Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1791-11-12 00:00:00

Gazette of the United States.
PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS BY JOHN FENNO, No. 6, HIGH-STREET, BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD STREETS, PHILADELPHIA.
[No. 57, of Vol. III.]
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1791.
[Whole No. 265.]
PHILADELPHIA.
ORDINANCE, AND BY-LAWS, FOR THE REGULATION OF THE BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.
At a general meeting of the Stockholders of the BANK OF THE UNITED STATES, held at the City-Hall in Philadelphia, on Monday evening, October 31, 1791, agreeably to adjournment—
MR. BINGHAM, from the Committee appointed at the last meeting to report such Bye-Laws, Ordinances, and Regulations, as shall seem necessary and convenient for the Government of the Corporation, made report—and the same being taken into consideration, after debate, the Stockholders agreed to the following Ordinance:—
SECTION I.
THE Charter of Incorporation granted to the Bank of the United States, amongst other rights, privileges and abilities therein conveyed, having impowered the Stockholders at general meetings, legally convened, to make, ordain, establish and put in execution, such Bye-Laws, Ordinances and Regulations, as shall seem necessary and convenient for the government of the said Corporation: Be it ordained , by the President, Directors and Company of the Bank of the United States,
SECTION II.
That the Bank shall be open for the transaction of business, every day in the year (Sundays, Christmas-day, and the fourth of July, excepted) during such hours as the Board of Directors shall deem advisable.
SECTION III.
That the books and accounts of the Bank shall be kept in Dollars and Cents, and shall be regularly balanced on the first Mondays in January and July, in each year; when the half-yearly Dividends shall be declared and published in at least four of the public newspapers.
SECTION IV.
That the Bank shall take charge of the Cash of all those who chuse to place it there (free of expence) and shall keep it subject to their order, payable at sight; and shall receive deposits of ingots of gold, bars of silver, wrought plate, or other valuable articles of small bulk, in the same manner, and return them on demand of the depositor.
SECTION V.
That the Bank shall receive all specie coins, according to the rates and value that have been or shall hereafter be established by Congress.
SECTION VI.
That until offices of discount and deposit shall be established, there shall be at least two discount days in every week, when meetings of the Board of Directors shall be assembled.—Discounts shall be made at a rate not exceeding Six per Cent. per annum, on Notes or Bills of Exchange that have not more than sixty days to run, and with at least two responsible names, and under such modifications, as the Board of Directors, in their discretion, shall deem satisfactory and expedient.
SECTION VII.
That the President shall have power to convene the Directors on special occasions, and with the approbation of the Board of Directors, to af-
fix the seal of the Corporation to all conveyances or other instruments, and sign the same in behalf of the Corporation—the said seal shall always remain in the custody and safe keeping of the President.
SECTION VIII.
That a Committee of the Board, consisting of at least three members to be elected monthly by ballot, shall visit the vaults, in which the cash and other effects shall be deposited, at least once in every month, and make an inventory of the same, to be compared with the books, in order to ascertain whether they perfectly agree therewith.
SECTION IX.
That no notes of the Bank shall be struck or signed, or Bank Paper made, but by direction of the Board.
SECTION X.
That in case the Board of Directors shall at any time make a Dividend exceeding the profits of the Bank and thereby diminish the capital Stock, the Members assenting thereto, shall be liable in their several individual capacities for the amount of the surplus so divided.
SECTION XI.
That the Board of Directors shall, previous to the first day of December in every year, call a general Meeting of the Stockholders to be assembled, within three days after each annual Election.
SECTION XII.
That the Board of Directors are hereby empowered to demand and receive from the Commissioners appointed to superintend the subscriptions to the capital Stock of the Bank, all Monies which have been paid to the said Commissioners on account of the first specie payment, together with the original Book of Subscription.
SECTION XIII.
That the Board of Directors are hereby authorized to ascertain and determine in what manner the remaining portions of the capital Stock, due on the shares subscribed, consisting of specie and public Debt, shall be paid and received, and they are hereby further authorised and impowered to receive into their possession the Certificates of said public Debt, and demand and receive by their President, or in such other manner as they shall think proper, the interest that shall accrue and become due upon the same, and to give receipts therefor in behalf of the said Corporation.
SECTION XIV.
That the Board of Directors are hereby authorized and impowered to fix and establish requisite, safe and convenient forms for transferring Bank Stock; for receiving half yearly dividends; for conveying a right to Proxies to represent Stockholders at any general Meeting after the second Monday of January next; for the Certificates of capital Stock of the Bank; for the circulating and post Notes of the Bank; and for the oath or affirmation of the Officers of the Bank, previous to their entering on the execution of their respective duties.
