The New Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1796-12-31 00:00:00

THE New Hampshire Gazette.
HERE TRUTH IS WELCOME—CANDOUR GUID 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. 2092.]
SATURDAY, December 31, 1796.
[9s. pr. Annum.]
The following answer to Mr. Adet's Note is extracted from the Minerva, printed at Philadelphia.
THE French Republic have, at various times, during the present war, complained of certain principles, and decisions of the American government, as being violations of its neutrality, or infractions of the treaty made with France in the year 1778. These complaints were principally made in the year 1793, and explanations, which, till now, were deemed satisfactory, were made by Mr. Jefferson's correspondence, in August of that year. They are now not only renewed with great exaggeration, but the French government have directed that it should be done in the tone of reproach, instead of the language of friendship. The apparent intention of this menacing tone, at this particular time, is to influence timid minds to vote agreeable to their wishes in the election of president and vice-president, and probably with this view, the memorial was published in the news-papers. This is certainly a practice that must not be permitted. If one foreign minister is permitted to publish what he pleases to the people, in the name of his government, every other foreign minister must be indulged with the same right. What then will be our situation on the election of a president and vice-president, when the government is insulted, the persons who administer it, traduced, & the electors menaced by public addresses from these intriguing agents? Poland, that was once a respectable and powerful nation, but is now a nation no longer, is a melancholy example of the danger of foreign influence in the election of a chief magistrate. Eleven millions of people have lost their independence from that cause alone. What would have been the conduct of the French Directory, if the American minister had published an elaborate, and inflammatory address to the people of France against the government, reproaching the conduct of those in power, and extolling that of the party opposed to them? They would have done as the Parliament of England did in 1727, when the Emperor's resident presented an insolent memorial to the king, and published it next day in the news-papers. All parties concurred in expressing the highest indignation and resentment at the affront offered to the government by the memorial delivered by Monsieur Palm, and more particular at this audacious manner of appealing from the government, to the people under the pretext of applying for reparation and redress of supposed injuries. In consequence of an address from both houses, Monsieur Palm was ordered to quit England immediately. And it is not necessary that we should adopt some remedy adequate to this evil, to avoid these serious consequences which may otherwise be apprehended from it.
The conduct of the American government to preserve its neutrality, has been repeatedly justified by arguments drawn from the law of nations; and in the application of its principles, they have gone as far, in every instance, and in one particular instance, farther in favor of France, than the strict rule of neutrality would justify. It would therefore answer no valuable purpose, to state the same principles, and deduce the same consequences, in order to justify ourselves on the same ground, that we have already done: but as the reproaches of the French Republic are founded on an idea, that our construction, and application of the law of nations, is erroneous, partial, and inimical; it may be worth while to examine, whether we cannot justify ourselves by the example of the French nation itself. I presume a better rule of justification against any charge, cannot be required, than the conduct of those who have made it, in like cases.
I propose therefore, to compare the decisions of the American government, in the several points wherein they have been complained of in Mr. Adet's memorial, with the laws of France on the same points.
It is asserted that the American
government has violated the 17th article of the treaty of 1778, by arresting French privateers, and their prizes; and that it has exercised spoliation towards them.
It will be found on an accurate inquiry, that all the prizes brought in under French commissions, that have been restored, have been found to be in one, or the other, of the following descriptions:
1. Those captured within a marine league of the shores of the United States. 2. Where the capturing vessel was owned, and principally manned, by American citizens. 3. Where the capturing vessel was armed in our ports.
As to the jurisdiction exercised by the United States, over the sea contiguous to its shores, all nations claim and exercise such a jurisdiction, and all writers admit this claim to be well founded; and they have differed in opinion, only as to the distance to which it may extend. Let us see whether France has claimed a greater, or less extent of dominion over the sea, than the United States. Valin, the king's advocate at Rochelle, in his new commentary on the marine laws of France, published first in 1761, and again by approbation in 1776*, after mentioning the opinions of many different writers on public law on this subject, says "As far as the distance of two leagues the sea is the dominion of the sovereign of the neighboring coast; and that, whether there be soundings there or not." It is proper to observe this method, in favor of states whose coasts are so high, that there are no soundings close to the shore; but this does not prevent the extension of the dominion of the sea, as well as in respect to jurisdiction as the fisheries to a greater distance, by particular treaties, or the rule herein before mentioned, which extends dominion as far as there are soundings, or as far as the reach of a cannon shot; which is the rule at present universally acknowledged." The effect of this dominion, the same author says, "According to the principles of Puffendorf, which are incontestible, is, that every sovereign has a right to protect foreign commerce in his dominions, as well as to secure them from insult, by preventing others from approaching nearer to a certain distance." In extending our dominion over the sea to one league, we have not extended it so far, as the example of France, and the other powers of Europe would have justified. They therefore can have no right to complain of our conduct in this respect.
The second description of cases, which has induced the American government to restore prizes claimed by the French, is, where our citizens have made the capture under a French commission.
The third article of the ordinances of the marine of France, which the commission now given to French privateers require to be observed (Valin, 2 Vol. 235) is as follows: "We prohibit all our subjects from taking commissions from foreign kings, princes, or states, to arm vessels for war, and to cruise at sea under their colors, unless by our permission, on pain of being treated as pirates." The commentator says these general and indefinite prohibitions have no exception. They extend to commissions taken from friends or allies, as well as neutrals, and those that are equivocal: and they were considered as necessary consequences of the laws of neutrality.
"If, says Valin, the commission of the foreign prince be to cruise against his enemies who are our allies, or those with whom we intend to preserve neutrality, it would afford just ground of complaint on their part, and might lead to a rupture." The rule extends as well to subjects domiciliated as not domiciliated in the kingdom, and foreign countries; "for Frenchmen are not the less Frenchmen, for having gone to live in foreign countries." If France may rightfully prohibit her citizens
from accepting foreign commissions to make prize of the property of her friends, why should the United States be reproached for exercising a similar right? A necessary consequence of this wise and just prohibition is, that all prizes taken contrary to it should be restored with damages to the party injured.
The third description of prizes restored, is where they have been fitted, and armed in the ports of the United States.
I find no direct, positive provision by the marine laws of France, prohibiting this; but the whole tenor of those laws suppose that vessels of war, are armed in the ports of the sovereign who gave the commission. French privateers must not only fit out in a French port, but are bound to bring all prizes made by them into some particular port, or ports expressed in their commissions. Valin 2 Vol. 276. And it is certain that the king of France, previous to his alliance with the United States, delivered up some American prizes, to the English, because the capturing vessel had been armed in a French port.
Mr. Adet's memorial charges that the English have been permitted to arm their vessels and bring their prizes into our ports.
As to this charge, the fact is simply denied. In the cases mentioned, the vessels said to have taken in guns for their defence, were gone, before he made his representation: yet he complained and the government did nothing. I ask what could they have done? Mr. Adet will answer, they might have declared war, against Great Britain; and it is certain, this was the only remedy that remained, in such a case: but neither our interest, nor our duty would have permitted us to have adopted it. Our interest did not permit us to give up our neutrality, and engage in a foreign war, the event of which would have produced many and certain evils, and could not by any possibility have produced any good; and it was contrary to every principle by which a just nation would desire to act, to have made war on a whole people, because one or two of them had clandestinely taken arms on board for their defence, in one of our ports, without the knowledge of their government, or of ours.
The memorial complains that we have infringed the 17th article of the treaty of 1778, by restraining the prohibition therein contained only to the ships of war, and privateers of their enemies, who should come into our ports, with their prizes.
The literal sense of the 17th article, is that no armed ship who shall have made prizes from the French people, shall receive an asylum in our ports. The 22d article says that no privateer, fitted under a commission of the enemy of either, shall have asylum in the ports of the other.—Neither of these articles say anything of prizes. The literal application of them therefore would exclude the capturing vessels, but give admission to their prizes; which would never have been the intention of the parties. The law of nations, expressly adopted by France, relative to the right of asylum, may illustrate these articles of the treaty. Ord. Louis XIV. art. XIV. declares, "That no prizes made by Captains under a foreign commission, shall remain in our ports, longer than twenty-four hours, unless detained by bad weather, or unless the prize shall have been made from our enemies." But this article, says Valin, is only applicable to prizes carried into a neutral port, "and not at all to armed vessels, whether neutrals or allies, who have taken refuge there, without prizes, either to escape the pursuit of enemies, or for any other cause. They may, in this case remain as long as they please." By the law of neutrality, simply, French prizes could only have remained twenty-four hours in our ports, but by the treaty they have obtained the privilege of remaining as long as they please. This privilege has not only been allowed them in its fullest extent, but we had gone a step further,
and as a favor permitted them to sell their prizes, which neither the treaty nor the law of nations required; and which was of more importance than all the rest put together. This favor, as favors generally are, is now claimed as a right, and the withholding is considered as an injury.—Let us see what the ordinances of the French marine have laid on this point. Ord. Louis XIV. Tit. prises. Art. XV. "If in the prizes brought into our ports by vessels armed under a foreign commission, there be any merchandizes belonging to our subjects, or allies, those belonging to our subjects shall be restored, and the rest shall not be put into any store house, or be purchased by any person under any pretext whatsoever." "And all this, says Valin, is founded on the law of neutrality." By the treaty of Utrecht, Louis XIV. and his grandson, the king of Spain, agreed mutually, to permit the prizes made by one to be brought in, and sold in the ports of the other. But this the same author says, was only a particular arrangement, so much the less to be proposed for a general rule, as the two nations had given up the duties on prize goods sold in their dominions; which however did not last long, on account of the abuses to which it gave rise. Abuses similar, I presume, to those to which the same permission gave rise in this country.
