Gazette of the United States, & Philadelphia daily advertiser. (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 1798-05-12 00:00:00

Gazette of the United States, and Philadelphia Daily Advertiser.
By JOHN FENNO, No. 119 Chestnut Street.
NUMBER 1769.]
PHILADELPHIA: SATURDAY EVENING, MAY 12, 1798.
[VOLUME XIII.]
For Sale, or Charter.
THE SHIP LIBERTY, LAYING AT Vine Street Wharf...
JUST ARRIVED, In the brig Gayoso, capt. Bingham, from St. Martins...
For Sale, at the Stores of the Subscribers, on Walnut Street Wharf...
THE BRIG AMAZON, For Sale, or Charter. Nicklin & Griffith.
FOR SALE. 193 boxes white } Havannah Sugar...
FOR HAMBURGH. THE SHIP DOMINICK TERRY, John Fleming, Master.
FOR SALE. A House and 12 elegant Building Lots in Germantown.
VIRGINIA TOBACCO. WALKER & KENNEDY, No. 73, South Front Street.
Horses on Sale. Several valuable Horses to be Sold...
FRESH TEAS. MR. CHALK, INFORMS his Friends and the Public, that he has opened a TEA WAREHOUSE.
Real Estate for Sale. At the Merchant's Coffee House on Monday evening...
HEALTH OFFICE.
Philadelphia, 18 May, 1798. Extract of an act to alter and amend the Health Laws...
Treasury Department.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT proposals will be received at the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury...
OLIVER WOLCOTT, Secretary of the Treasury.
Germantown and Reading Turnpike Road Company.
THE Subscribers Commissioners appointed by an Act of Assembly of this Commonwealth...
THE Subscribers Commissioners appointed by an Act of Assembly of this Commonwealth...
THE Subscribers Commissioners appointed by an Act of Assembly of this Commonwealth...
MILITARY ACADEMY.
THE Public are most respectfully informed, that a Military Academy is opened in the Northern Liberties...
Military Colours.
Portrait and Ornamental Painting Rooms, No. 50, South Fourth, next to Chestnut Street...
NOTICE.
P.S. Gentlemen in town and country, wishing for a supply of Colours and Drums...
Military Colours.
GEORGE RUTTER & Co. Portrait and Ornamental Painters...
NOTICE.
HAVING observed an advertisement of C. Gullager...
NOTICE.
THE following Certificates of FUNDED DEBT OF THE UNITED STATES...
NOTICE.
THE following Certificates of Shares in the North American Land Company...
NOTICE.
THE following Certificates of the Subscribers, TRADING UNDER THE FIRM OF JOSEPH DAVIDSON & Co.
FOR SALE.
SEVERAL very elegant Situations for Summer Retreats...
FOR SALE.
Imported in the ship Phoenix, Richard Grice, master, from Amsterdam...
HEAD ACHE.
PERSONS afflicted with the Head Ache, proceeding from whatever cause...
FOR SALE.
THE whole or one half of a PLANTATION on the river Delaware...
JUST ARRIVED.
In the ship Phoenix, capt. Grice, from Amsterdam...
JUST RECEIVED, via Baltimore, &c.
50 bales brown Ticklenburgs and hampers Linens...
BRANDY.
The Cargo of the Danish Brig Concord, FROM COPENHAGEN...
Notice is hereby Given.
THAT application has been made at the Bank of the United States...
Forty Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY, on the 7th of April, a Negro Man, named Glasgow...
WANTED.
A Good Cook—also a Man Servant who understands House work...

MESSAGE
Of the President of the United States, To both Houses of Congress, May 4th, 1798.
(Concluded from yesterday's Gazette.)
Desirous of establishing, not the dependence of a weak on a powerful nation, but that real and cordial friendship, the willing and spontaneous offering of generous minds, which can only be lasting when evidenced to be mutual, and can only be preserved when bottomed on reciprocal justice, the undersigned, will now represent with candor and frankness the well founded complaints with which they are charged.
These complaints consist:— Of claims uncontroverted by the government of France, but which remain unsatisfied, and
Of claims founded on captures and confiscations, the illegality of which has not yet been admitted.
In the first class are arranged Firstly. Those whose property has been seized under the decree of the National Convention of the 9th May 1793.
Secondly. Those who are entitled to compensation in consequence of the long detention of their vessels at Bourdeaux in the years 1793 and 1794.
Thirdly. The holders of bills and other evidences of debts due drawn by the Colonial Administrations in the West-Indies.
Fourthly. Those whose cargoes have been appropriated to public use without receiving therefor adequate payment, and
Fifthly. Those who have supplied the government under contracts with its agents which have not yet been complied with on the part of France.
These well founded claims of American citizens, thus originating in voluntary and important supplies, in the forcible seizure of valuable property, accompanied with promises of payment, and in injurious detentions, constitute a mass of debt which the justice and good faith of the French government cannot refuse to provide for and which is too considerable to be unnoticed by that of the United States. The undersigned are instructed to solicit your attention to this subject, and they would persuade themselves that they do not solicit in vain. So many circumstances concur to give force to the application, that they leave it to your government in the confidence that no additional representations can be necessary.
They pass to complaints still more important for their amount, more interesting in their nature, and more serious in their consequences.
On the 14th Messidor, 4th year of the French Republic, one and indivisible (July 2d 1796) the Executive Directory decreed "that all neutral or allied powers shall without delay be notified that the flag of the French Republic will treat neutral vessels either as to confiscation, as to searches or capture, in the same manner as they shall suffer the English to treat them." This decree, in any point of view in which it can be considered, could not fail to excite in the United States the most serious attention.
It dispenses at once as they conceive with the most solemn obligations which compact can create, and consequently asserts a right on the part of France, to recede at her discretion from any stipulations she may have entered into. It has been demonstrated that governments may by contract change, as between themselves, the rules established by the law of nations, and that such contract becomes completely obligatory on the parties, though it can in no manner affect the rights of others, yet by this decree allies with whom such stipulations exist are to be treated, without regard to such stipulations, in the same manner as they are treated by others, who are bound by a different rule. This as it respects the United States is the more unfriendly, because a readiness has been manifested on their part to modify by consent their treaty with France as to reinstate the rules established by the Law of Nations.
The general terms too in which this decree is conceived, threatened but too certainly the mischiefs it has generated, and the abuses which have been practiced under it. Neutrals are to be treated as they shall permit the English to treat them. No rule extracted from the practice of England is laid down, which might govern the cruisers of France, or instruct the vessels of neutrals. No principles are stated manifesting the opinion entertained of the treatment received from England, which might enable a neutral to controvert that opinion, and to show that the English were not permitted to treat its flag as was supposed by the government of France. To judge from the decree itself, from any information given concerning it, or from the practice under it, those who were to be benefitted by its abuse, were to decide in what manner it should be executed and the cruiser who should fall in with a valuable vessel had only to consult his own rapacity, in order to determine whether an English privateer, meeting a vessel under similar circumstances, would capture and bring her into port. Multiplied excesses and accumulated vexations could not but have been apprehended from such a decree, & the fact has realized every fear that was entertained concerning it. It has been construed even in Europe to authorize the capture and condemnation of American vessels for the single circumstance of their being destined for a British port. At no period of the war has Britain undertaken to exercise such a power. At no period of the war has she asserted such a right. It is a power which prostrates every principle of national sovereignty and to which no nation can submit without relinquishing at the same time
its best interests and sacrificing its dearest rights. This power has been exercised by France on her unsecured and unprotected commerce of an ally, on the presumption that that ally was sustaining the same injuries from Britain, at a time when it is believed that the depredations of that nation had ceased, and the principle of compensating for them had been recognized.
In the West-Indies similar depredations have been experienced. On the 1st of August 1796, the special agents of the Executive Directory to the Windward Islands decreed, that all vessels loaded with contraband goods should be seized and confiscated for the benefit of the captors.
On the seventh Frimaire, 5th year of the French Republic, one and indivisible (27th November, 1796) the commission delegated by the French Republic to the Leward Islands, resolved that the captains of the French national vessels and privateers are authorized to stop and bring into the ports of the colony American vessels bound to English ports or coming from the said ports.
On the 19th Pluviose, 5th year of the French Republic, one and indivisible, (February 1st, 1797) Victor Hugues and Lebas, the special agents of the Executive directory to the Windward Islands, passed a decree, subjecting to capture and confiscation neutral vessels destined for the Windward and Leeward Islands of America, delivered up to the English, and occupied and defended by the emigrants. These ports are said to be Martinico, St. Lucie, Tobago, Demerara, Berbice, Essequibo, Port-au-Prince, St. Marks, L'Archaye, and Jeremie. The decree also subjects to capture all vessels which have cleared out for the West-Indies generally.
The undersigned will not detain you citizen minister, for the purpose of proving how directly and openly these decrees violate both the law of nations and the treaty between France and the United States.
They have been executed on the officers and crews of the captured vessels in a manner, by no means calculated to mitigate their rigor.