SECTION XV.
That the Board of Directors are hereby authorized and impowered to establish a common seal, with suitable devices; to ascertain and mark out the various duties and employments of the Officers, Clerks and Servants of the Bank, and to direct them accordingly—as well as to determine the amount of Securities they shall respec-
tively give for the faithful discharge of their duties: to assign to the President such additional functions, as are not already designated by law—and to re-issue or renew at their discretion the Notes in circulation.
SECTION XVI.
That the Directors shall have power to make loans to the government of the United States, or of any State, to such extent and on such terms, as they shall deem expedient, not contrary to law; provided that a Board consisting of not less than a majority of the whole number of Directors, shall be necessary to decide in all such cases.
SECTION XVII.
That the Board of Directors are hereby authorized to lease or hire for a term not exceeding two years such suitable buildings as the administration of the affairs of the Bank may require.
SECTION XVIII.
That in case it shall happen that an election of Directors shall not be made at a meeting of the Stockholders for that purpose on the first Monday of January next, and on said day in each succeeding year, it shall be lawful for the Stockholders to adjourn said meeting to any future day within five days from said first Monday of January, and at said adjournment to make, complete and finish said election.
SECTION XIX.
That the Board of Directors are hereby impowered to form and establish all other Rules and Regulations that they may deem necessary for the interior management of the Bank.
On motion, Resolved, That it is the sense of the Stockholders of the Bank of the United States, that the President and Directors, should turn their immediate attention to the establishment of Offices of Discount and Deposit at such places in the United States as the interest and safety of the institution will admit. Attest,
EDWARD FOX, Sec'ry.
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MR. FENNO,
If it is not inconsistent with the plan of your paper, to admit of Respondents as well as Correspondents, you will oblige me by publishing a few remarks, from time to time, upon the observations occasionally made by some of the latter.
IN your Gazette of the 2d inst. one of them observes, that “the general happiness diffused over the face of our country, is traced by every man to its proper source, the Constitution and Laws of the United States.” By happiness here I suppose we must understand, that gay, pleasant and prosperous appearance, which the face of the country assumes from a lively and luxuriant vegetation. Now, if the Constitution and Laws of the United States are the true source from whence this happiness flows, then I fear we must conclude, that there is some capital defect either in the Constitution, or the Laws—for a good Government will ever dispense happiness with an impartial and equal hand over the whole community;—whereas a very considerable portion of our country did, in the course of the last Summer, while the Constitution and Laws of the United States were in full force and operation, wear the most dismal, distressing and doleful countenance that can be imagined—almost every green herb was dried up, and the grass of the field was as if it had been scorched in an oven.
If these distressing calamities are to be ascribed to the Constitution of the United States, is there not reason to fear, Mr. Fenno, if your Gazette should reach Rhode-Island, that they would call a new Convention, and rescind their adoption of it?—Let me also ask your correspondent, if this is not puffing?
A RESPONDENT.
November 10, 1791.

CONGRESS.
PHILADELPHIA.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1791.
IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
Debate on the motion to agree to the report of the Secretary at War, on the petition of John Torrey.
MR. AMES objected to the motion for accepting the report of the Secretary at War. He said, it must be apparent that he was placed by accident in a relation to the subject in debate, which he should not have adopted of choice. With very little knowledge of the parties and their connexions, and the interests that would be involved by the decision, he seemed to be considered as a standing sponsor for the petitioner. He might justify this active support of the petition, by assigning motives which were common to other gentlemen. But as they have continued silent— I will assign a reason for speaking, said he, which is peculiar to myself. Nothing excites a person to a more fervid defence of his opinions, than the supposed discovery that they are misunderstood, and the force of the reasons on which he had formed them, unduly estimated.
Congress promised half pay to the officers who should continue in service to the end of the war—This was afterwards made a commutation for half pay. Major Torrey continued in service till Sept. 1783, when he died. The question is, did he continue in service to the end of the war?