The next ground of complaint is the British treaty and its consequences. This treaty is said to deprive France of all the advantages stipulated in a proceeding treaty; and this is done by an abandonment of the modern law of nations.
If we may credit the declaration of the king of France, there were no exclusive advantages stipulated for France, in that treaty. His ambassador delivered a paper to the British court, dated the 13th of March 1778, wherein after announcing the treaty between France and the United States, he says, "His majesty declares 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 other nation whatever, upon the same footing of equality and reciprocity."
The injury supposed to have resulted from an abandonment of the modern public law, assumes two propositions, neither of which is true: 1st. That neutral ships make neutral property: 2d. That materials for building ships, are not among the articles considered as contraband of war. By the marine laws of France, Reg. Dec. 1744. Art. 5. it is directed that "If there are found on board of neutral vessels, of whatever nation they may be, merchandizes or effects, belonging to the enemies of his majesty, they shall be good prize, even tho' they are not of the growth or manufacture of the enemy's country; but the vessels shall be released. Previous to this regulation, and contrary to the law of nations, as Valin acknowledges, if either the ship or the cargo, or any part of it, was enemy's property, the whole was confiscated, by the laws of France. And at this day, neutral property on board of enemy's ships, are by the same laws, liable to confiscation.
As to contraband of war, timber is enumerated among the articles that are so, by Vattel Lib. III. chap. VII. but Valin is much more particular, 2 Vol. 264. "In the treaty of commerce concluded with the king of Denmark, the 23d of August, 1742, pitch and tar were declared contraband; as also resin, sail-cloth, hemp, cordage, masts and timber, for the building of ships. There would have been, therefore, no reason to complain of the conduct of the English, if they had not violated particular treaties; for of right ( de droit ) these things are contraband at present, and have been so, since the beginning of this century, which was not the case formerly." By the modern law of nations, expressly adopted by France, enemies property on board neutral ships is
good prize; and by the same law, the number of contraband articles has been increased so as to include the materials for ship building. All the situations were probably foreseen, in which the treaty might operate favorably or unfavorably for France, at the time it was made. It might have been stipulated that materials for ship-building should be deemed contraband, instead of declaring that they should not; or, that the United States should not enter into any treaty in which they should be made so. Neither of these being the case, there is no ground of complaint, except that the consequence is inconvenient, at present, to France, and the belligerent powers allied to her. If timber and naval stores are contraband by the law of nations, to declare them to be so by a treaty, cannot be considered as a privilege granted to one nation, or an injury to any other. The French nation will not persist in asserting, that because the exercise of rights which she has claimed as legitimate on similar occasions, becomes inconvenient when exercised by others, she may therefore refuse to acknowledge and respect them. This would be the language of an haughty despot, in a conquered country, not of justice, honor and good faith from one friend to another.
It is said that the 18th article of the treaty with Great-Britain, suspends all the commercial relations between the United States and France by preventing the supplies looked for by France from this country.
This article has not introduced a new case, in which provisions may be contraband; It only alters the consequence resulting from a seizure of them, when they are so. Valin (2 Vol. 264) says, "By our law, and the law of nations, provisions are not prohibited, except in places besieged or blockaded." The article complained of, says explicitly, that when provisions and other articles not generally contraband, are become so, according to the existing law of nations, and shall, for that reason, be seized, they shall not be confiscated, but the owners shall be completely indemnified, and receive besides a reasonable mercantile profit.
This principle operated as an encouragement for American vessels to seek the French markets, by insuring them against loss, if they happened in any instance to be interrupted in the voyage. France, I presume, might consider our vessels bound with provisions to a place besieged or blockaded, liable to seizure, after due notice of the fact; if, instead of this, they contend for the privilege of paying for them according to the terms of the treaty with Great-Britain. I suppose it will not be denied to them. But if, under pretence that a vessel is bound to a besieged or blockaded port, when she is not, either France or Great Britain should seize or detain her, it is an injury not authorized by the treaty, or the law of nations. This is what both nations have done, when their interest or necessities required it—sometimes with, and often without any apology—and what they will often continue to do, I fear, as long as they know we cannot punish them for it.
These injuries are said to have been received while every object around reminds us of the tyranny of Britain and the generous Assistance of France, during the American war.
The generosity of France and the ingratitude of the United States have been often suggested by some of our own citizens and we are now reproached with it by France herself. Gratitude is due for favors received; and this virtue may exist among nations as well as among individuals; but the motive of the benefit must be solely the advantage of the party on whom it was conferred, else it ceases to be a favor. There is positive proof that France did not enter into the alliance with us in 1778 for our advantage: but for her own; The whole course of the negotiation, as well as a positive knowledge of the fact, proves this. She resisted all our solicitations for effectual assistance for near three years; and
*Book 5. Title 1.

rose in her demands during the campaign of 1777, when our affairs presented the most threatening aspect. Memorials were presented in August and September of that year, while Gen. Burgoyne was advancing from Canada, in a state of impotency, proportioned to the danger we were in from a junction of the two armies; and they were received with increased coldness from the same cause. But when the knowledge of the capture of Burgoyne's army arrived in December, fearing we might be able to do the business without them, the French Court began to change its tone. In January the British minister gave notice in the House of Commons, that he meant to propose terms of accommodation with America. The French ministry, on the arrival of this intelligence in France, immediately pressed the conclusion of the treaty which they had resisted for three years, and proposed terms much more favorable for us, than those our Commissioners had offered, and they had refused three months before. The treaty was signed on the 6th February. I perceive no generosity in all this. They did then, as we have done now, and as every discerning nation will do, they regarded only their own interest and advantage, and not that of any other nation. In the interval between the declaration of independence and the alliance, with France, that Court sometimes ordered away our privateers, and sometimes restored their prizes: They refused to receive an ambassador, or acknowledge our independence: All of which was for fear of bringing France prematurely into the war. The fact is, that the French spoke of very different terms, as the condition of their assistance, before the capture of Burgoyne, from those actually agreed on afterwards. There can be no doubt, that our success on that occasion, and the disposition it appeared to have produced in the British ministry, were the immediate causes of that alliance. It was certainly the interest of the French to unite with America in the war against Great Britain. They therefore acted right in doing this at last, tho' with much refinement in putting it of so long; but it is not the interest of the United States to be engaged in any war whatsoever—much less do they desire to imbue their hands in the blood of one nation, to gratify the hatred, or serve the interest of another. We have acted right hitherto, in laying it down as a principle, not to suffer ourselves to be drawn into the wars of Europe, and if we must have a war, I hope it will be for refusing to depart from this principle.
Our government has acted with firmness, consistency and moderation, in repelling the unjust pretensions of the belligerent powers, as far as reason and argument could have weight. If it has not attempted, in every instance, to preserve our rights by force, wherein the remedy would have been worse than the disease, they have not yielded them by concession, in any instance. Into whose hands the administration of the government may now come, they are called on by the suggestions of a wise policy, and the voice of their country to pursue the same general line of conduct, that has been hitherto pursued, without yielding to the violence of party on either side.
They then will be sure of the approbation and support of the most virtuous, which it is hoped are the most numerous part, of all parties. On the contrary, if, departing from these principles, they unnecessarily involve their country in the horrors of war, they will meet the merited execration of good men, and in the end, the punishment justly due to such conduct, from an injured people.
AMERICANUS.
Published by Authority.
Acts passed at a Session of the General Court, begun and holden at Concord, Nov. 1796.
An act for taxing the lands and buildings of non-residents.
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the improved lands and buildings of non-resident owners shall hereafter be taxed in the respective towns and places where such lands are situated, their equal proportion with residents, in all assessments made for the support of the public highways and schools, and in all town taxes, except for the support of the Gospel, and the building of houses of public worship, and repairs thereof, to be collected in the same manner as the law now points out for the collection of State and County taxes.