The decree of the fourteenth of Messidor was soon followed by another which has spared but little of the American commerce, except what has fortunately escaped the pursuit of the cruisers of France. On the twelfth Ventose, 5th year, (2d March, 1797) the Executive Directory considering the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation concluded at London the 19th November, 1794 between the said United States and England, as containing concessions of privileges to Britain which, under the treaty of February 1778, might be enjoyed by this republic also, proceeds to modify the treaty between France and the United States, by declaring enemies goods in American bottoms liable to capture and confiscation; by enlarging the list of contraband and by subjecting to punishment as a pirate any American citizen holding a commission given by the enemies of France, as well as every seaman of that nation, making a part of the crew of enemies ships. The decree next proceeds to exact from Americans papers which had been made necessary to establish the neutrality of foreign vessels, generally, by the ordinance of the 26th of July, 1778, but which had never been considered as applying to the United States; which required papers their vessels could not be supposed to possess, and which the treaty between the two nations was supposed to have rendered unnecessary.
The bans taken by the Executive Directory, on which to rest their modification of the treaty of the sixth of February, 1778, is that by the treaty of the nineteenth of November, 1794, particular favours in respect of commerce and navigation have been granted to England.
It has been demonstrated that no particular favors in respect of commerce or navigation, have been granted to England. That treaty has been shewn only to recognize, regulate, and moderate the exercise of the rights before possessed, and before openly acknowledged to be possessed—rights which France and America had reciprocally ceded to each other, without requiring, as a condition of the cession, that either should compel England to form a similar stipulation.
But to admit for a moment that the treaty with England might be considered as stipulating favours not before possessed, yet the American government did not so understand that treaty, and had manifested a disposition to modify, by common consent, its relations with this republic, in such manner as to reinstate a rule, which has been voluntarily changed. It cannot but be sincerely regretted, because it seemed to indicate an unfriendly temper, that France has deemed it more eligible to establish by force, in opposition to her treaty, a principle which she deemed convenient, than to fix that principle on the fair basis of mutual and amicable agreement.
But the clause under which these modifications are justified is in these words:—"The most Christian King and the United States engage mutually not to grant any particular favor to other nations, in respect to commerce and navigation which shall not immediately become common to the other party, who shall enjoy the same favor freely, if the concession was freely made, or on allowing the same compensation if the concession was conditional." If these stipulations unequivocally amounted to the grant of favors, still the grant is not gratuitous. The concessions on the part of the United States are made on condition of similar concessions on the part of Britain. If therefore France chooses to consider them as modifications of the Treaty of 1778, she can only do it by granting the reciprocal condition; on this supposition she has either of the rules at her election, but she cannot vary from the first without a compact on her part to grant the reciprocal stipulation. Such a compact is in the nature of a national treaty.
But the rules laid down in the decree of 12th Ventose, 5th year (March 2, 1797) as founded on the 17th, 18th and 21st articles
of the treaty of the 19th of November '94 are materially variant from those articles. To demonstrate this it is only necessary to contrast the rules of the decree with the articles of the treaty on which those rules are said to be founded.
Articles of the Treaty of the nineteenth November, 1794, as quoted by the Directory. Rules established by the article of the Directory.
ARTICLE 17. It is agreed that in all cases where vessels shall be captured or detained on just suspicion of having on board enemies' property, or of carrying to the enemy any of the articles which are contraband of war, the said vessels shall be brought to the nearest or most convenient port and if any property of an enemy should be found on board such vessels, that part only which belongs to the enemy shall be made prize, and the vessel shall be at liberty to proceed with the remainder without any impediment. And it is agreed that all proper measures shall be taken to prevent delay in deciding the cases of ships or cargoes so brought for adjudication; and in the payment or recovery of any indemnification adjudged or agreed to be paid to the owners or masters of such ships.
According to the article, when on just suspicion of having on board enemy's property, or of carrying to the enemy contraband of war, a vessel shall be brought into port, that part only which belongs to the enemy shall be made prize, according to the article, then the fact whether the property does or does not belong to an enemy is to be fairly tried. The party who would establish the fact must prove it. The captor must shew the justice of the suspicion on which the capture or detention was founded. The burthen of the proof rests on him. If in truth and in fact the property does not belong to an enemy or is not proved to belong to an enemy, it must be discharged. But the rule pursues a different course. The rule declares that merchandise of the enemy or not sufficiently proved to be neutral, laden under the American flag, shall be confiscated. The burthen of the proof is shifted from the captor to the captured. The question to be tried is not solely whether the merchandise be in fact the property of an enemy, but also whether it be sufficiently proved to be neutral. The sufficiency of this proof is to be ascertained, not by general and satisfactory testimony, not by the great principles of truth and the common understanding of mankind, but by the exhibition of certain papers demanded at the will of one of the parties, and not in the possession of the other. This may be a regulation which France chooses to establish; but certainly it is a regulation, essentially variant from the article it professes to resemble.
ARTICLE 18. RULE 2. In order to regulate what is in future to be esteemed contraband of war, it is agreed that under the said denomination shall be comprehended all arms and implements serving for the purposes of war, by land or by sea; as cannon, muskets, mortars, pistols, bombs, grenades, cartridges, fuses, powder, saltpetre, gunpowder, match, salt petre, ball, pikes, swords, headpieces, cuirasses, halberds, lances, javelins, horse furniture, bellows, belts, and generally all other implements of war; as also timber for ship-building, tar & rosin, copper in sheets, sails, hemp and cordage, and generally whatever may serve directly or indirectly for the armament and equipment of vessels, unwrought iron and flat planks excepted. These several articles shall be confiscated whenever they shall be destined or attempted to be carried to the enemy.
The immense number of articles, which may serve indirectly for the armament and equipment of vessels, are made contraband by the rule of the Directory, though they are not so by the article it professes to cite.
ARTICLE 21. RULE 3. It is likewise agreed that the subjects and citizens of the two nations shall not do any acts of violence against each other, nor accept commissions or instructions to do such acts from any foreign prince or state enemies to the party; nor shall the enemies of one of the parties be permitted to invite or endeavor to enlist in their military service any of the subjects or citizens of the other party; and the laws against all such offences and aggressions shall be punctiliously executed. And if any subject or citizen of the said parties respectively shall accept any foreign commission or letters of marque for arming any vessel to act as a privateer against the other party, it is hereby declared to be lawful for the said party to treat and punish the said subject or citizen having such commission or letters of marque as a pirate.
The government of the United States has never formed any treaty comprehending an article in any degree similar to this rule. It has never assented to such stipulations as they relate to its own citizens, or required them as they relate to those of other powers. The difference between the article and the rule requires no comment. Nor will the rule be commented on. The undersigned will only observe, that the article is
by no means uncommon, but is to be found in most treaties of amity and commerce. The 21st article of the treaty with France, the 19th of the treaty with the United Provinces, the 23d of the treaty with Sweden, and the 26th article of the treaty with Prussia, contain similar stipulations. It is not easy to conceive a reason why it should not also be inserted in a treaty with England, or why its insertion should give offence to France.
But the fourth rule of the decree is in its operation the most extensive and the most seriously destructive. That rule declares, that "conformably to the law of the 14th February, 1793, the regulations of the 21st of October, 1744, and of the 26th of July, 1778, concerning the manner of proving the property of neutral ships and merchandise, shall be executed according to their form and tenor."
"Every American ship shall therefore be a good prize, which shall not have on board a list of the crew in proper form, such as is prescribed by the model annexed to the treaty of the 6th of February, 1778, the observance of which is required by the 25th and 27th articles of the same treaty."
This rule requires that American ships and merchandise, in order to prove the property to be American, shall exhibit certain papers, and especially a rôle d'équipage, which are required of neutrals generally by the particular marine ordinances of France, recited in the decrees of the Directory. But France and America have entered into a solemn treaty, one object of which was to secure the vessels of either party, which might be at peace, from the cruelties of the other which might be engaged in war. To effect this object the contracting parties have not referred each other to the particular statutes or ordinances of either government, but have enumerated the papers which should be deemed sufficient. They have done more: They have prescribed the very form of the passport which should establish the neutrality of the vessel, and prevent her being diverted from her course. The 25th and 27th articles of the treaty between the two nations, which are quoted by the Directory, and are considered by the undersigned as conclusive on this subject, are in these words:
ARTICLE 25.
"To the end that all manner of dissensions and quarrels may be avoided and prevented on the one side and on the other, it is agreed that in case either of the parties hereto should be engaged in war, the ships and vessels belonging to the subjects or people of the other ally must be furnished with sea-letters or passports, expressing the name, property and bulk of the ship, as also the name and place of habitation of the master or commander of the said ship, that it may appear thereby that the said ship really and truly belongs to the subjects of one of the parties, which passport shall be made out and granted according to the form annexed to this treaty, and they shall likewise be recalled every year, that is, if the ship happens to return home in the space of a year. It is likewise agreed that such ships, being laden, are to be provided not only with passports, as above mentioned, but also with certificates containing the several particulars of the cargo, the place whence the ship sailed, and whither she is bound, that so it may be known whether any forbidden or contraband goods be on board the same; which certificates shall be made out by the officers of the place, whence the ship set sail, in the accustomed form; and if any one in said ship think it fit or advisable to call in the said certificates the person to whom the goods on board belong, he may freely do so."