The provisional articles of peace were signed on the 30th November, 1782; but they were to remain without force till terms of peace should be agreed upon between Great-Britain and France. This took place on the 30th January, 1783, and the ratifications were exchanged on the 3rd February, 1783, at Paris. The provisional treaty between Great-Britain and America was then a treaty peace, and according to the words of that treaty was concluded. Accordingly, on the 11th April, 1783, Congress by a proclamation made known those facts, and the stipulations made, in regard to the periods when hostilities should cease, by the contracting parties to the treaty. Hostilities did cease, and before the end of April, 1783, all America was in perfect peace. The late hostilities shook hands, our vessels sailed in safety—and by sea and land reconciliation succeeded to hostility.
But did all this put an end to the war? The children in the street would answer this question—They would say, it is peace when it is not war. Of all facts, the most notorious seems to be the state of war; and it is the fact that the war was at an end, (and not any after resolve of Congress) that the commutation of Major Torrey was made to hinge upon. When the meaning of a bargain is disputed, it is usual to search out the intention of the contracting parties when it was made; supposing, instead of interpreting a resolve of Congress, any twelve of this body had to try a case between two private persons—suppose that a man had given his note of hand for a sum to be paid at the end of the war. Would twelve of this House, or would any jury in the country say that the war continued longer than hostilities? In private life, a man would think it touched his character to refuse paying his note in such a case—Surely a public ought to perform its promise with as much delicacy and exactness. Congress did not promise the half pay, and afterwards the commutation on the condition that a man should serve till they should think proper to say that the war was at an end. He depended on the stubborn fact that it did end, which no resolution of Congress could change; and not on the refining opinion when the officers might safely be discharged—for that we see might be differently formed, according to the different views of policy and safety at the time. An officer having this promise of Congress, has a right to this commutation on the cessation of hostilities, in pursuance of the treaty. If this is disputed, the meaning of the words "the end of the war," should be decided as it was understood at the time of the promise. Will any one believe that the 3rd November 1783, was the term; after the state of war and all the treaties which put an end to it, had been long passed. If any doubt still remains, writers on the law of nations should be consulted. For the officer may justly claim an execution of the promise according to law; that is the umpire between government and the people.
On appealing to the law of nations, we find that war is defined to be "the state in which a nation prosecutes its right by force"—"Peace is opposed to the state of war—an accommodation is proposed and conditions agreed on, and thus peace puts an end to war." "When the powers at war agree to lay down their arms, the agreement is the treaty of peace." "The general and necessary effects of peace, are the reconciliation of enemies and the cessation of hostilities; it restores the two nations to their natural state."
Would any jury in this country say that the matter of fact and the principles of law were not in favor of the petition. Apply these maxims of law to the case. The provisional articles of November, 1782, were of themselves nothing, it is true, but they were to constitute the treaty of peace, whenever Great-Britain and France had agreed on the terms of peace. As these two powers did agree on the 30th January, and ratified the terms on the 3rd February, 1783; then the provisional articles, to use the very words of the preamble, did constitute the treaty of peace; it was then a concluded thing—And peace in fact took place in the several parts of the world on the appointed days.
It has been said that the preliminaries were no more than a suspension of arms, that the state of war still continued, until a definitive treaty. To this it is answered, that preliminaries bind the national faith, if violated, the perjured faithless nation would kindle a new war. By the law of nations there is not such a distinction as that which is alleged, between preliminary and definitive treaties. Let the authorities for such a distinction be produced by those who make it—But they do not exist—a truce does not put an end to a war—a truce is, however, a suspension of war for a specified term. At the end of this term, the war begins again of course, without any fresh declaration. But a suspension of hostilities for an indefinite period, is not a truce, but a peace; especially if it is added, that it is agreed upon by the belligerent nations in consequence of a settlement of their disputes, and if it happens in fact that the war is not revived.
Those who make so much of a definitive treaty, and so light of preliminaries, should consider that, on their own system, the former is a kind of defeasance which annuls the latter. But when the definitive treaty is signed, the preliminaries, which before were liable to be annulled, now become of force, and the treaty, now become indefeasible, takes its date from the preliminaries. Tho' this mode of reasoning has not much weight on my own mind, it ought to have some with those who have set up the distinction which it is adduced to overthrow.
These are the reasons on which I have formed my opinion that the war ended in fact in April, 1783, when hostilities ceased by mutual agreement of the powers at war. My opinion is supported by authority much more reputable than any I can give to it. The law courts in this country have decided it judicially; cases of
captured vessels, and the question of interest on British debts, have produced decisions in every state of the Union, unless I am misinformed, that the war ended in March or April, 1783. The courts in England, and in every country where the war spread, on trials of property, have made similar decisions. Major Torrey died in September, 1783,—shall this body decide against the settled rule of all the law courts?