And be it further enacted, That the un-
improved lands of non-residents, public lands excepted, shall hereafter be taxed in the respective towns and places, their equal proportion of all State and County taxes and assessments made for the support of public highways. Provided always, That the tax on the unimproved lands of non-residents for the support of public highways, shall not in any one year exceed the sum of fifty cents on every hundred dollars of the appraised value of said lands, which appraisement shall be made by the selectmen, and be in the same manner and proportion as the law now points out for appraising the unimproved lands of the residents, to be assessed and collected in manner following, to wit: The selectmen and assessors in their respective towns and places, shall make out in writing under their hands, and deliver the same to the several collectors, on or before the 30th day of May annually, a list of all such assessments, & insert therein the name of the owner if known, otherwise the name of the original proprietor, and the number of acres taxed, and the proportion of each assessment to each lot or tract of land taxed, shall be set against said lot or tract of land in the list aforesaid: And if any building of a non-resident shall be taxed, the number of the lot, or other description of the land whereon it stands, shall be mentioned in said list: And if the name of the owner and the original proprietor of any land be unknown, the quantity of land, the number of the range and lot, if lotted, otherwise such description of the land taxed as it is usually known by, being inserted in said list, shall be a sufficient description of said land.
And be it further enacted, That each non-resident, taxed as aforesaid in any town or place in this State, shall at any time from the making of said highway tax to the first day of September in the same year, have liberty to pay said tax in labor, at the rate of six cents per hour for an able bodied man, finding his own tools and diet; which labour shall be done under the direction of either of the selectmen of the town where said labor is to be done, whenever the said non-resident shall tender the same to the said selectmen within the time limited for that purpose.
And be it further enacted, That every collector of said taxes shall, on or before the eighth day of the next session of the General Court after the assessments of such taxes, deliver to the Deputy Secretary for the time being, a copy of his list of all such taxes made out as aforesaid, signed by the selectmen of the town or place for which he is collector: And the said Deputy Secretary shall, for the inspection of all persons concerned, keep said list during the remainder of said session, at the place where said Court shall be holden, and afterwards, until the first day of September next following the said session, in the town where he shall reside: And it shall be the duty of the said Deputy Secretary, whilst said list shall be in his hands, to receive of any non-resident his proportion of said taxes, and give his receipt in discharge of the same to the said non-resident, who shall pay to the said Deputy Secretary, for his trouble, at the rate of ten per cent on the sum paid by the said non-resident to the said Deputy Secretary for taxes: And the said Deputy Secretary shall, at any time after the said first day of September, on application made to him by a collector of any of the taxes aforesaid, or by his order, return to said collector a copy of his list aforesaid, and the money which he shall have received thereon, taking said collector's receipt for the same: And after the said first day of September, any of said collectors who may have received copies of their lists from said Deputy Secretary, shall publish a notification in the New-Hampshire Gazette, and also in some newspaper published in the county where the land is situated, if any such paper be printed in said county, otherwise in some adjacent county, and a similar advertisement posted up in some public place in the town or place where the lands lie, three weeks successively, commencing eight weeks prior to the day of sale, that so much of such delinquent owner's estate will be sold at public vendue, as will be sufficient to pay said taxes, with incidental charges, unless prevented by previous payment; and the said notification shall contain the same description of the land taxed, as this act requires should be made in the lists aforesaid; also the time and place of sale; And if any of said owners shall neglect to pay their proportion of said taxes, with incidental charges, until the time of sale, the said collector shall then sell at public auction to the highest bidder, so much of each delinquent's estate as will pay said taxes, with incidental charges: Provided, That every sale by virtue of this act shall be made in the town or place where the property sold shall be situated, and between the hours of ten of the clock in the forenoon and six of the clock in the afternoon of the same day; and, if necessary, the sale may be adjourned from day to day, not exceeding three days, by public proclamation made within the hours aforesaid at the place of sale; and no person shall be holden to pay any part of the cost which shall accrue at said auction, after the tender of the payment of his own taxes, with his proportion of the cost which shall have accrued before such tender.
And be it further enacted, That if any more than one person shall be interested in any lot or tract of land, each one may pay his proportion of taxes according to his interest in said land, and the share of the delinquent only shall be sold.
And be it further enacted, That each non-resident, his heirs or assigns, shall have the liberty of redeeming his land sold as aforesaid, at any time within one year from the sale thereof, by paying or tendering to the collector, his executor or administrator, or in their absence, by tendering at the usual place of abode of said collector, his executor or administrator, a sum of money equal to that for which said land was sold, with interest for the same until
the time of payment or tender as aforesaid: And it shall be the duty of said collector, to deliver to the clerk of the town where the land lies, an attested copy of the sale of lands, by him sold in virtue of this act, with the charges of sale, within ten days after the sale thereof, to be by him kept on file; and in case of absence of said collector, his executor or administrator, on tender being made at his usual place of abode as aforesaid, said non-resident shall give information thereof to said town clerk before the time of redemption expires, or shall without delay record the same in his office; and said non-resident shall leave the money so tendered, with said town clerk, for the use of said collector, at the time of giving such information: And it shall be the duty of said collector, his executor or administrator, on payment or tender as aforesaid, or of the town clerk on the money being left with him, to give said non-resident a full discharge therefor, by receipt under his hand; and in case of the money being received by the town clerk as aforesaid, he shall be paid therefor by said non-resident, ten per cent on the amount of the money so received.
And be it further enacted, That when two or more persons are interested in any lot or tract of land which shall be hereafter sold for the payment of taxes made by virtue of this act, every individual may redeem his own part thereof, by paying or tendering his proportion of the taxes and cost for which the said land was sold, in the same manner that all the owners of such land may redeem their land sold as aforesaid, by jointly paying the whole sum necessary to be paid for the redemption of the same; and the said proportion shall be made according to the number of acres in the lot or tract of land sold.
And be it further enacted, That when any estate of non-residents shall be sold by virtue of this act, and the money requisite for the redemption thereof shall not have been paid or tendered within one year from the sale of the same, the collector who shall have sold said estate, if living, otherwise his executor or administrator, shall then execute a good and sufficient deed of such estate to the purchaser of the same, if he shall be then living, otherwise to his heirs, executors or administrators; which deed shall be in the form following, to wit:
Know all Men by these presents, That I, _____ Collector of Taxes for the town of _____, in the county of _____, in the State of New-Hampshire, for the year _____, do, by virtue of the authority in me vested by the laws of this State respecting the property of non-residents, and in consideration of _____, to me in hand, before the delivery hereof, paid by _____, of _____, in the county of _____, in the State of _____, hereby sell and convey to him the said _____, his heirs and assigns, [here describe the property sold.]
To have and to hold the said granted premises, with the appurtenances thereof, free of all incumbrances, to him the said _____, his heirs and assigns forever. And I the said _____, do hereby covenant with the said _____, that I have, in my said capacity, good right to sell and convey the same in manner aforesaid: And that I will warrant and defend the same to him the said _____, his heirs and assigns, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this _____ day of _____, Anno Domini, _____.
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us, _____ And be it further enacted, That no town or place which has been authorized by a special act to tax the lands of non-residents for the support of public highways, shall be enabled hereby to tax the unimproved lands of non-residents for that purpose, within two years from the passing of such special act.
And be it further enacted, That the inhabitants of any town, at their annual meeting, if an article be inserted in the warrant for that purpose, may exempt the unimproved lands of non-residents from all or any part of the taxes aforesaid.
And be it further enacted, That such parts of all acts heretofore passed, as relate to assessments made by any town or place on the unimproved land of non-residents, for the payment of State and County taxes, be, and they hereby are repealed.
Provided nevertheless, That nothing herein shall affect the collection of any taxes heretofore made by virtue of any acts hereby repealed.
Provided also, That it shall be the duty of the Deputy Secretary, the town clerks, and collectors, to receive from any person, when tendered in behalf of himself or any other person whomsoever, in the manner and at the times before pointed out in this act, the taxes assessed by virtue thereof, & interest and cost thereon, if any; any thing in this act to the contrary notwithstanding.
And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the selectmen or assessors of the several towns and places in this State to see that all monies arising by virtue of this act, for the support of public highways, be duly and seasonably appropriated agreeably to the true intent and meaning thereof.
Approved Dec. 10, 1796. (To be continued.)
ELOQUENCE.—The present is the age of long speeches. It would not be easy to quote an instance of a long speech having ever produced any thing beyond a momentary effect, whereas to a few striking and acoric sentences, easy to be remembered and repeated, it is known that we may ascribe some of the most important events in the history of na-
tions. Perhaps the French Revolution was accelerated by the farewell speech an American Gen. made to a French party immediately before their return to Europe.—“Frenchmen, we thank you for your gallant assistance. You have served a seven years apprenticeship to the cause of liberty.—Go home and set up for yourselves.”
CONGRESS.
House of Representatives.
TUESDAY, DEC. 13.
A BILL for the more effectual promulgation of the Laws, of the U. S. was read a third time—Petition from Constant Freeman Committed.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14.
A Plan from the Sec. of the Treasury for a System of direct Taxation, was made and ordered to be printed.—A Resolve of the Legislature of Massachusetts, cede land on Gay head, for a light house, if you would erect one there, was read and committed. Several petitions for the Bounty on codfish were read and committed.