ARTICLE 27.
"If the ships of the said subjects, people or inhabitants of either of the parties, shall be met with either sailing along the coasts, or on the high seas, by any ship of war of the other, or by any privateers, the said ships of war or privateers, for the avoiding of any disorder, shall remain out of cannon shot, and may send their boats aboard the merchant ship, which they shall so meet with, and may enter her to the number of two or three men only, to whom the master or commander of such ship or vessel shall exhibit his passport, concerning the property of the ship, made out according to the form inserted in this present treaty, and the ship, when she shall have shewed such passport, shall be free and at liberty to pursue her voyage, so as it shall not be lawful to molest or search her in any manner, or to give her chase or force her to quit her intended course."
It will be admitted, that the two nations possess the power of agreeing that any paper in any form shall be the sole document, demandable by either from the other, to prove the property of a vessel and cargo. It will also be admitted, that an agreement so made becomes the law of the parties, which must retain its obligation.
Examine then the words of the compact and determine by fair construction what will satisfy them.
The 25th article states substantially the contents of a paper, which is termed a sea-letter or passport, and which "it is agreed that in case either of the parties should be engaged in war, the ships and vessels belonging to the subjects or people of the other ally must be furnished with." To what purpose are they to be furnished with this sea-letter or passport? The article answers, "To the end that all manner of dissensions and quarrels may be avoided and prevented, on one side and the other, "that it may appear thereby that the ship really and truly belongs to the subjects of one of the parties."
But how will the passport "prevent and avoid all manner of dissensions and quarrels on one side or the other," if ordinances, both prior, and subsequent to the treaty, are to be understood as controlling it, and as requiring other papers not contemplated in the public agreement of the two nations? How is it to appear from the passport, "that the ship really and truly belongs to the subjects of one of the parties," if it is denied that the passport is evidence of that fact, and contended that other papers, not alluded to in the treaty, shall be adduced to prove it?
But the 27th article is still more explicit. It declares that when a merchant-ship of one of the parties shall be visited by the ships of war or privateers of the other, "the commander of such ship or vessel shall exhibit his passport, concerning the property of the ship, made out according to the form inserted
in the present treaty, and the ship, when she shall have shewed such passport, shall be free and at liberty to pursue her voyage, so as it shall not be lawful to molest or search her in any manner, or to give chase, or force her to quit her intended course." What is it that shall prove the property of the vessel? The treaty answers, the passport. But the decree of the directory requires in addition certain other papers, perfectly distinct from the passport. The treaty declares, that "the ship when she shall have shewed (not the rôle d'équipage or any other paper, required by the particular ordinances of either nation, but) "such passport, shall be free and at liberty to pursue her voyage, so as it shall not be lawful to molest or search her in any manner, or to give her chase or force her to quit her intended course." Yet the vessels of America, after exhibiting "such passport" are not "free and at liberty to pursue their voyage;" they are "molested;" they are "chased;" they are "forced to quit their intended course;" they are captured and confiscated as hostile property.
It is alleged that the form of the passport, which is annexed to the treaty, manifests that certain acts were to be performed by the person to whom the passport is delivered, and that such person ought to prove the performance of those acts.
But the treaty, far from requiring such proof, absolutely dispenses with it. The treaty declares that the passport shall itself evidence the property of the vessel and secure it from molestation of any sort. By consent of the parties then the passport is evidence of all that either party can require from the other. Neither the right to give such consent, or the obligation of a compact formed upon it can, as is conceived, ever be denied, nor can the form of the passport, whatever it may be, change the compact.
But let the words of the model be examined. They are "Atous ceux qui ces présentes verront: soit notoire que faculté et permission a été accordée à maître ou commandant du navire appelé de la ville de [blank] de la capacité de [blank] tonneaux ou environ, se trouvant présentement dans le port de [blank] qu'après que son navire a été visité et avant son départ, il prètera serment entre les mains des officiers de la marine, qui le dit navire appartient à un ou plusieurs sujets de [blank] dont l'acte sera mis à la fin des présentes; de même qu'il gardera les ordonnances et reglemens maritimes, et remettra une liste signée et confirmée par témoins, contenant les noms et surnoms, les lieux de naissance, et la demeure des personnes composant l'équipage de son navire, et de tous ceux qui embarqueront, lesquels il ne recevra pas à bord sans connoissance et permission des officiers de marine; et dans chaque port où il arrivera, il montrera la présente permission aux officiers et juges de marine."
It is-hidden"> It is material to observe, that the model requires the oath concerning the property of the vessel to be annexed to the passport, but does not require any other certificate or the annexation of any paper whatever. Why this difference? It is a solemn proof of that for which the article stipulates and therefore the model expresses that the evidence of this fact shall be annexed, but it does not require the production of the evidence of any other fact.
It seems then to be demonstrated that the sea letter or passport, a model of which is annexed to the treaty, is by solemn agreement to be received by each party as conclusive testimony, that the vessel producing such passport is the property of a citizen of the other, and is consequently to continue her voyage without molestation or hindrance.
But let it be supposed that the treaty on this subject was less conclusive, and that its stipulations had been ambiguously expressed; yet it is certain that it has been uniformly understood by both parties, as the undersigned have expounded it, and that neither France nor the United States, previous to the decree complained of, considered the vessels of either nation, producing the passport agreed on, as liable to capture for want of a rôle d'équipage.
For more than four years after her treaty with the United States, France was engaged in a war with Britain, and in the course of that time it was never suggested that a rôle d'équipage was necessary for the protection of an American vessel. It does not weaken the argument that the United States were also parties to the war. The principle assumed is, that without the production of the papers required by the decree, the vessel does not appear to be, and cannot be considered as American property. If this principle be correct, it would not cease to apply because the United States were engaged in the war. Was America even engaged in the war on the part of France, a British vessel carrying American colours would not be secured by the flag she bore. It would be necessary to prove by her papers, or other admissible testimony that the vessel was American property. If this fact cannot appear without a rôle d'équipage while the United States are at peace, neither could it appear without the same evidence if the United States were parties to the war.
About four years of the present war had also elapsed before this construction of the treaty, at the same time so wonderful and so ruinous, had disclosed itself. In the course of that time the ports of France were filled with the vessels of the United States. Very many of them failed under contracts made for the government itself by its minister in Philadelphia. No one of them possessed a rôle d'équipage; no one of them was considered on that account as being liable to condemnation. Indeed, in some instances, vessels have been captured and discharged although this paper was not among those belonging to the ship.
Such a long course of practice appears to have evidenced unequivocally the sense of France on this subject.

It is too apparent to be questioned for a moment, that on the part of the United States no suspicion had ever been entertained that such a paper could have been required. A role d'équipage could have been obtained with as much facility as that passport for which the treaty stipulates. Could it have been imagined that American vessels incurred the possible hazard of being retarded only one day in a voyage for want of such paper, it would in every instance have been supplied. No vessels would have failed without it.
Your own mind, Citizen Minister, will suggest to you, with irresistible force, the extreme hardship of thus putting a new construction on a long existing contract, or of giving a new and unexpected extension to ancient municipal regulations, and of condemning thereby vessels taken on the high seas for want of a paper not known to be required, when they failed out of port. If a role d'équipage was really considered by France as necessary evidence of any fact, the establishment of which was deemed essential, common usage and those plain principles of justice which all nations should respect, indispensably require that the regulation should first be made known to a neutral and friendly nation by other means than by the capture and confiscation of its property. If this measure had been announced to the government of the United States, before it had been put in practice, and American vessels had failed without a role d'équipage, they would have taken upon themselves the hazard of such a procedure. But in a moment when the ocean is covered with peaceful merchantmen, pursuing a just and lawful commerce, to bring into sudden operation a measure which had never before been applied to them, which had for so many years slept unheard of, and by the force of this regulation, to confiscate ungranted property which had been trusted to the seas, under the faith of solemn and existing treaties, and without conjecture that this, more than any other formality, would have been required, is to impose on unoffending individuals a ruin from which no wise precautions, no human foresight could possibly have protected them.
On this subject then the undersigned appeal with confidence to the justice and equity of the French government.
But could it be conceded for a moment that the Executive Directory might rightfully modify the treaty of France with the United States by that of the United States with Britain, and might rightfully require a role d'équipage in order to establish the neutrality of a vessel, for want of which the vessel might be confiscated, yet, the cargo being proved to be neutral ought to be safe.
According to the law of Nations, the goods of an enemy found on board the ship of a friend are liable to capture, and the goods of a friend found on board the ship of an enemy are safe. The United States and France have consented to change this rule as between themselves. They have agreed that the goods of an enemy found on board the vessels of either party shall be safe, and that the goods of either found on board the vessel of an enemy shall be liable to capture. The one part of the rule is in consequence of and dependent on the other. The one part cannot on any principle of justice be abandoned while the other is maintained.
