip'd and plain Ribbons. Black, white, blue and grey Feathers; black and white Edgings; white Threads; Sewing Silks and Twills. Very elegant and common Coat and Vest Buttons, On very reasonable terms LUTHER ELLIS, North End, Market-Street, —ALSO— Sheathing Paper by the ton or hundred. Writing & Wrapping Paper by the ream. Sheathing, drawing, 6d and 4d Nails by the cask. Portsmouth, Dec. 21, 1796.
The Plough.
GOOD Encouragement will be given to a Farmer of about 30 years of age, and a woman who perfectly understands a Dairy, to go upon a Farm within one and a half mile of Market-square, Newburyport. Should the ensuing crop be as is commonly called middling, the subscriber will warrant a sufficiency of pasture and fodder, to keep through the first year, one horse, two yoke of cattle and twenty cows, and the second year, the addition of ten cows and the increase of the young stock. Altho' young farmers are desirous to go upon new Land, the advantages arising from this place are far superior—he will have a steady market for his milk, by carrying it daily in town with little expence—and after the middle of July will be enabled to support a vegetable and fruit stand in the market, at least three days in the week.—No persons need apply without good recommendations of their honesty, industry and economy. For further particulars enquire of JOHN TRACY, Newburyport, Jan. 17.
TO BE SOLD, Several valuable tracts of LAND, BEING part of the real estate of the late M. H. Wentworth, Esq. deceased, situate in the following towns, Barrington, Officet, Meredith, Sandwich, Moultonborough, Effingham, New-Chester and Bridgewater; Jefferson, Bath, Orford, Andover, Bradford, Kearfarge Gore, Sutton, Salisbury, Marlborough, Packersfield and Washington; Shelburne, N. London, Thornton, Campbell's Cove, and an island in Winnepegoskee pond. Also two valuable lots in Claremont. Inquire of JOHN PIERCE, or JOHN FISHER. Portsmouth, Jan. 7, 1797.
A general assortment of BLANKS Printed on good Paper, are constantly kept for sale at J. MELCHER's Printing-Office and Book-Store, Corner of Market Street.
FOR SALE By John Man, Opposite the State-House—on good terms for cash, wholesale and retail, 6 tons Russia & Swedes Iron. Half ton German Steel. Half ton Redwood. 6 hlds. 2d, 3d & 4th proof Rum. 3 pipes real French Brandy & Holland Gin; New-England Rum; Lisbon and Sherry Wines; 4d, 6d, 10d and 20d Nails; Iron Hollow Ware, consisting of large and small Kettles; large and small Pots; Tea Kettles; Basons, &c. Cart Boxes; Dogs; Iron Shovels; Frying Pans; Flat Irons; best Hylon and Bohea Teas; Brown Sugars; boxes of Chocolate; small casks Ginger; casks of Gun Powder; Pollock Fish, with most articles in the West-India Goods And Grocery line. Cash given for FLAX SEED.
Clark & Connor Have taken a store in Ladd's-street in Portsmouth, and are opening a large assortment of English GOODS, which they are determined to sell on very moderate terms for cash or approved credit.
Samuel Sparhawk, jr. Begs leave to inform his friends and customers that as he intends to alter his plan of business, he will sell what Goods he has upon hand, at first cost and charges. Daniels-Street, Jan. 25, 1797.
Two Dollars Reward. LOST last Thursday afternoon, between the Court House and Spring Hill, fourteen dollars in bank bills, viz. one of 5, 4, 3 and 2 dollars; whoever has found the same, and will leave them at Mr. Melcher's Printing-Office shall have the above reward. Jan. 28.
Edw'd J. Long Informs his friends and the public that he has removed to the new store in Market-Street, directly opposite Judge Pickering's house, where he has A general assortment of West-India GOODS and Groceries, By Wholesale and Retail, viz. WEST-INDIA and N.
E. Rum; French Brandy; best Holland's Gin; Molasses; Sherry, Lisbon, Red port, Cape Madeira and Malaga Wines; Cotton; Coffee; double refined Loaf Sugar; brown Sugars; Pepper; Allspice; Ginger; Alum; Copperas; Redwood; Logwood; Poland Starch; Chocolate; Basket Salt; American and English Mustard; Snuff; paper Tobacco; Segars. Soap; Sweet Oil; Cassia; Cinnamon; Raisins; Figs; Almonds; Currants; Nutmegs; Cloves; Mace; Indigo; Writing Paper; Wrapping ditto; Fresh Lemons; 4d, 6d, 8d, 10d, and 20d Nails; Gun-Powder; Hylon, Souchoong and Bohea Teas; Honey; Bees-Wax; Siles; Chalk; 6 by 8, 7 by 9, and 8 by 10 Window-Glass of different qualities. Forty barrels of fresh superfine and fine Flour; a few casks English Gun-Powder, &c. &c. Portsmouth, Nov. 1796.