President's Speech.
The order of the day was called for. On the answer to the PRESIDENT'S speech, when the House again resolved itself into a committee of the whole, and the answer having been read by the Clerk, was also read by paragraphs by the chairman.
Mr. Giles proposed an amendment in order to shew the unequivocal desire of the House for peace, which was agreed to, without much debate—but, on a further amendment, which was complimentary part to the President, in order to have it recommitted, for the purpose of introducing what should be more likely to meet the wishes of the House, a very long and animated debate took place, a sketch of which will be given when received. The speakers were Messrs. Giles, W. Smith, Harper, St. George, Swaindwich, Dayton, Ames, Nicholas and Williams.
President's Speech.
Mr. W. Smith called for the order of the day on the answer to the President's speech.
Mr. Giles hoped the gentleman would permit the subject to lie over till to-morrow. The answer contained a variety of important matter, and he had scarcely had time to read it over.
Mr. W. Smith said it was unusual for the answer to the President's speech to lie over more than one day. He thought the subjects contained in it were such as did not require much consideration.
Mr. Heath hoped the business would not lie over. The session, he said, was short, and as nothing would be done until the etiquette of the address was gone through, no time should be lost.
Mr. Ames had no objection to other business being taken up before the subject in question, in order to give gentlemen time to think upon it, but he hoped they should not rise without entering upon its consideration.
Mr. Giles did not think the object of his colleague (Mr. Heath) would be answered by pressing the subject upon the house before gentlemen were prepared to meet it. If ever there was a subject he said, which required mature consideration it was the present, which embraced time present, past and to come. He wished not unnecessarily to protract business; but he saw in this answer to the address many things objectionable; and he wished time to think on the subject, and to prepare substitutes for them. He hoped therefore the business would lie over till to-morrow.
Mr. St. George hoped no delay would take place. He recollected that on a former occasion when a message was received from the President respecting the colours of the French Republic, although several members wished the subject to lie over till the next day, those very gentlemen who now called for delay, then declared that to postpone the business, would be to lose the effect. He was of opinion that there was full as much respect due to the President on this occasion, as was due to the French Republic at the time alluded to.
Mr. W. Lyman said that gentlemen seemed to consider the answer to the President's Speech as merely a complimentary thing; but he considered it as of quite a different nature. The President being charged with the execution of the laws, made communications to them on the subject from time to time. The present communication introduced new matters to their notice, and were not gentlemen to make up their minds upon them? The answer to be returned would show how far the house concurred in the proposed projects. It was not a thing therefore, that could be transacted in a moment. And shall gentlemen be refused a day to consider these important matters? He hoped not.
The Speaker informed the house, that the first question would be whether the unfinished business should be postponed, in order to take up the answer to the President's Speech.
Mr. Parker hoped the unfinished business would not be postponed. He was not ready to vote upon the important matter contained in the address. He was of opinion they should be very careful at this critical juncture how they committed themselves. The President had informed them they did not stand well with the French nation; the Senate had already accorded with all he had said on that subject (Mr. Parker was reminded it was not in order to introduce what the senate had done.) He hoped a day would be allowed for consideration.
Mr. W. Smith observed that it had always been customary to take up the answer to the President's Speech the day af-
ter it was reported, and sometimes on the very day. If they were now to deviate from this practice, he said it should be for good reasons. The first reason which had been offered for a postponement was that gentlemen were not sufficiently acquainted with the answer, and yet they had proceeded to comment upon it. It would be found, he said, that the committee had dealt only in general terms, which could not be disapproved. There were only two objects upon which there could be a difference of opinion, viz. what related to the French Republic, and what was complimentary to the President; the first was expressed in general terms, and he trusted the house need not to wait 'till to-morrow, to consider upon the expressions to be used towards the latter (the Speaker again reminded the house of the question.) Mr. Smith said his intention was to shew that a delay on the present occasion would have an unpleasant appearance. The business, on a former occasion relative to the colours of the French republic (as had already been noticed) was hurried through the house, left a failure of respect should appear. He wished every respect now to be shewn, and could see no reason for delay. In relation to the unfinished business, it had yesterday been postponed for want of information, and he had not supposed that information had been yet obtained. He hoped before when the chief thing in the address was to compliment the President for his services, they should shew their zeal by an unanimous and ready vote.
Mr. Nicholas thought it was not right in gentleman wishing to press the business in question upon the House before it had been duly considered. Nor did he think it would be so respectful to the President, to precipitate the question, as, by doing so, objections might be brought forward for want of duly understanding the subject, which, perhaps, by affording a little time, might be done away. For his own part, he owned he scarcely knew the meaning of the answer. The subject required consideration, and thought, as to the respect, which gentlemen seemed to have most in view, it would not be lessened by the delay. As to precedents, he was surprised to bear them mentioned. Were the President's addresses always the same thing? No; they always took a review of past and present; and to talk of Precedents where cases could never be alike, where to trammeled the House in an extraordinary manner. The case of the President's message respecting the French colours had been mentioned. If the House had then acted wrong, was that any rule they should continue to do so? But the two cases were wholly dissimilar. The one was merely an expression of sentiments which could at once be determined; but the present question was so much interwoven with the politics of this country, as to require great circumspection. He hoped, therefore, the house would not now be pressed into the business. He wished as much as other gentlemen for an unanimous vote on the subject, and to make the departure of the President from office as agreeable as he could wish. Deferred.
SAVANNAH, Nov. 22.
Last Saturday arrived here the ship Rose, Capt. Francis Hill, 56 days from London. On the 11th of Nov. at 1 o'clock, P. M. lat. 22. 28. N. Capt. Rose was brought to by the Republican Fish, Flying Fish, John Barton commander, mounting 12 guns and 96 men, who ordered him to hoist out his boat and come on board, which he did, and was there detained as a prisoner until 10 o'clock, A. M. during which time they went on board his ship, overhauled his papers, and broke open most of his letters & cut a hole in the casing of her cabin, to search for more papers. At length after a strict examination and detainment of 24 hours, and unnecessary trouble, very politely gave them leave to depart.
NEW-YORK, Dec. 14.
THE FIRE!
In our last we mentioned the favorable report we had heard of the exertions of Capt. SHARPE, of the British Packet, Swallow, and his ship's company, in affording assistance to the shipping which were endangered by the fire. We have since heard repeated assurances of a fact which does them so much credit; and that very material and important services were the effect of their spirited exertions.
Among the most honorable testimonies of the public approbation of their conduct the President of the United Insurance Company, and a committee from the New-York Insurance Company, and the Associated Underwriters, waited on Captain Sharpe, at the desire of their respective companies to offer to him their thanks for the successful assistance he afforded generally to the shipping, and to the ship Maria in particular. They also requested to know the names and number of those of the Packet's people who aided Captain Sharpe in his exertions, in order that they might extend to them some pecuniary mark of approbation and reward. For this purpose we are informed, sums have been voted by the two companies; and in which laudable tribute they were also joined by the gentlemen, “Associated Underwriters.”
O B S E R V E.
THE day for the meeting of the proprietors of Litchfield Bridge, proved so inconvenient that it was that proper to adjourn; those that are or wish to become proprietors are requested to attend the adjournment, at R. Parker, Esq. on the third Monday of Jan. next, at 1 o'clock, P. M.
SAMUEL CHASE. Dec. 20, 1796.

Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, December 16. The house having formed itself into a committee of the whole on the answer to the President's Speech, Mr. Muhlenberg in chair, the following reported draft of the answer was read:
SIR, THE House of Representatives have attended to your communication respecting the state of our country, with all the sensibility that the contemplation of the subject, and the sense of duty can inspire.
We are gratified by the information that measures calculated, to ensure a continuance of the friendship of the Indians and to maintain the tranquility of the interior frontiers, have been adopted; and we indulge the hope that these, by improving the Indian tribes with more correct conceptions of the justice, as well as power of the United States, will be attended with success.
While we notice with satisfaction, the steps that you have taken in pursuance of the late treaties with several foreign nations, the liberation of our citizens, who were prisoners at Algiers, is a subject of peculiar solicitation. We shall cheerfully co-operate in any further measures that shall appear, on consideration to be requisite.
We have ever concurred with you in the most sincere and uniform disposition to preserve our mutual relations inviolate, and it is, of course, with anxiety and deep regret we hear that any interruption of our harmony with the French Republic has occurred:
For we feel with you & with our constituents, the cordial and unadulterated wish to maintain a perfectly friendly understanding with that nation. Your endeavours to fulfil that wish, and by all honorable means to preserve peace, and to restore that harmony and affection which have heretofore so happily subsisted between the French Republic and the United States, cannot fail therefore to interest our attention. While we anticipate the full reliance you have expressed on the patriotism, self respect and fortitude of our countrymen, we cherish the pleasing hope, that a mutual spirit of justice and moderation on the part of the Republic will ensure the success of your perseverance.