In their treaty with England the United States retain unchanged the principle of the law of nations. If France modifies her treaty in this respect by that of England, she ought to take the principle entire. If in conformity to the treaty between the United States and England, France claims the right of taking enemies property found on board an American ship, then, in conformity with that treaty also, France ought to spare American property, found on board an enemy's ship. If, therefore, this extraordinary position could be maintained, that an American ship without a role d'équipage becomes the ship of an enemy, still the cargo, being proved to be the property of a friend, ought, on the principle of modifying the treaty between the two nations by that with England, to have been restored to the owners.
The result of these regulations has been the most extensive and universal devastation of the American commerce. Not only vessels bound to and from the enemies of France but vessels bound to and from her allies, and to and from her own ports have been seized and confiscated.
The inevitable consequence has been, that direct commerce between the two nations is almost annihilated, and that the property of American citizens has been taken to a much larger amount than would have been possible in a state of actual war.
Yet the government of the United States, willing, if it be possible, to avoid even defensive measures, has sought affluently and unremittingly, though hitherto without success, for such peaceful and amicable explanations as might do away existing animosities, and restore between the two republics that harmony which it so truly desires.
America has accustomed herself to perceive in France only the ally and the friend. Consulting the feelings of her own bosom, she has believed that between republics an elevated and refined friendship could exist, and that free nations were capable of maintaining for each other a real and permanent affection. If this pleasing theory, erected with so much care and viewed with so much delight, has been impaired by experience, yet the hope continues to be cherished that this circumstance does not necessarily involve the opposite extreme. It is believed that there exists no sufficient cause for solid and permanent enmity between France and the United States, but that on the contrary the interests of both would be promoted by that friendly intercourse, which a reciprocal observance of the great and immutable principles of justice would certainly establish and can alone preserve. Under this impression America resists the opinion that the present state of things has grown out of a digested system to which France de-
signs to adhere. She wishes and she endeavors to persuade herself that temporary causes, which too often produce effects a found and just policy must reprobate, connected with a misconstruction of the conduct of her government, as well as of the motives on which it has acted, may have occasioned those very serious aggressions of which she complains. She recedes therefore, even under the pressure of these aggressions, slowly and with difficulty from the attachments she has formed. So intertwined with every ligament of her heart have been the chords of affection which bound her to France, that only repeated and continual acts of hostility can tear them asunder.
The government of the United States, therefore, still searches the means of terminating peacefully, and in a manner which ought to be mutually satisfactory, the calamities of the moment, and of averting the still greater calamities which may be reserved for the future. Not even the discouraging and unusual events which had preceded the present effort to negotiate could deter that government from repeating its endeavors for the preservation of amity and peace. Three citizens of the United States have been deputed as envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary to the French republic. Their instructions authorize and direct them to review the existing treaties between the two nations, and to remove by all proper means, the inequalities which have grown out of the stipulations of those treaties, in consequence of the refusal of England to adopt the principles they contain. They are also directed to give fair and complete explanations of the conduct of the government they represent; to state fully and truly the heavy injuries which their fellow citizens have sustained; and to ask from the equity of a great and magnanimous republic that compensation for those injuries which we flatter ourselves, their justice will not refuse and their liberal policy will not hesitate to give.
Bringing with them the temper of their government and country, searching only for the means of effecting the objects of their mission, they have permitted no personal considerations to influence their conduct, but have waited under circumstances beyond measure embarrassing and unpleasant, with that respect which the American government has so uniformly paid to that of France for permission to lay before you, citizen minister, these important communications with which they have been charged.
Perceiving no probability of being allowed to enter, in the usual forms, on those discussions which might tend to restore harmony between the two republics, they have deemed it most advisable, even under the circumstances of informality which attend the measure, to address to your government, through you, this candid review of the conduct, and this true representation of the sentiments and wishes of the government of the United States. They pray that it may be received in the temper with which it is written, and considered as an additional effort, growing out of a disposition common to the government and people of America, to curtail and restore, if it be possible, harmony between the two republics. If, citizen minister, there remains a hope that these desirable objects can be effected by any means which the United States have authorized, the undersigned will still solicit and will still respectfully attend the development of those means.
If on the contrary no such hope remains; they have only to pray that their return to their own country may be facilitated; and they will leave France with the most deep-seated regret that neither the real and sincere friendship, which the government of the United States has so uniformly and unequivocally displayed for this great republic, nor its continued efforts to demonstrate the purity of its conduct and intentions, can protect its citizens, or preserve them from the calamities which they have sought by a just and upright conduct to avert.
The undersigned pray you, citizen minister, to accept the assurances of their perfect respect and consideration.
Paris, January 17th, 1798, in the 24th year of American Independence.
Translated extract from the Bulletin des Lois, No. 178, printed at Paris, and enclosed with the quadruplicate of the European letter, No. 6. Law relative to vessels laden with English merchandise of the 26th Nivose, 6th year, (18th Jan. 1796.)
The council of Ancients, adopting the reasons for the declaration of urgency, which precedes the resolution herein after contained, approves the act of urgency.
Here follows the tenor of the declaration of urgency, and of the resolution of the 22nd Nivose, (11th January 1798.)
The council of Five Hundred, after having heard the report of a special committee upon the message of the Executive Directory of the 15th Nivose, [18th Jan.] relative to English merchandise;
Considering, that the interest of the Republic demands the most prompt measures against all vessels which may be loaded therewith;
Declares, that there is urgency.
The Council, after having declared the urgency, resolves as follows:
ARTICLE 1. The character of vessels, relative to their quality of neutral or enemy, shall be determined by their cargo; in consequence, every vessel found at sea, loaded in whole or in part with merchandise the production of England or of her possessions, shall be declared good prize, whenever the owner of these goods or merchandise may be called.
ARTICLE 2. Every foreign vessel which, in the course of her voyage, shall have entered into a port of the French Republic, except in case of necessity; in which case she shall be bound to depart from the said port as soon as the causes of her entry shall have ceased.
ARTICLE 3. The present resolution shall be printed. (Signed)
Boulay (of la Meurthe) President. Guilleminet, } Secretaries. Rober, }
After a second reading, the council of Ancients approves the above resolution. The 26th of Nivose, sixth year of the French republic (18th January, 1798.) (Signed)
Marragon, President. E. Laveaux Kauffmann, } Secretaries. Menuau, } Merie, }
The Executive Directory orders, that the above
law shall be printed, executed, and that it shall be sealed with the seal of the republic.
Done at the national palace of the executive directory, the 26th Nivose, sixth year of the French republic, one and indivisible. (11th January, 1798.)
For a true copy: (Signed) P. Barras, President. By the Executive Directory, The Secretary-General, LACRADE, And sealed with the seal of the Republic.
By this day's Mail.
DUBLIN, March 15.
The Privy Council has been sitting these two days on the examination of the prisoners who were apprehended on Monday last, and we understand that they have all been committed on charges of High Treason. We have not been able to ascertain the precise nature of the evidence on which they have been charged, but we understand that the papers found upon the provincial committee of Leinster, and upon the person of Mr. Bond, are complete with respect to the treasonable nature of their meeting, and the advanced progress of the open and direct rebellion which was meditated, and which we trust by the vigilance and exertions of government will be entirely defeated. We understand the meeting at Mr. Bond's were surprised at an early hour, so that possibly all the delegates were not arrived, but we have obtained a list of such as appear.
Barlow, Peter Ivers, Laurence Griffin—Queens Co. Laurence Kelly, Peter Bannon—Kildare, G. Cummins—Meath, Thomas Reynolds, Charles Martin—Co. Dublin, Pat. Devine, James Roffe—City Dublin, Thomas Traynor, Edw. Hudson—Secretary, John M'Cann, head clerk to Henry Jackson.
Oliver Bond, and Dr. M'Nevin (who is supposed to have spent part of last summer at Hamburg) have been also examined and committed.—Mr. Jackson and his son, Mr. John Sweetman and counsellor Emmet, have not yet undergone an examination.
When the arrest of the persons now in custody was reported on Monday last, a considerable appearance of alarm and agitation was discernible throughout the city; many persons notorious for seditious practices were seen collecting in various parts, in such numbers as to promise some immediate and violent effort. The first effay of their strength was made by insulting those who were innocuous from rank or loyalty. In Parliament Street an attempt of this kind was made upon the lord chancellor as he passed on the way to his court, but by his own decisive spirit, and the prompt support of several loyal gentlemen, who immediately assembled round him, the malice of treason was frustrated. It was then seen that but one resource of safety remained to the well affected, and that resource was instantly adopted—the yeomanry flew to arms. In the short space of an hour not less than two hundred of the lawyers corps appeared on their parade; the attorneys were not less prompt or numerous; Beresford's cavalry were equally forward; the divisional corps, the college regiment, the St. Sepulchre's, the liberty rangers, upper cros, &c. &c. all were arrayed with a dispatch which it is hardly possible to conceive; a dispatch the more admirable, as the effort was purely voluntary, founded not upon orders or upon summons, but springing from the impetuous and obvious danger, which lived in the face of every man who felt the sensation of loyalty, and perceived the unusual agitation of the disaffected.