J. & J. Goddard Have imported in the last vessels from England, a large and very General assortment of Hard-Ware GOODS, Which they are selling on the most reasonable terms By Wholesale and Retail, At their Store in Market-Street, Where may be had
A FEW Hogheads of Rum and Pipes of Brandy, both of a superior quality. —ALSO— Sherry, Lisbon and Malaga Wines; Brown Sugar; Hylon, Souchoong and Bohea Teas. 20d, 10d, 6d, & 4d, Nails; Bar and Sheet Lead; Shot of all sizes; Painters Oil and Colours; Window-Glass, &c. &c.
Fresh Assortment. Lang, Brierley & Co. Have received per the Alligator, from Liverpool, an additional supply of GOODS, Consisting of Woolens, Hosiery, &c.—Likewise—an assortment of Spy Glasses & Telescopes, With a variety of other articles which they are opening for sale on their usual terms. State of New-Hampshire.
Grafton, ff. (* Seal.) Whereas the hon. Nathaniel Peabody and John W. Chandler, Esquires, Obadiah Eastman and Jonathan Hale, Esquires, Josiah Burnham and Reuben Page, have preferred a petition to me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace, and of the Quorum in and throughout the State of New-Hampshire, setting forth that they are owners of more than one sixteenth part of the township of Coventry, in said county, and that there are not twenty families resident in said township, and therefore requesting that a meeting of the proprietors and grantees, owners of lands in said township of Coventry, might be notified and warned to be holden at the dwelling-house of Doct. Amasa Scott, innholder in Haverhill, the nearest thire town in said county, on Tuesday the 11th day of April next, at 10 of the clock forenoon, to vote and act on the following articles, matters and things, to wit, 1st. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2d. To choose a proprietor's clerk. 3d. To choose a committee to examine into the appropriation and expenditures of monies heretofore raised and granted by the proprietary, and to examine and settle the demands of all persons to whom the proprietary are indebted for services and expenditures. 4th. To vote, grant and raise such sum or sums of money as may then be judged expedient for making and repairing public highways in said town, and for such other purposes as may be deemed for the benefit of said proprietary. 5th. To vote to establish a highway leading from Haverhill town-line, near the dwelling-house of Mr. Robert Elliot, in said Coventry, passing through the Olive-rean valley (so called) to Warren town-line, agreeably to the return of a survey of the same made by the following gentlemen, viz. James Woodward, Esq. Maj. Moody Bedel, and Capt. Stephen Richardson, or in such other way as the proprietary may judge most beneficial to the public. 6th. To choose and appoint assessors and collector with necessary powers. 7th. To ratify and confirm any former votes and grants made by said proprietary. 8th. To pass all votes necessary to confirm or to regulate former pitches made upon certain lots of land by proprietors or others, and to direct how and in what manner lots shall be drawn, and pitches in future made upon lots in said town. 9th. To choose a committee to lay out one or more hundred acre lot or lots to each proprietor's right or share of land in said town with certain discretionary powers. 10th. To vote to choose a committee in behalf of said proprietary to lay out roads, and to do and transact all such other matters and things, as may be committed to their charge, for the advantage of said proprietary. 11th. To vote and transact such other matters as may be thought proper for the good of the proprietors.
(Signed) NATHANIEL PEABODY, JOHN W. CHANDLER, OBADIAH EASTMAN, JONATHAN HALE, per } ARTEMAS NIXON, } JOSIAH BURNHAM, REUBEN PAGE. Dated Coventry, Dec. 16, 1796.
Therefore pursuant to said request and the laws of the State of New-Hampshire in such case made and provided, the proprietors and grantees, owners of lands in said township of Coventry, are hereby notified and warned to meet at the time and place and for the purposes set forth and mentioned in the before recited application.
Given under my hand and seal at Haverhill, in said county of Grafton, the twentieth day of December, 1796. MOSES DOW.
State of New-Hampshire. THE subscribers being appointed by the General Court of this State, to settle all accounts, bonds, notes of hand, receipts, and all debts due to this State, for arms, ammunition and other articles supplied prior to June, 1784, upon such principles and in such manner as they may judge equitable on consideration of the circumstances, with power if found necessary to cause any suit or suits to be commenced on behalf and in the name of this State against all persons neglecting to appear and settle such accounts.—Give notice that they will attend at the treasury office in Exeter, from the 20th day of February next, until the 20th day of March next, for that purpose, and do hereby request all persons having such accounts unsettled, and indebted to the State, prior to June 1784, to appear and settle the same within the times abovementioned, that all suits in law may be avoided. NATH'L ROGERS, OLIVER PEABODY. Exeter, January 23, 1797.