The various subjects of your communication will, respectively, meet with the attention that is due to their importance.
When we advert to the internal situation of the United States, we deem it equally natural and becoming to compare the present period with that immediately antecedent to the operation of the government, and to contrast it with the calamities in which the state of war still involves several of the European nations, as the reflections deduced from both, tend to justify as well as to excite, a warmer admiration of our free constitution, and to exact our minds to a more fervent and grateful sense of piety towards Almighty God, for the beneficence of his providence, by which its administration has been hitherto so remarkably distinguished.
And while we entertain a grateful conviction that your wise, firm and patriotic administration has been signally conducive to the success of the present form of government, we cannot forbear to express the deep sensations of regret with which we contemplate your intended retirement from office.
As no other suitable occasion may occur, we cannot suffer the present to pass without attempting to disclose some of the emotions which it cannot fail to awaken.
The gratitude and admiration of your countrymen are still drawn to the recollection of those resplendent virtues and talents which were so eminently instrumental to the achievement of the revolution, and of which that glorious event will ever be the memorial. Your obedience to the voice of duty and your country, when you quitted reluctantly a second time the retreat you had chosen, and first accepted the presidency, afforded a new proof of the devotedness of your zeal, in its service, and an earnestness of the patriotism and success which have characterised your administration. As the grateful confidence of the citizens in the virtues of their chief magistrate, has essentially contributed to that success, we persuade ourselves that the millions, whom we represent, participate with us in the anxious solicitude of the present occasion.
Yet we cannot be unmindful that your moderation and magnanimity, twice displayed by retiring from your exalted station, afford examples no less rare and instructive to mankind, than valuable to a Republic.
Although we are sensible that this event, of itself, completes the lustre of a character already conspicuously unrivalled by the coincidence of virtue, talents, success and public estimation; yet we conceive we owe it to you, Sir, and still more emphatically to ourselves and to our nation; (of the language of whose hearts we presume to think ourselves at this moment the faithful interpreters) to express the sentiments with which it is contemplated.
The spectacle of a free and enlightened nation offering by its representatives the tribute of unfeigned approbation to its first citizen, however novel and interesting it may be, derives all its lustre (a lustre which accident or enthusiasm could not bestow, and which adulation would tarnish) from the transcendent merit of which it is the voluntary testimony.
May you long enjoy that liberty which is so dear to you, and to which your name will ever be so dear: May your own virtues and a nation's prayers obtain the happiest futu-ship for the decline of your days and the choicest of future blessings. For our country's sake, for the sake of republican liberty, it is our earnest wish that your example may be the guide of your predecessors, and thus after being the ornament
and safeguard of the present age, become the patrimony of our descendants.
Reply OF THE PRESIDENT, TO THE ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Gentlemen, TO a Citizen, whose views are unadulterated, who preferred the shade and tranquility of private life, to the splendour and solicitude of elevated stations, and whom the voice of duty and his country could alone have drawn from his chosen retreat; no reward for his public services can be so grateful as public approbation, accompanied by a consciousness that to render those services useful to that country, has been his single aim, and when this approbation is expressed by the representatives of a free and enlightened nation, the reward will admit of no addition. Receive, gentlemen, my sincere and affectionate thanks for this signal testimony that my services have been acceptable and useful to my country. The strong confidence of my fellow citizens, while it animated all my actions, ensured their zealous co-operation which rendered those services successful. The virtue and wisdom of my successors, joined with the patriotism and intelligence of the citizens who compose the other branches of government, I firmly trust will lead them to the adoption of measures, which, by the beneficence of Providence, will give stability to our system of government, and to its success, and secure to ourselves and to posterity that liberty which is to all of us so dear.
While I acknowledge with pleasure, the sincere and uniform disposition of the House of Representatives to preserve our neutral relations inviolate and with them deeply regret any degree of interruption of our good understanding with the French Republic, I beg you, gentlemen, to rest assured, that my endeavours will be earnest and unceasing by all honorable means to preserve peace, and to restore that harmony and affection which have heretofore so happily subsisted between our two nations and with you. I cherish the pleasing hope that a mutual spirit of justice and moderation will crown those endeavors with success.
I shall cheerfully concur in the beneficial measures which your deliberations shall mature on the various subjects demanding your attention.—And while directing your labors to advance the real interests of our country you receive its blessings; with perfect sincerity my individual wishes for your present and future felicity.
G. Washington.
CHARLESTOWN, Nov. 25. Extract of a letter from Greenville, Cherokees, dated the 19th inst.
"The judge on this circuit has met with a disagreeable accident. The village where the courts for this district are held, has but little of comfort or accommodations. The judge's bed lay in an outward shed-room; and, while he was busy in court, a general sweep was made of his trunk and chair-box. His great coat, and a large bear-skin, which were often his bed at night, and in the day a cover for his baggage, are all that were left him. There was in the trunk, a sum of money, fifty-four pounds, with his clothes. On examining his pocket book, next day, before a large company, to see if he had any money left, he found only a three-pence bill of the city paper money. It seems that in this district the judges are no great favorites: for the grand jury of the district absolutely libelled the late chief justice to his face, by way of presentment, for his missing his way so that he did not arrive till the second day of the court. Judge Waties, as he was going to this court-house one morning, was pelted with mud and cow-dung; and the present judge is emptied completely. This same judge of our's is a wise man—for in order to prevent his being a complete San's-Culotte, and to save what clothes he has on his back, he takes the very prudent measure of sleeping in them, to prevent their being taken as the trunk was."
A man named Richard Sinton, and a woman named Penelope Civil, were tried at Cherokees, at the late circuit court, for murder of a man named Scott, and found guilty. The woman is recommended to mercy.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 13. The President, it is said, was fearful of hurting the feelings of the great concourse of Ladies who came (to view themselves) on Wednesday last to Congress-Hall—he in respect to them, omitted to notice in his speech the flogging of Capt. Jessup by the son of that Admiral Pigot who was so well known on our coast during the revolution.
Capt. Pigot, whom the President forbore to mention upon account so amiable, is the bosom friend of that pattern of princely wisdom chastity, and integrity, his Serene and Royal Highness George Prince of Wales and so forth.
Bets are laid of 900 to 10, that Capt. Pigot, who flogged Jessup will be a Rear Admiral before the war is terminated.
DECEMBER 15. "We have heavy smacks here. The late President of the Pennsylvania Bank has failed 111,000 dollars. Others equally as high have been toppled down; and some who lately lived in palaces, must now take up their quarters in a gaol!"
DECEMBER 19. Mr. Parker stated in the House of Representatives on Thursday, that the brother of a member of that House had been impressed by a British press gang, and put on board a ship of war; that in consequence of
a disorder incurred by hard treatment, he was discharged; that in his way from the ship, he was again seized by the same press gang, from whom he contrived to get loose, but in his flight was fired at and shot; death did not follow, he said, but it was not owing to British tenderness, nor to the good effects of the Treaty that he was now alive! and still we are the most free and enlightened nation!
When Mr. Parker asked what had become of Mr. Ames's patriotism during the revolution, he arose and said, nothing on that subject.
NEW-YORK, Dec. 17. Republican Citizens, your ELECTION is completed—and we dare CONGRATULATE you on the RE-ELECTION of Mr. LIVINGSTON notwithstanding the multifarious intrigues of your antagonists, of which a concise history will be attempted. We believe the majority to be not short of 500.
DECEMBER 22. Yesterday morning, about 2 o'clock a fire was discovered by the citizen patrois of the 6th ward, in Church, near Read-street. It appeared that a fire had been kindled in the garet of a new two story house, which would probably have spread desolation had it not been for the vigilance of this watch.
On Monday night a fire was discovered under the boat shop of Mr. Dickenson, in Water-street, above Peck slip: evidently intentionally done, as there was a quantity of rosin and other combustibles found on the spot.
BOSTON, Dec. 23. INTELLIGENCE.
Letter from Nantucket, December 16. These will inform you, that last night the ship Alliance, Capt. Pease, arrived here from Woolwich Bay, last from St. Helena, which he left Sept. 28, in company with five other Whale Ships for this port. Capt. Pease informs, that a Dutch fleet of two 74's, two frigates and a sloop of war were at Saldanha-Bay, and that the English fleet lying at the Cape-of-Good-Hope, got information and immediately proceeded against them, and captured the whole squadron without difficulty. Capt. P. also informs, that Mr. Leach, a merchant of St. Helena, told him, a ship belonging to Bolton, (her name and the Captain's he had forgotten, but certainly neither Sigourney nor Doble) from India, with a freight for Europe, had been cast away to the Northward and Eastward of the Cape-of-Good-Hope, vessel and cargo lost; the people were roughly treated by the natives, but no lives were lost; the crew had taken passage in the fleet for Europe. Capt. P. on his passage, in lat. 22. long. 58. spoke brig Ann, from Surinam for Bolton, had lost her foretopmast. Also spoke brig Ann, Coffin, from Hispaniola for Philadelphia. In lat. 41. 35. long. 67. spoke brig Brown, 39 days from Surinam for Providence—short of provisions; Capt. P. being also short of provisions, could afford no relief. Left the Janus, Whale ship, Folger master, for New-Bedford, in lat. 2. S. long. 28. 28. W. No other news than here detailed.