It is glorious for the city of Dublin to record, that upon such a trying occasion, and in so brief a space of time, a voluntary, unsummoned attendance of fifteen hundred of the citizens were to be seen in arms, to preserve her peace and tranquility. It is glorious not only from the soul inspiring confidence which the circumstance has given to loyalty, but as a full, firm and honorable refutation of the abominable slanders propagated in the seditious papers against our loyal and gallant yeomanry.
Nor should we forget upon this occasion the ardent and honest loyalty of the soldiers of the garrison. Parties of the 5th dragoons were dispersed throughout the streets of the city in such a way, as to restrain the least effay of disturbance, the Armagh, Cavan, King's County, North Cork, Dunbarton, and other regiments, were under arms and appeared only anxious for a fair opportunity of evincing their courage and loyalty, against any who should dare to carry their seditious attempts into acts of treasonable insurrection.
While the Yeomanry were waiting on their parade for necessary orders, it was pleasing to observe that several country gentlemen were every moment falling into the ranks in their respective uniforms; and it was truly delightful to contemplate the cheerful and animated countenances of our brave Protectors, arrayed in the common cause of Truth and Honour against Sedition and Rebellion. Nor did Sedition dare to raise her head againf such an host. The disappointed Agitators sneaked into their lurking places, and hid their diminished heads, cursing the ill fortune which had fallen upon their maligning projects of confusion and insurrection.
The Yeomanry were however directed to take upon themselves the protection of the city for that and the ensuing night, a service which they undertook and performed with the same alacrity and success to which the City of Dublin owed its safety and tranquility in the course of last May and June.
Parties of horse and foot were accordingly established throughout the different quarters of the city on Monday and Tuesday evening; so that the same streets in which it was last week a service of danger to walk even at noon day, were rendered so tranquil, that a child might have traversed them unmolested in the midst of the night.
Tuesday the Superintendant Magistrate having received information that The Press was to be reprinted on the night of that day, in the name of a new Proprietor, against whom there were charges of a serious nature, went to the Printing office of Stockdale, in Abbey Street, and seized a considerable quantity of the first impressions of the Paper, and a great part of the printing materials.
For Sale, Two cases of Scotch Threads, Well assorted, and entitled to Drawback. Apply at No 5, South Water Street. may 11
A few Copies Of the DISPATCHES from the American Envoys at Paris, communicated to Congress in the President's Message of the 3d inst. may be had at this Office.
Furnished Chambers—To Let. THOSE Gentlemen, Members of Congress and others, wishing to engage for the next session of Congress, Chambers, furnished in a modern style, and in a very pleasant and central part of the city, may hear of them by applying at the office of this Gazette. cc1w may 10.
The Gazette.
PHILADELPHIA, SATURDAY EVENING, Mar 12.
APPOINTMENTS—BY AUTHORITY.
JOSEPH HOPKINSON, of Pennsylvania, Commissioner for holding a treaty with the Oneida Indians.
WINTHROP SARGENT, of the North-Western Territory, Governor of the Mississippi Territory.
JOHN STEEL, of Virginia, Secretary of ditto.
PETER BRYAN BRUN, of the Mississippi Territory, to be second Judge of ditto.
DANIEL TILTON, of New Hampshire, third Judge of ditto.
GERALD BRYAN, of Pennsylvania, second Mate of a Revenue Cutter.
Yesterday, the House of Representatives of the United States again went into a committee of the whole on the bill for authorizing the President of the United States to raise a provisional army, when Mr. DAWSON moved to amend the amendment proposed by the select committee, by striking out the following words—"or of imminent danger of such invasion, discovered, in his opinion, to exist." This motion was negatived, 48 to 41. Mr. SEWALL then proposed, instead of the President having the power to raise this army for three years, to insert the following—before the next session of Congress which is or shall be appointed by law. After undergoing several variations the proposition was at length agreed to in the following words—before the next session of Congress.
Mr. SITGRAVES next moved to strike out the following words from the bill, with the intention of inserting nothing in their place, with a view that the army might be immediately raised—whenever he shall judge the public safety requires the measure. The question for striking out was carried, but they were supplied by the words recommended by the select committee, viz. "in the event of a declaration of war against the United States, or of actual invasion of their territory by a foreign power, or of imminent danger of such invasion, discovered, in his opinion, to exist," 68 votes being for it. The next proposition of the select committee was to reduce the number the number of men to be raised, from 20,000 to 10,000. Mr. GALLATIN moved to reduce them to 5,000. This motion was negatived, 47 to 41, and that for inserting 10,000 instead of 20,000 carried, by 54 votes being in its favour. Some discussion then took place on the proposition for giving the President power to call out the militia in detachments, not exceeding 20,000 men each, to be trained and disciplined; but some doubts of a constitutional nature being suggested, the committee rose, reported progress, and had leave to sit again. On motion of Mr. HARPER, who spoke of some business which would require the attention of the committee of ways and means this day, the House adjourned till Monday.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in New York, who arrived from Ireland in the Chesapeake.
"While we were at Cork, a conspiracy was discovered of great magnitude. Lord Edward Fitzgerald, counsellors M'Neil, Bwett, and Sampson, &c. were found in the act of fitting as the DIRECTORY OF IRELAND, with all the commissions for the Navy and Army signed and disposed of, but a week before St. Patrick's day, the day fixed on for a general massacre. Fitzgerald and Sampson escaped, through one side of the coach, while the officers were entering at the other. They will, however, it is not doubted, be apprehended. The others were secured. Nothing further had transpired when we came off."
The above intended business of massacre is called in the Aurora of this morning, "a general rising of the people."
Died yesterday morning at ten o'clock, in the 13th year of her age, after a lingering illness, which she bore with the greatest fortitude, Miss MARY CONNELLY, daughter of John Connelly, of this city, a young lady who promised fair to be an ornament to her sex, and comfort to her more afflicted parents.
We learn with pleasure that the excellent discourses delivered by the Rev. Dr. Green and the Rev. Mr. Abercrombie, on the national Fast Day, are preparing for the Press, and will speedily be published. The decided, and what is more honorable, the early stand made by these divines, against the inroads of an infernal spirit of atheism and anarchy, cloaked under the garb of philosophy, will justly endear their names to every lover of his country, and cause them to be handed to posterity with distinguished applause, as conspicuous assertors of American Independence.
MR. FENNO,
Be pleased to publish the following letter from Rome, dated 27th Dec. '97.
"On the 28th December, at 3 o'clock, in the afternoon, a mob of discontented people began to revolt against this government, which took place before the palace of the French ambassador; they tried to disarm the troops of the lines in their quarters, but they were repulsed with loss; mean time a French general, by name M. Dieufaun, (or Duphot) the French ambassador, and five other Frenchmen, went down from dinner with their naked sabres, took off their hats, and put them on the points, crying liberty and equality; at this emotion the troops fired on the mob, and the general received a wound; he finding himself so wounded, began to make the best of his sabre against the cavalry, which came to help the infantry; they fired on the said general, and he was killed on the spot;
in this action 15 Romans were killed, but none of the soldiers. The French ambassador, at 5 o'clock the following morning, left this place with all his family for Tuscany. The Pope's dangerous state of health renders the fate of this state still very precarious."
London accounts to the 16th March are received at Alexandria. Commodore Warren's letter states the number of vessels captured by him amounts to Eleven only. No Frigate was taken.
FEDERAL GRENADIERS.
The gentlemen composing this new corps, as also all those disposed to join it, are requested to assemble on Monday evening, May 14, 8 o'clock, at Ogden's tavern, in Chestnut near Third-Street.
N. B. Gentlemen of grenadier-size are particularly invited.
CHARLESTON, April 27.
Wednesday, in the afternoon, capt. Sheffield, of the Maria, from New York, fell in with a French privateer, off Romain, the captain of which desired him to heave to, and receive on board the captain and crew of the ship Favorite, from Charleston, which he had taken the Monday before, on her voyage for England and a market. Capt. Sheffield complied with the request of the captain of the privateer; captain Jersey of the Favorite, and his crew, (excepting the mate and two hands) with their baggage, were accordingly brought on board his ship, in the privateer's barge and have arrived here with him. The privateer was twelve days from Cape Francois. She is called the Merluin, mounts six iron guns, but shews five of a side, and had about 60 men. Some of the crew of the Favorite were informed that there were five or six other privateers on this coast, and that all vessels bound to England would be captured that they fell in with.
FOR SALE, About 660 boxes of fine Spanish GUN POWDER, Containing 120 lbs. each. Apply at No. 13, corner of Arch and Front Streets, may 12.
CANNON,
Musket and Pistol Cartridge Papers, A LARGE ASSORTMENT Is now ready for sale by WILLIAM YOUNG, Bookseller, No. 52. Second Street, the corner of Chestnut Street.
OF WHOM MAY BE HAD Baron Steuben's Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States.—To which is added, an act of Congress, concerning the Militia, price 50 cents; do. large prints 67 cents.
W. YOUNG, Has for sale, on the lowest terms, for cash or negotiable notes.
Large writing, printing & drafting paper, ALSO, Foolscap, Post, Folio and 4to. Post of various sizes, gilt and plain; ink powder, sealing wax, wafers, pease, inkstands, black lead pencils, quills, rulers, cases of mathematical instruments, gunter's scales, parchment and old skin memorandum books, pen-knives, india rubber and ink. may 12. Store 330
United States, Pennsylvania District. In pursuance of a writ to me directed from the Honorable Richard Peters, Esq. Judge of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Pennsylvania District, I will expose to public sale at the Merchants' Coffee-House in the City of Philadelphia on Wednesday the 16th May instant, at 12 o'clock at noon.
The Brigantine called the CHARLOTTE, With all and singular her tackle apparel and furniture, as they now are.—The said Brigantine having been condemned to pay the mariners wages &c.
WILLIAM NICHOLS, Marshal. Marshall's Office, May 10, 1798. N. B. The inventory may be seen at my office.
For Sale, The cargo of the brig American from Laguira, consisting of Caracas Cocoa. Henry Philips, No. 112, South Fourth Street. april 23
New Publication.
A Sensible, Seasonable and Spirited ADDRESS, Written by a Citizen of Philadelphia—entitled,
"What is our Situation? AND What our Prospects?"
A few Pages for Americans. For Sale by WILLIAM YOUNG, Corner of Chestnut and Second Streets. And at the Office of the Editor, 119 Chestnut St (Price three sixteenths of a dollar) Extract from the above.
"When hour by hour we are yielding point by point; relinquishing one right to day and preparing to sacrifice another to-morrow, these generous friends tread rapidly on our steps, and every new concession but opens a new demand. Rapacity grows more insolent by uninterrupted success, and timid submission invites depredation.—Where will this end? What offering will gorgo the appetite of plunder, or appease the rage of unrestrained hostility? No civilized nation has ever before been guilty of such outrage and inflexibility, no free nation has ever before endured them."
Madeira Wine.
A few pipes of remarkably fine Madeira, fit for immediate use, and at a reduced price—For sale by JAMES YARD. may 2

Alex. J. Miller & James Davis, Having entered into partnership under the firm of Alexander J. Miller & Co. INFORM their friends in town and country, that they have opened a Wholesale Dry Goods Store, at No. 64, South Front Street, Philadelphia; where they now have, and intend keeping a general as- sortment of India, German, Irish, French and Bri- tish Manufactures for sale, on advantageous terms for cash or a short credit.
February 19 $15 JUST RECEIVED, FROM FORT-AU-PRINCE, And FOR SALE, by the SUBSCRIBERS, 110 hhds. Coffee 46 tierces do. 100 barrels do. 100 bags do. 110 hogheads of Muscovado Sugar 80 barrels do. 40 hogheads of Molasses 4 bales of Cotton 2 hogheads of Cocoa WILLINGS & FRANCIS, Penn-street.
March 12. $ FOR SALE, BY THE SUBSCRIBERS, No. 21, Penn-street, The Cargo of the Ship Ganges, John Green, commander, from Bengal, Consisting of Bastas, of various qualities and prices, Coffees Punjum Cloths Sams Guzey do. Humums Charconna Dorea Blue Cloth Tanjibs Chints and Calicoes Mulmuls Mamoudys Checks Mahabonges Patna Hkfs. Giagham Mulmul do. Guzeenas Bandannoes Gurrabs Silesias Pinafoes Choppa Romals Salgatehs Sooy do. Gillie Romals Persian of various col. Mock Pulicas 200 tons SUGAR. 90,000 lb. PEPPER. WILLINGS & FRANCIS.
The Piece Goods Of the Ganges are now open to sale at that commodious store the north west corner of Market and Fourth-streets. Also—A few Bales of Madras Hkfs. of elegant patterns and best colours. February 8. $15 ROSS & SIMSON, HAVE FOR SALE, 22 bales superior Madras blue Cloths Carolina Indigo, first quality A few bales Bastas, Coffees, and a quantity of Bengal COTTON Bengal SUGAR, in bags and boxes Jamaica and } RUM Bengal } April 20 $ LANDING, From on board the Ship SALLY, from Calcutta, AND FOR SALE BY THE SUBSCRIBER, 1600 bags prime Sugar, 800 do. Ginger 30 bales low priced piece Goods. John Miller, Jun. March 3 $
A Watch Found. A WATCH was found last autumn, and has since been left with Rev. Mr. Ems, of St. Mary's; the owner, on application to him, and paying the expense of repairing and advertising the same, may receive it again. May 1. $0.30
Valuable Property for Sale. FOR SALE, THAT well known Estate, called SHREWS- BURY FARM, formerly the residence of General John Cadwalader, situate on Schuylkill Ri- ver, in Kent county, Maryland—containing about 1000 acres of prime LAND, upwards of 500 of which are in woods. The Buildings are all ex- cellent, and consist of a handsome Dwelling House, two large Barns with Cow houses, Stables for fifty horses, a spacious threshing floor under cover, a granary, two Overlook's houses, two ran- ges of two story buildings for Negroes (one of them new and of brick), Corn houses, a Smoke house, &c. &c. The whole Estate being neatly surrounded by water, it requires but little fencing, and has a good Shad and Herring fishery. It is conveniently situated for both the Philadelphia and Baltimore markets, with two landings on a navig- able river but a short fall from Baltimore. There is a large Peach, and two large Apple Orchards on the premises; also, a variety of excellent fruits of different kinds. The soil is mostly a rich loam. The whole will be sold together, or divided into smaller farms (for which the buildings are conveni- ently situated) as may suit the purchaser. The Stock on said Farm, consisting of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, &c. will also be disposed of.—For further particulars apply to GEORGE HASTINGS, on the premises, or to the subscriber, in Philadelphia. ARCHIBALD M'CALL, JUN. February 24. $2500
Cedar Posts, Rails and Shingles FOR SALE. THEY will be delivered to any place in Mary- land, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or New York, where boats drawing six feet water can go from this place. It will often suit the seller to receive in return corn, provisions, wet or dry goods. Letters directed to the subscriber at this place, and put into any post office in the United States, will be regularly received and carefully at- tended to. Those who will contract in Phila- delphia, will please to apply to GORDON HILL WELLS, No. 125, Market-street. The subscriber is desirous of contracting with some responsible person in Philadelphia, to receive and dispose of for him, on commission, a quantity of two feet shin- gles, for home use, and of two feet and eighteen inches, for exportation. William Hill Wells, Dagshorough, State of Delaware. April 28. $2500
Graft Lots to let. THREE contiguous Lots of Ground, contain- ing something more than an acre, situated in Carpenter street, between Third and Fourth street, Southward; to rent separately or together, for the year or longer. They are in good order and generally produced hay for fifteen years past.— Upon one lot is a frame dwelling house, a garden, well of water, and hay stables. For further in- formation, enquire at No. 12, North Third street. April 25. $100
Notice—Agreeably to charter, It is hereby given to the members of "the cor- poration for the relief of poor and distressed prebyterian ministers and the poor and distressed widows and children of prebyterian ministers," that a meeting of said corporation is to be held on the 16th day of May next, at 4 o'clock P.M. in the second prebyterian church in the city of Philadelphia, for the dispatch of all such business as may then be brought before the board. ASHBEL GREEN, Secretary of the Corporation. April 7. tawtrom
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, March 1, 1798. PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, IN pursuance of the Act of Congress passed on the sixth day of July one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven, entitled "An Act laying duties on Stamped Vellum, Parchment and Paper", and the Act passed on the fifteenth day of December, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven, entitled "An Act to postpone for a limited time the commencement of the duties imposed by the Act enti- tled "An Act laying Duties on Stamped Vellum, Parchment and Paper", that from and after the first day of July ensuing, the several Stamped Duties hereinafter enumerated, will be levied and collected throughout the United States.