Capt. Lindsay, at Marblehead, from Cadiz, in 57 days, informs, That War against England was proclaimed prior to his sailing, in all the public fleets at that place—amid shouts of joy, singing of French National Songs, and mounting the tri-coloured Cockade. A disposition for privateering prevailed, Prizes were brought in. Five Portuguese ships from Brazil, had been sent in by the French. Gibraltar, it was said, was to be attacked in the Spring, with 100,000 French. Admiral Jarvis only left one hospital ship to the Spanish fleet in the Mediterranean. Jarvis arrived safe at Gibraltar, after 48 hours chase. The Spanish were not vigilant, and were out manoeuvred.
DECEMBER 26. Extract of a letter from a gentleman in New-York to his friend in this town.
"The answer to the President's address, I am informed by my friend at Philadelphia, was carried principally from a disposition to prevent any unreasonable delay on this mere complimentary business. It was found that the Stickers for adulation meant to force the answer by contending the principles in elaborate speeches, and then lay the blame of expending so much time and money, on so trifling a transaction, on those who were opposed to it. Words are but founds, and at this period, a few more feathers in the cap of the Executive, will only serve, when the consequences of his administration are more fervently felt, to render the popularity more pointed against the supporters of the Treaty, and other British measures."
"In my opinion, it is but to little purpose, how we wind up the present administration, whether by flattery or censure, as a new epoch commences in our political calendar, in the controversy between France and America. If France prevails in her resentment, and continues obstinate in her jealousy, what can we do to remove the difficulty? This is a question of the utmost magnitude, and quite detached from a few sonorous paragraphs to the President, who will carry them with him to Mount Vernon, and then they will remain among the complimentary papers which have been thrown into his depository.—But my friend, are we prepared against France? Should they be hostile, where is our safety? If we were a
frail of Britain, why ought we not to dread France? Has this Republic become less formidable since their numerous conquests? Have they fewer resources to contend against their enemies? No surely, and therefore the little display of Executive bravo will answer no essential purpose to void of those evils we have reason to deprecate."
News from Europe.
Yesterday arrived, the Snow Pacific Trader, Capt. Barnes, from Liverpool, via Vineyard, 51 days.
By this arrival we have received London papers to Oct. 26: But they contain no intelligence of moment. The accounts of military operations are so later than those some time since received from Paris. They are however of a very different cast—to different that it is impossible to reconcile them. The French army of the "Lower Rhine," under Gen. Bourmonville, remained between the Liegand Lahn; while that under Gen. Moreau continued in the vicinity of Buchan, in Suabia, tho' some accounts state, that his vanguard had arrived at Strasburg.—The Archduke Charles was advancing by the Rhine towards Suabia, and the Austrian divisions in that circle formed a line of posts from the Lake of Constance, to the vicinity of Fort du Kbel. The capture of Gen. Bouraparte is, frequently mentioned in these papers; but without the least authority. The prospect of peace does not appear to brighten. Lord Malmesbury had arrived at Paris, but there were no account of his reception. The British parliament appear to contemplate another campaign, by the votes of credit they pass; the provisions they have made for the support of 195,177 men; and the grant of 960,000. for the recruiting service of 1797. The number of Austrians in Mantua, is said to be 30,000, but many of them sick; and Gen. Buonaparte was drawing thither all the reinforcements he could muster in Piedmont. The naval equipments in England were not in the least fixed. The fleet chased by the Spaniards into Gibraltar, it appears was Admiral Mann's, who lost some transports.
Several vague reports on the prospects of a general peace, in Europe, are in circulation: said to have been received from Europe, via Halifax.
Capt. Elliot, arrived at Philadelphia, was informed, that about 17,000 troops were on the coast between Brest and Dunkirk, supposed to be part of an army to make a descent on England—17 sail of the line lay in Brest waters. No American vessels were taken as prizes into any of the ports of France, as far as Captain Elliot could learn.
DECEMBER 29. Tuesday evening arrived here, Capt. Crowell, in a ship from Amsterdam, in 60 days passage. Capt. C. informs that in coming out of the Texel, he met a large English fleet, with troops on board, and was informed they were destined for the Texel to take a Dutch fleet lying there. He likewise informs, that previous to his sailing a report was prevalent that the French had gained a signal victory over the Austrians. Capt. C. brought no papers, the above is verbally reported by him.
There has been a fire in Savannah since the large one, which burnt from 40 to 50 houses.
From WESTPOINT, Dec. 12. "Four companies of artillery and engineers have been ordered from this place, by the President, to take charge of, and put in repair the works in the seaports—Capt. Frye to Governor's island, in the state of New-York, with a company; Capt. MITCHELL at Fort William, below Philadelphia; Capt. MORRIS at Baltimore. Capt. BLACKBURN, at Norfolk, Virginia, and Captain KALLIESSEN, at Charleston, South Carolina. On what account the arrangement is made, we can only conjecture; but we are all decided friends to the present happy constitution of our country."
From PHILAD.—Dec. 20. "The public defaulters are more numerous than was expected, and they include more of our exclusives than was suspected. Besides the President of the Bank, Cashier, Directors, Clerks, &c. who have jumped to the tune of near 120,000 dollars, our Governor is said to be implicated to the amount of 20,000, our patriotic Secretary to 8000, and others from whom better things might have been expected. S. and M'C. it is said, carried their election by sheer bribery."
PORTSMOUTH, Dec. 31.
MARRIED—Mr. John Sherburne, to Miss Betsey Morton; Mr. Benning Adams to Miss Polly Palmer; Mr. William Pomeroy to Miss Deborah Goudy; Mr. George Janvins to Miss Hannah Gannimon. At Boston, Mr. Daniel Penhiman to Miss Comfort Melcher, of this town.
DIED—Mrs. Mary Lenorton aged 65; Mrs. Temperance Hurley aged 50; Mr. John Clear aged 17; a child of Mr. Peter Durrell.
ENTRIES at the CUSTOM-HOUSE, District of PORTSMOUTH, N. H. CLEARED FOR Ship Pacific, Salter, Demarara. Brig Hannah, Watts, Trinidad.
Federal Register, For President and Vice President.
   States Adams Pierce Burr Jefferson     New-Hampshire, 16 13 0 0   Massachusetts, 16 13 0 0   Rhode-Island, 4 4 0 0   Connecticut, 9 9 0 0   Vermont, 4 4 0 0   New-York, 12 12 0 0   New-Jersey, 7 7 0 0   Pennsylvania, 1 2 13 14   Delaware, 3 3 0 0   Maryland, 7 4 4 3   Virginia, 1 1 20 1   Kentucky,   Tennessee,   North-Carolina, 1 1 11 6   South-Carolina,   Georgia,   Total 71 51 48 24   13 19 13 19    Seventy votes make a majority
TO BE SOLD At Public Auction,
At the New-Hampshire Hotel; On MONDAY 23d January, At 11 o'clock, A. M.
All that Capital F A R M,
WITH the buildings thereon, situate at the North-West part of Portsmouth, now in the occupation of William Walker, being part of the estate of the late M. H. Wentworth, Esq. deceased, and containing 200 acres more or less. Conditions to be made known at time of sale. JACOB WALDEN, Auctioneer. Portsmouth, Dec. 23, 1796.
TAKE NOTICE!
WHEREAS the subscriber have been induced unwarily to sign two notes of hand to Timothy Morrill of Portsmouth, in the State of New-Hampshire, one for two hundred and fifty pair of Shoes, the other for four hundred and fifty pair of Shoes, to be delivered at Portsmouth in March next, and no consideration having been received for the same; this is to caution all persons not to purchase said notes, as I am determined not to pay them.
ISAIAH SANBORN. Portsmouth, Dec. 30, 1796.
THE first drawn numbers on the first seven days drawing in Dartmouth College Lottery, are as follows:     First drawn, First day, No. 4995   Second day, 3207   Third day, 3806   Fourth day, 4200   Fifth day, 3050   Sixth day, 2042   Seventh day, 4847  
To the honorable Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature, to be holden at Exeter, in and for the county of Rockingham, on the third Tuesday of September, 1796.
Humbly Shews, WALTER ROBIE, of Candia, in said county, Esq. that he is guardian of Elizabeth Wason, Sarah Wason, Jane Wason and Thomas Wason, minors, under the age of twenty-one years, children of Thomas Wason, late of Candia aforesaid, husbandman, deceased, that said minors are seized and possessed of sundry tracts of land situate in said Candia, being the same which was assigned and set off to them respectively, by order of the Judge of Probate as their several shares of the estate of the said Thomas Wason, deceased, that the sale of the aforesaid real estate of said minors, will be conducive to the interest of said wards. Wherefore the said Robie prays the court to empower him to sell and convey the said real estate of his said wards, agreeably to a law or act of this State, entitled, "an act to authorize the superior court to empower guardians to sell the real estate of their wards."