For every skin or piece of Vellum or Parchment, or sheet or piece of Paper, upon which shall be written or printed any or either of the instruments or writings following—to wit:     Any Certificate of Naturalization, 5 Cts. Mls.     Any Licence to practice, or Certificate of the admission, enrolment or registry of any Counsellor, Solicitor, Attorney, Advocate or Proctor, in any Court of the United States, 10   Provided, that a Certificate in any one of the Courts of the United States for one of the said Offices, shall so far as relates to the payment of the duty aforesaid, be a sufficient admission in all the Courts of the United States, for each and every of the said offices.   Any Grant or Letters Patent, under the seal or authority of the United States (except for lands granted for military services) 4   Any exemplification or certified copy of any such grant or letters patent, (ex- cept for lands granted for military services) 2   Any Charter-Party, Bottomry, or Respondentia Bond, 1   Any Receipt or discharge for or on account of any Legacy left by any Will or o- ther testamentary instrument, or for any share or part of a personal estate di- vided by force of any statute of distributions, other than to the Wife, Chil- dren or Grand Children of the person deceased, the amount whereof shall be above the value of Fifty Dollars, and shall not exceed the value of One Hun- dred Dollars, 25   When the amount thereof shall exceed the value of One Hundred Dollars and shall not exceed five hundred dollars, 50   And for every further sum of Five Hundred Dollars, the additional sum of Any Policy of Insurance or instrument in nature thereof, on any ship, vessel or goods insured from one district to another in the United States, 25   From the United States to any foreign port or place, when the sum for which Insurance is made shall not exceed five hundred dollars, 25   When the sum insured shall exceed five hundred dollars, 1   Any Exemplification, of what nature soever, that shall pass the seal of any Court, other than such as it may be the duty of the Clerk of such Court to furnish for the use of the United States or some particular state, 50   Any Bond, bill single or penal, foreign or inland bill of exchange, promissory note or other note, other than any recognizance, bill, bond, or other oblig- ation or contract, made to or with the United States or any state, or for their use respectively, 10   If above twenty dollars and not exceeding one hundred dollars, 25   If above one hundred dollars and not exceeding five hundred dollars, 50   If above five hundred dollars and not exceeding one thousand dollars, 75   And if above one thousand dollars, 1   Provided, that if any bonds or notes shall be payable at or within sixty days, such bonds or notes shall be subject to only two fifth parts of the duty aforesaid—viz.   If above twenty dollars and not exceeding one hundred dollars, 4   If above one hundred dollars and not exceeding five hundred dollars, 10   If above five hundred dollars and not exceeding one thousand dollars, 20   If above one thousand dollars, 30   Any Notes issued by the banks now established, or that may hereafter be estab- lished within the United States, other than the notes of such of the said Banks as shall agree to an annual composition, of one per centum on the annual di- vidends made by such Banks, to their Stockholders respectively, according to the following scale.   On all notes not exceeding fifty dollars, for each dollar, 50   On all notes above fifty dollars, and not exceeding one hundred dollars, 1   On all notes above one hundred dollars and not exceeding five hundred dollars, 2   On all notes above five hundred dollars, 25   Any Protest or other Notarial act, 25   Any Letter of Attorney, except for an invalid pension, or to obtain or sell War- rants for Land granted by the United States as bounty for military services performed in the late war, 25   Any Certificate or Debenture for drawback of Customs or duties, for less than five hundred dollars, 1   For five hundred dollars and not exceeding two thousand dollars, 2   For more than two thousand dollars, 3   Any note or bill of lading for goods or merchandise to be exported, If from one district to another district of the United States, not being in the same State, 10   If from the United States to any foreign port or place, 25   Any Inventory or Catalogue of any furniture, goods or effects, made in any sale required by law, (except in cases of goods and chattels untrammelled for rent or taxes, and goods taken in virtue of any legal process by any officer.) 50   Any Certificate of a Share in any Insurance Company, of a share in the Bank of the United States, or of any State or other Bank, 10   If above twenty dollars and not exceeding one hundred dollars, 25   If above one hundred dollars,   If under twenty dollars, at the rate of ten cents for one hundred dollars.  
The duties aforesaid will be collected and received by the Supervisors, Inspectors and other Officers of Inspection, in the several Districts, Surveys and Divisions of the United States, and by such other persons as shall from time to time be specially appointed and employed by the Supervisors of Districts for that purpose.
March 10.
JAMES HUMPHREYS, BEING encouraged by a number of gentlemen in the mercantile line, to undertake the pub- lishing of a Price Current in this city, and they having engaged to give him every assistance in their power to render it accurate and useful, PROPOSES TO PRINT BY SUBSCRIPTION, The Philadelphia Price Current, And Market Day Advertiser. To be published every Wednesday and Saturday morning, on the following conditions. It will be printed on four pages quarto. It will contain the Prices Current (wholesale) at Phila- delphia, with the duties on each article—The Prices Current at Boston, New-York, Charleston, and other parts of the United States, with the Prices Current at London, the West Indies and else- where as often as they can be had accurate and to be relied on. The rates of insurance—the price of stocks—course of exchange, &c. &c. Likewise a regular account of entries, inward and outward —with such marine and other intelligence as shall be thought useful and important—and the remain- der of the paper will be appropriated to advertise- ments.
The price to subscribers within the city and li- berties, to whom it will be delivered at their houses, will be Four Dollars per annum—Two dollars at the expiration of a month from its publication, and the remainder at the end of the year. Sub- scribers at a greater distance will have it sent them agreeable to their directions—to pay two dollars at the time of subscribing, and the remainder at the end of the year. The publication shall commence as soon as a suf- ficient number have subscribed to pay the expense of conducting it. It is from the advice and to gratify the wish of a number of mercantile gentlemen that the printer proposes publishing this Price Current in a quarto size in preference to any other. And it is proposed to embrace the Prices Current with such other matter as may be most material to send abroad in the first two pages—appropriating the other two to such matters as may be more immediately do- mestic, and to advertisements. Subscriptions are received by said Humphreys, at his Printing Office, No. 74, North Third-street, and Mr. Z. Poulson, jun. at his office in Chestnut- street, and at the Philadelphia library. Philadelphia, April 14. $15
For Sale, A CONVENIENT well built second hand Light Wagon, hung on jacks with glass- and blinds in the doors, with or without harness.— Enquire of Peter Umerickhouse, Arch. below Sixth street, or the subscriber in Germantown. CASPAR W. HAINES. April 2. $250
Fresh Teas. Just Imported, in the ship Delaware, Captain Cooper, from Canton, And For Sale, by SAMUEL HOWELL, At his Compting House, No. 54, Chestnut-street, AND BY SAM. E. HOWELL, At his Compting House, Crooked billet wharf, Bohea, Souchong, Hyson, Young Hyson, Hyson Skin, and Imperial TEAS. Also, China Ware, assorted; black and coloured Lute- rings and Sattins, Nankeens, Cassia, large garden and common Fans, fatin and lutestring Umbrellas, whale-bone Ricks. They have also For Sale, Ell wide Persian, Bandanna Handkerchiefs, French Cambricks and Umbrellas, Sugar in boxes. March 8. $
Now Opening, At WILLIAM M'LAWS Saddle Manufactory, No. 72, Chestnut Street, A general assortment of Horseman's Pistols, direct from the Manufacturers in London, ALSO ON HAND, Saddles, Bridles, Holders, Half Covers, Light Horseman's Caps, Swords, Cartouch Boxes, Val- ises, Saddle Bags, Portmanteau's, Hard Leather Trunks, Carriage and Chair Harness, &c. April 9. $15
City Commissioner's Office, January 12th, 1798. FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE CITIZENS. THE following arrangement is made by the said commissioners, for cleaning the streets, &c. District No. 1.—From the north side of Vine street, to the south side of Mulberry street; to be under the superintendence of Nicholas Hicks. 2. From the south side of Mulberry street, to the south side of Chestnut street, to be under the superintendence of William Moulder. 3. From the south side of Chestnut street to the north side of Spruce street, to be under the superintendence of Joseph Claypoole. 4. From the north side of Spruce street, to the south side of Cedar street, to be under the su- perintendence of Hugh Roberts. 5. When pumps are out of order south of High-street, please apply to Thomas Dixey, at the corner of South and Fifth-streets, or Godfrey Geb- ler, in Fourth, near Chestnut-street; and north of High street, to Dixey and Dehaven, in Sassafras- street, between Sixth and Seventh streets.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, March 30th, 1798. Public Notice is hereby given, THAT by an act of Congress passed on the 19th day of March, 1798, the following alterations and amendments have been made to the act passed on the 6th day of July 1797, en- titled "An act laying duties on stamped vel- lum, parchment and paper."
The stamp duties on debentures or certifi- cates for the drawback of Customs or duties on Imports are repealed.
A discount at the rate of seven and one half per Centum, will be allowed by the Supervisors or Inspectors respectively, to any persons other than Officers of the Revenue, who may pur- chase at one time or procure to be stamped, any quantities of Vellum, Parchment or Paper, upon which the duties shall amount to Ten Dol- lars or upwards.
Stamped Paper, will be provided, and sold at the rates prescribed by law, without any addi- tional charge or expense on account of the price of Paper: but for stamped Parchment or Vellum, an additional price will be demanded at the rate of Fifty Cents for each skin of Parch- ment, or Two Hundred Cents for each skin of Vellum of medium size, which may be furnish- ed at the expense of the United States and pro- portionally for any lesser quantity. Given under my hand, at Philadelphia, the day and year abovenoted. OLIVER WOLCOTT, Secretary of the Treasury.