WALTER ROBIE, by his Attorney Ar. LIVERMORE.
Rockingham, ss. Superior Court, Sept. term, 1796.
Ordered by the Court, that the petitioner notify all persons concerned to appear at the next Superior Court of Judicature to be holden at Portsmouth, within and for the county of Rockingham, on the fourth Tuesday of April next, by publishing the foregoing petition and order of court thereon, in the New-Hampshire Gazette three weeks successively, the last publication whereof to be six weeks before said term, that they may then and there show cause (if any they have) why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
Attest. NATH'L ADAMS, Clerk. Copy examined by NATH'L ADAMS, Clerk.

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.
IF Joseph Dodd of
Marblehead has any relations living they can have his property by applying to Mr. Alexander Ewen, Esq. of Portsmouth, or to Captain Daniel Prowse; the above mentioned Mr. Dodd was drowned on the 3d of Oct. last, from on board the Schooner Lucy of Portsmouth.
Boarding to be had
in a small family for two or three gentlemen Inquire of the Printer.
Rockingham, ff.
To the honorable the Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature, holden at Exeter, in and for said county of Rockingham on the third Tuesday of September, 1796.
Shews,
JOHN GOVE of Seabrook in said county, that he is guardian unto Elihu Gove of said Seabrook, a person adjudged to be non compos mentis , that the said Elihu has ever since his birth been unable to support himself, that he is possessed of about two acres of land, and half of a small house, and half of a barn situate in said Seabrook, which it is necessary should be sold for his support; wherefore the said guardian prays that licence may be granted him to sell the said premises as the law in such cases provides, and as bound shall pray. &c.
JOHN GOVE.
Exeter, Sept. 20, 1796.
Rockingham, ff.
Superior Court Sept. term 1796. Ordered by the court that the said John Gove notify all persons concerned to appear before the justices of the Superior Court of Judicature, to be holden at Portsmouth within and for the county of Rockingham on the fourth Tuesday of April next to shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer of said petition should not be granted by causing said petition and order of Court thereon, to be published three weeks successively in the New-Hampshire Gazette.
Attest,
NATH'L ADAMS, Clerk. Copy examined by NATH'L ADAMS, Clerk.
Rockingham, ff.
To the honorable the Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature, holden at Exeter in and for said county of Rockingham, on the third Tuesday of Sept. 1796.
Shews,
THOMAS VEAZEY, jr. of Stratham, in said county, husbandman, guardian unto Sally Dearborn, a minor upwards of fourteen years of age, daughter of Daniel Dearborn, late of said North-Hampton, dec. that the said minor is heir to about nine acres of land lying in common and undivided with land owned by her sister, Francis Neal Dearborn, and situate in said North-Hampton, that said land could be disposed to greater advantage with the land of the said Francis, than it could if divided and sold separately, that the said Francis is about to sell her said land owned in common with the land of the said minor, that the proceeds of the sales would be much more productive than the land now is, the said guardian therefore prays that licence may be granted him to sell the said nine acres of land belonging to the said minor, as the law in such cases provides, and as in duty bound shall pray.
THOMAS VEAZEY, jr.
Exeter, Sept. 27, 1796.
Rockingham, ff.
Superior Court, Sept. term, 1796. Ordered by the court that the said Thomas Veasey notify all persons concerned to appear before the justices of the Superior Court of Judicature to be holden at Portsmouth, within and for the county of Rockingham, on the fourth Tuesday of April next, to shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer of said petition should not be granted, by causing said petition and order of Court thereon, to be published three weeks successively in the New-Hampshire Gazette.
Attest,
NATH'L ADAMS, Clerk. Copy examined by NATH'L ADAMS, Clerk.
To the honorable the Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature of the State of New-Hampshire, holden at Exeter, in the county of Rockingham on the third Tuesday of September, 1796.
Humbly Shews,
PETER RUSSELL guardian unto Samuel Weare of Hamptonfalls, Esq. a person adjudged to be non compos mentis , that upon the settlement of his account of guardianship of the said Samuel, there is due to him the said guardian a balance of ninety-two dollars and eighty cents, that there are sundry claims on the said Samuel still unpaid amounting to about two hundred and twelve dollars and that the further expence of settling with the creditors, selling real estate, court charges, &c. will amount to a considerable sum; wherefore he the said guardian prays your honors to grant him licence to sell so much of the real estate of the said Samuel as will amount to the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars for the purpose of discharging the demands and expences as aforesaid, and as bound shall pray, &c.
PETER RUSSELL.
Exeter, Sept. 23, 1796.
Rockingham, ff.
Superior Court, Sept. term, 1796. Ordered by the court that the said Peter Russell notify all persons concerned to appear before the justices of the Superior Court of Judicature to be holden at Portsmouth within and for the county of Rockingham, on the fourth Tuesday of April next, to shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer of the foregoing petition should not be granted by causing said petition and order of court thereon to be published three weeks successively in the New-Hampshire Gazette.
Attest,
NATH'L ADAMS, Clerk. Copy examined by NATH'L ADAMS, Clerk.
Rockingham, ff.
To the honorable the Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature, holden at Exeter in and for said county of Rockingham, Sept. term, 1796.
Shews,
MORRIS HOBBS of North-Hampton in said county, husbandman, as he is guardian unto Dorothy Marston of said North-Hampton, a person adjudged to be non compos mentis that the said Dorothy has been for a long time past unable to take care of herself, that she is possessed of a small real estate in said North-Hampton consisting of about three acres of land which it is necessary should be sold for her support; wherefore the said guardian prays that licence may be granted him to sell the said three acres of land for the purposes aforesaid, as the law in such cases provides, and as bound shall pray, &c.
MORRIS HOBBS.
Exeter, Sept. 27, 1796.
Rockingham, ff.
Superior Court, Sept. term, 1796. Ordered by the court that the said Morris Hobbs notify all persons concerned to appear before the justices of the Superior Court of Judicature to be holden at Portsmouth within and for the county of Rockingham, on the fourth Tuesday of April next, to shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer of said petition should not be granted by causing said petition and order of court thereon, to be published three weeks successively in the New-Hampshire Gazette.
Attest,
NATH'L ADAMS, Clerk. Copy examined by NATH'L ADAMS, Clerk.
Jonathan Philbrick
RESPECTFULLY informs the public that he has taken the Piscataqua Bridge Tavern and has laid himself out to furnish every thing to accommodate travellers and all kind of company that may visit the house, and assures them they shall fare as well and as cheap as at any Tavern in town or country, and always have their horses and cattle fed with the best of hay and oats. A large convenient shed for tying up is furnished, free of expense to travellers who wish to find their own fodder.
William Neil,
Portsmouth,
HAS for sale a number crates Earthen Ware, lately imported from Liverpool, well assorted, at a moderate advance for cash or a short credit on approved security.
He is likewise well supplied with Groceries and West-India Goods, which he sells cheap for cash.
Linen Cloth per box, intitled to draw-back, & a few pieces Velveteens first quality.
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.
Wholesale Store, Pleasant Street.
Lang, Brierley & Co.
Have removed from Ladd-Street, to the Store formerly occupied by them in Pleasant-Street,
BY the arrival of the May-Flower, Capt. Peterson, from Liverpool, they have received a very extensive assortment of GOODS,
suited to the present and approaching season, consisting of Woolens, Linens and Cottons of all descriptions.
They have also received a large quantity of
Cutlery and Hardware
Which are now opening, and for sale at a very low advance for Cash or approved Credit, by Wholesale only. Portsmouth, Oct. 19, 1796.
20 hhds. 3d & 4th proof Grenada RUM,
To be sold cheap for cash.— ALSO—
Philadelphia Bar Iron
by the ton or hundred.—By THOMAS THOMPSON.
State of New-Hampshire. To Moses Nichols, Esq. one of the Justices of the peace for the county of Grafton in said State.