WANTED; APPROVED BILLS on Amsterdam—for which cash will be given at the rate of thirty seven cents per guilder. Enquire of the Cashier of the Bank of the United States. $ April 23. LANDING, From on board the ship Elizabeth, captain Pacific, from Batavia, And FOR SALE by the SUBSCRIBER, 400,000 wt. Java COFFEE 300 canisters SUGAR, of a superior quality ALSO, A quantity of SAPAN WOOD JOHN MILLER, JUN. April 17. $
THOMAS & JOSHUA FISHER, HAVE FOR SALE, At No. 5, Dock-street, near the Drawbridge, China ware nankeen dining sets, tea and coffee cups and saucers Nankeens, flack fatins and tatties Pangem cloths, choppah romals, and bandannoes China and English umbrellas. Together with a general assortment of European Goods—among which are Soots thread in boxes 6d. 8d. 10d. 12d. and 20d. nails Shot—T. Crowley steel, Spanish brown and white lead English scythes 42 to 50 inches ALSO, 172 barrels of kiln dried Indian corn meal. A commodious Store in Dock-street, No. 7, to be let, three stories high, suitable for any business. 4th mo. 5th $15
SALT PETRE. One hundred kegs of refined Salt Petre, For Sale by the Subscribers. James C. & Samuel W. Fisher, No. 13, Arch Street. March 31. $15
JOSEPH RICARDO, OF this City, Merchant, has assigned his pro- perty for the benefit of his Creditors, to James C. Fisher, Samuel W. Fisher, and Thomas Wilson. All persons who have demands are re- quested to furnish their accounts without delay— and those indebted to make immediate payment to the Subscribers, acting Assignees. James C. & Samuel W. Fisher. No. 13, Arch Street. March 21. $15
Canal Lottery—No. II. WILL commence drawing Monday, the 20th inst. Tickets for Sale in this Lottery, at Seven Dollars, at Wm. BLACKBURN's Lottery and Brokers Office, No. 64, South Second-street— Tickets in the Schuylkill Bridge Lottery, at Ten Dollars, where check books are kept for register- ing and examining in these, the City of Washing- ton, No. 11. and Patterson Lotteries, and informa- tion where tickets may be had in most of the Lotte- ries authorized by law in any of the States of the Union. N. B. The business of a Broker, in buying and selling all kinds of Public Stock and Securities, discounting Bills and Notes of Hand, sale of Lands, Houses, &c. &c. will be duly attended to, by WM. BLACKBURN. November 14. $
JUST RECEIVED. And for sale by W. Young, corner of Second and Chestnut-streets. M. Carey 118 High-street T. Dobson, 4th South Second-street and the Bookellers generally. (Price 5-cbs of a Dollar.) BEACON HILL, A Local Poem, historic and descriptive; By a Lady of Boston. ANALYSIS OF BOOK I. Allusion to the surrounding Prospect—Invocation to the River and Sylvan Deities—to the Historic Mute—Fiction discarded—Dedication to Washing- ton—The Action opens at the Retreat of the Columbians from Bunker's Hill—General Howe —The Memory of his Brother—Death of War- ren—Personification of Fortune and Fame— Washington at Mount Vernon—called to the chief Command—Formation of the Columbian Camp at Cambridge—Natural, moral, or poli- tical History of the several States—Their com- manding Officers—Siege of Boston—Its Suffer- ings—Negotiation for the safe Retreat of the British Army—Its Departure—Appointment of Congress—Declaration of Independence—Char- acter of the Columbian Soldiers—The Poet's prophetic Apocalypse to the Progress of Free- dom throughout the World. March 30. $
Massachusetts District. By Order of the Honorable JOHN LOWELL, Esquire, Judge of the District Court for the Massachusetts District, NOTICE is hereby given to all persons concerned, That a Libel is filed in said Court by Christian G. Grutzmacher, late Com- mander of the ship Corona, of and from Ham- burgh, and Henry Andrew Heiss as agents for the owners of said Ship, against sundry goods, wares and merchandise, saved from said ship Corona, wrecked on Cape Cod within said Dis- trict on the 16th March last—which goods, wares and merchandise, were consigned to dis- vers persons in Philadelphia, in the District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere—and that said Li- bel is filed as aforesaid, for the freight said to be due to the Libellants on said goods, wares and merchandise, and for necessary expences paid by them which have arisen upon the same— And that trial will be had upon the aforesaid Libel at a District Court to be holden at the Court-House in Boston, on Monday the eigh- teenth day of June next, at 11 o'clock, A. M. SAMUEL BRADFORD, "Marshal of Massachusetts." Dated at Boston, April 1 23d. 1798. taxif
TO BE SOLD, 40,939 acres of Land. IN Greene County, Commonwealth of Penn- sylvania, on the waters of Fifth and Wheeling Creeks and Ten Mile Run. These Lands are fertile and well timbered, and abound in Coal; they were sold ten years ago for five shillings per acre; patented early in 1781, ex- cept 3700 acres, which were patented in 1792; a part of them were surveyed in 1783. The tract is between the Ohio and Monongahela, very con- venient to water carriage, about 19 miles from the town of Washington, from 14 to 16 from the village of Greenecburgh and Wheeling. On payment of one fourth of the purchase mo- ney, a reasonable credit will be given for the re- sidue. Enquire of the Printer. April 21. $
TO BE SOLD, 26,780 acres of Land, IN the State of New York, between the northern bounds of Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna river, or late in the townships of Hamden and Warren and county of Warren. These Lands, from their quality and situation, are a very desirable object for any man who means to invest his money to advantage. On payment of one third of the purchase mo- ney, a reasonable credit will be given for the re- sidue. Enquire of the Printer. April 21. $
Valuable Stands for Business. FOR SALE—by the Subscriber, Two Lots of Ground, Situat on the fourth side of Chestnut-street, be- tween Second and Third streets:—one containing eighteen feet, and the other seventeen feet, more or less, on the said street, and both extending, the first in breadth, one hundred and forty-eight, more or less, to Carter's alley. There are, on Chestnut-street, two two-story BRICK HOUSES (Numbers 80 and 82) Which may readily be made into one; and, on Carter's alley, there is a convenient, well built three-story Brick House and Kitchen, Almost new, which has two rooms on a floor and a front of eighteen feet on said alley. This property is clear of ground-rent, and an indisputable title will be given to the purchaser. The above Houses will be sold separately or toge- ther. Further particulars may be known on applica- tion to ZACHARIAH POULSON, JUN. No. 80, Chestnut-street, or at the Library. March 23. $15
For Sale, A FARM AND COUNTRY SEAT, SITUATED on the west side of the Schuylkill op- posite to Norris-town, seventeen miles from Phila- delphia—the farm contains 325 acres of land, 50 of which are woodland, about 40 of meadow, and the rest arable land. The house and garden which is large and well paled, stand in the most pleasant sit- uation, commanding a view of the river, an island which is opposite, and the village of Norris-town— There is a fine fishery belonging to the place—En- quire in Philadelphia, No. 96, North Third Street, or on the premises. April 16. $1500
Baskenridge—for sale IT consists of 950 acres, almost all of which is a fine rich Meadow, (the residence of the late Earl of Sterling). It may be conveniently divided into five farms, four of which are bounded on the East by the river Paisley. There are on it a number of buildings, forming a square of nearly three acres—the dwelling house is a very convenient one, and a small expense would put it in complete repair. The orchard consists of 1500 fine-bearing engra- fed Apple Trees—and there is on other parts of land tract near 300 other Apple Trees—as also a great variety of other fruits, particularly Cherries of the best and most delicious kinds. Also, a great number of beautiful Exotics and Forest Trees, that add to the beauty and conveni- ence of the place. Its situation is about 18 miles from the towns of Newark and Elizabeth: 10 da from Morris-Town, and 12 from Springfield—it is wooded and watered. To save trouble, the price is five pound pr. acre in cash, on delivery of the deeds. Please to en- quire of T. McEUN & Co. No. 78, Chestnut street. February 2. codf
Salisbury Estate. THE Subscriber, proposing to contract his busi- ness, offers this Estate for sale, on moderate terms. On it are one Blast and three Air Furnaces, a complete Boring Machine, and a very good grist Mill, with two pair of stones; also a good Forge, all in perfect repair, as are all the Water Works connect- ed with these various branches. The Air Furnaces were lately built for the purpose of casting Cannon for this State. There are also two thousand acres of Land, one half of which is under wood, the other very fine arable Land, producing the best Hay and Pasture. The Cannon lately manufactured there, fully proves the excellency of the metal, which is superior to any in this country, and probably equal to any in the world; for not one of sixty-nine guns lately made, although some of the 24 were bored into 32 pounders, have failed on proving. The sit- uation is very eligible, particularly for this branch of manufacture, and a place of arms lying in the state of Connecticut, and only 30 miles from several land- ings on the Hudson's river, and having every advan- tage that can result from a plenty of water falling from a large natural pond, very near the Furnace, and which may be converted into a variety of other useful purposes. The purchaser can be accommo- dated with all the stock and utensils, and have posses- sion on or before the first of June next, and preparation may be made in the meantime for going into blast im- mediately thereafter, for every coal, Ore, &c. &c. For in good order, with Joseph Anthony, in Philadel- phia; David Brooks, Esq. one of the Representatives in Congress for this State; Mr. David Waterman, on the premises, or to the proprietor in New-York. WILLIAM NEILSON. Dec. 1. gawt
JUST PUBLISHED, AND FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE, (Price 25 Cents) Reflections on Monroe's View OF THE CONDUCT OF THE EXECUTIVE, As published in the GAZETTE of the UNITED STATES, Under the signature of SCIPIO. In which the Commercial Warfare