WHEREAS his Excellency BENNING Wentworth, Esq. late Governor of the late Province (now State of New-Hampshire) on the 6th day of July 1763, by a charter and letters patent of that date, granted to Matthew Thornton, Esq. and others, a certain tract of land in said Province of New-Hampshire, bounded and described as follows, viz. beginning at the north east corner of Campton, from thence running westerly by the north line of said Campton, about 6 miles to the north west corner thereof, which is the north east corner of Rumney, from thence north thirty degrees, east 12 miles; from thence south about 12 miles to the bound first mentioned; and whereas Joseph Blanchard, who is herein a petitioner in his own right & in the rights of John Moor, Samuel Morrison, Jonathan Morrison, Tho's Morrison, David Craig, John M'Clench, Thomas Campbell, Richard Wye, Joseph Caldwell, John Swan, William M'Neal and Jesse Crisby, is a tenant in common of thirteen seventy third parts of the same tracts in common and undivided; and John Hogg, Esq. of Hampstead, in the rights of Benjamin Davis, James Doak, Thomas Curly, Robert M'Neal, William Taylor and James Taggart, is a tenant in common of six seventy third parts of the same tract in common and undivided as aforesaid. We the subscribers being proprietors and owners of more than one sixteenth part of the tract aforesaid, pray you to call a meeting of all the proprietors of the same to be held at the house of Capt. Edmund Elliot in said tract, in the county aforesaid, on Wednesday the 18th day of January next, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, then and there
1st. To choose a clerk. 2d. To choose a moderator for said meeting.
3d. To see if the proprietors will set off and assign to the said Joseph Blanchard, in his own right and in the right of the other persons aforesaid, his full proportion of the same lands, to hold to him his heirs and assigns in severality, as his proportion and property of the same lands.
4th. To see if the proprietors will set off and assign to the said John Hogg in the rights of the said Benjamin Davis, James Taggart and others, his full proportion of the same lands, to hold to him his heirs and assigns in severality as his proportion and property of the same lands.
5th. To agree on a method for calling proprietors meetings in said tract in future.
Dated at Thornton this eleventh day of November 1796. JOSEPH BLANCHARD, JOHN HOGG.
Pursuant to the foregoing application, I do hereby notify and warn all the proprietors of the aforesaid tract of land to assemble and meet at the time and place as mentioned in the foregoing application, then and there when met, to vote and act on the several articles, matters and things mentioned in the said application, according to the tenor thereof. Given under my hand and seal at Thornton aforesaid this 11th day of November, 1796. MOSES NICHOLS, Justice Peace.
Treasury of the United States.
NOTICE is hereby given to all persons who are or may be creditors of the United States, for any sums of the Funded Debt, or Stock, bearing a present interest of six per centum per annum.
1st. That pursuant to an Act of Congress passed on the 28th day of April, 1796, entitled an Act in addition to an Act entitled "An Act making further provision for the support of public credit, and for the redemption of the public debt," the said debt or stock will be reimbursed and paid in manner following, to wit. "First, by dividends to be made on the last days of March, June and September for the present year, and from the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, to the year one thousand eight hundred and eighteen inclusive, at the rate of one and one half per centum upon the original capital. Secondly, by dividends to be made on the last day of December for the present year, and from the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven to the year one thousand eight hundred and seventeen inclusive, at the rate of three and one half per centum upon the original capital; and by a dividend to be made on the last day of December, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, of such sum, as will be then adequate, according to the contract, for the final redemption of the said stock."
2d. All distinction between payments on account of interest and principal being thus abolished by the establishment of the permanent rule of reimbursement above described, it has become necessary to vary accordingly the powers of attorney for receiving dividends; the public creditors will therefore observe that the following form is established for all powers of attorney which may be granted after the due promulgation of this notice, viz.
KNOW all Men by these presents, that I of in do make, constitute and appoint my true and lawful attorney, for me, and in my name, to receive the dividends which are, or shall be payable according to law, on the (here describing the stock) standing in my name in the books of (here describing the books of the Treasury or the Commissioner of Loans, where the stock is credited) from (here insert the commencement and expiration of time for which the power of attorney is to continue) with power also an attorney or attorneys under him, for that purpose to make and substitute and to do all lawful acts requisite for effecting the premises, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney or his substitute, shall lawfully do, by virtue hereof.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day of in the year Sealed and delivered in presence of BE IT KNOWN, that on the day of before me personally came within named and acknowledged the above letter of attorney to be his act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the day and year last aforesaid. Given under my hand at Philadelphia, this twentieth day of July 1796, pursuant to directions from the Secretary of the Treasury.
SAMUEL MEREDITH, Treasurer of the United States.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident owners and proprietors of land in the town of Antrim, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1795; that so much of their land will be sold at public vendue, at the house of James Wallace, Innholder in Antrim, on Monday the 9th of January next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, as will pay said taxes with the incidental charges, unless prevented by previous payment.
Attest. C. T. M'Keen, 888 56. Ezekiel Paige, 50 3. Samuel Marshall, 50 3. Nathaniel Davidson's Heirs, 50 3. Samuel Gibson, Pasturing, &c. 100 22. Caleb Whiting, 150 8. John Bradford, 19 1. Alexander Cunningham, 25 1. Daniel Beck for Pasturing, Hay and Cow, &c. 30 9. Daniel Downing, 50 3. Gideon Huntington, 60 3. Margaret Green, to Lots No. 10, 11, 13. 250 14. Thomas English's Children, 100 6. Benjamin Gregg, to Pasturing, 45 14. Ebenezer March, 150 8. DAVID M'CLUER, Collector. Antrim, November 21, 1796.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to all the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the town of Stoddard, in said State, that are delinquent in paying the taxes assessed thereon, for the year 1794, that unless they pay said taxes to me the subscriber, on or before the 19th day of April next, so much of their lands will be sold at public vendue as will pay said taxes with incidental charges, at my dwelling house in said town, at 10 o'clock, A. M. on said day.
   No. R. Acs. s. d.     Capt. Jona. Keep, 10 9 80 13 4   Heirs of J. Chamberlain 28 6 80 13 4   Heirs of Col. Stoddard, east end, 14 7 40 6 3   13 5 80 13 4   9 10 80 13 4   25 4 80 13 4   12 5 80 13 4   Heirs of J. Wentworth 27 6 80 13 4   26 6 80 13 4   10 6 80 13 4   James Dunn, 41 2 80 13 4   Heirs of Col. Joseph Blanchard, E. end, 4 14 14 2 4   Heirs of Joseph Blanchard, Esq. 26 3 80 13 4   Heirs of Col. Reuben Kidder, 8 14 40 6 3   Matthew Thornton, East end, 23 2 61 10 2   Heirs of Joseph Blanchard, Esq. 27 3 80 13 4   Heirs of Col. Stoddard, 8 4 40 6 3   Ephraim Spalding, 5 4 80 13 4   NATH'L EMERSON, Collector. Stoddard, Nov. 21, 1796.  
State of New-Hampshire.
Grafton, ff. NOTICE is hereby given to all the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the town of Piermont in said State, that are delinquent in paying the taxes assessed thereon for the year 1795; that unless they pay said taxes to me the subscriber, on or before the 9th day of February next, so much of their lands will be sold at Public Vendue as will pay said taxes, with incidental charges, at the dwelling house of Mr. David Bixby in Piermont, in said county, at ten of the clock, A. M. on said day.
   No. R. Acs. s. d.     Joseph Smith, 2 2 100 7   Howard Henderson, 3 2 100 7   4th Division, 35 160 10   Samuel Wentworth, 4 2 100 7   Samuel Emerson, 6 2 100 7   Jonathan Carlton, 6 3 100 7   Charles Paxton, 7 3 100 7   4th Division, 37 160 10   Maj. J. Wentworth, 10 3 100 7   4th Division, 49 160 10   Robert Auchmoy, 1 4 100 7   4th Division, 34 160 10   Andrew Wiggins, 6 4 100 7   George Frost, 30 160 10   4th Division, 30 160 10   William Parker, 3 5 half 100 3 3/4   4th Division, 37 Do 160 5   Joseph Smith, 50 160 10   4th Division, 50 160 10   James Nevins, 15 160 10   4th Division, 15 160 10   Messack Weare, 5 6 100 7   House Lot, 34 1 75 4   SAMUEL S. RUSSELL, Collector. Piermont, Dec. 14, 1796.  
State of New-Hampshire.
Grafton, ff. To the honorable Jesse Johnson, Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace for said county.
THE petition of the subscribers, owners of more than one sixteenth part of the proprietorship of the town of Canaan, in said county, humbly shews, that they labor under many inconveniences by reason of not being in a legal capacity to call meetings of said proprietors to transact their common or ordinary business; therefore pray your honor to call a meeting of said proprietors on the 2d Tuesday of January next, at 1 o'clock, P. M. at the dwelling house of Lt. Simeon Arvin, in said Canaan, to act on the following particulars, viz.
 1st. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.  2d. To choose a clerk of said proprietors.  3d. To see if the proprietors will complete the laying out of their lands.  4th. To agree on a method to call meetings in future.  5th. To ratify and confirm all or any part of the former votes and proceedings of their former meetings.  Joshua Wells, William Richards, Robert Barber, William Ayers, Joshua Harris, Ezekiel Wells. Dated at Canaan, Nov. 18, 1796. Agreeable to the above petition, and the laws of the State of New-Hampshire, I do hereby notify and warn all the proprietors of the township of Canaan aforesaid, to meet at the time and place above mentioned to transact the above said business. Given under my hand, this 21th day of November, 1796. JESSE JOHNSON, Justice Peace.