It remains to remove some objections. It is alleged, that Congress have by various resolves fixed the period of the war, and have declared that the 3rd November, 1783, is the term. If they had declared that it should be computed from the end of the world, it would not alter the truth of the fact. After declarations ought not to be received to change their own promises—But a declaration, or a dozen of them, made for another purpose, and not to declare the meaning of the contract, cannot on any principle be received to interpret it. It is not necessary, however, to contend against those resolves of Congress. They are reconcilable with the former engagement to Major Torrey.
In undertaking to reconcile them, I feel that I impose a task on myself, which is made heavy by the prepossessions of many of my friends; I believe the minds of gentlemen are perfectly fair, and well disposed to doing the petitioner justice. But I hope I shall not be thought to intend any offence, when I remark that certain ideas, such as that this claim is cut off by resolves of Congress, and that on allowing it, confusion would take place in the business of the public offices, were started with the discussion, and they have remained so woven into the texture of the debate, that I think it hard to unravel them. It was soon manifest that there was a general disposition to vote against the petition. This opportunity for debate seems to have been accorded as of grace, rather than as a means of removing any existing doubts of their own. Having adopted these opinions, this is rather a form of refusal than a mode of enquiring; and it seems to have been chosen with every circumstance of decency, and with all possible steadfastness of purpose.
Yet I will proceed to state, that the point whether the war was at an end when hostilities ended in April, 1783, being already considered fully, we are to look for other reasons than such as relate to the commutation, to explain the resolves of Congress which continued the service of the officers beyond the end of the war, and as late as November, 1783. A mistake seems to have crept in here, it seems to be supposed that the officers were engaged to serve to the end of the war, just long enough to secure their commutation. But the commutation depended on one thing—the term of their service on another. The former was their right at the end of the war; but they were to remain in service till dismissed, unless they should think fit sooner to resign. They held their commissions during the pleasure of Congress. Though when the war ended they had a right to the commutation, they had no right to say their service was at an end—They did not chuse to resign—Congress for wise reasons did not chuse to dismiss them. A foreign army was still in New-York. They were sent home on furlough, but drawing pay, and liable to be called into the field—Congress in their resolves did not say that it was not peace, but in effect that it was unsafe to disarm. Gentlemen are not well agreed among themselves as to the end of the war. Some fix it at the definitive treaty of September 3, 1783, others to November 3—Their conclusions agree as illly with their principles; for if the definitive treaty put an end to the war, how can the same gentlemen say that the war was kept alive on the journals of Congress, till November, 1783. Here then were peace and war subsisting quietly together during two months.
The fears of making confusion by opening a door to many applications, seem to be groundless. A man must have died between the end of hostilities, and November 1783, to place a claim on the like footing: The living have had their commutations. They cannot come, and no other officer died in that period as far as I can learn—I have enquired and cannot find at the office of the Secretary at War any precedent which militates with this claim, nor any reason to suppose that any similar one will be offered: The case is a new one, it stands alone, and probably ever will, and it must be decided on its own merits.
Believing the fact to be indisputable that Major Torrey served to the end of the war, confiding in the principles of the law of nations, and the settled decisions of the judicial courts, I have endeavored to explain my ideas with perspicuity and to impress them with force. I have said more than questions touching an individual will, often, be found to merit; but when public principles are controuled to the prejudice of private rights, the debate cannot be treated too seriously.
Mr. Boudinot said, he differed in opinion from the gentleman in his construction of the business. He did not coincide in the idea that the decision of the present question should be on a strictly judicial principle. The petition is founded on certain resolutions and laws of Congress; and as there are certain established rules which have been observed in settling with every other officer similarly circumstanced, Congress cannot now with propriety break through those rules, to these they ought to adhere, till by the decision of some judicial court it shall appear that they are contrary to the rules of justice. [Here Mr. Ames requested Mr. Boudinot to point out the rules to which he referred.] Mr. Boudinot referred to the report now under consideration, which was founded on a resolution of Congress, that the time for which the army was engaged should expire in November 1783. This has been made a rule in all the settlements with the officers of the army.
The terms of the contract, between the officers and the United States, depended (he said) on the decision of the sovereign power; that was authorised alone to determine when the war should cease. That power was vested in the then-existing Congress, who, altho' they entered into provisional articles in November 1782, did not however think proper immediately to disband their armies, or put an end to the war, as it was yet uncertain whether those provisional articles would be ratified by Great-Britain, or a treaty of peace concluded between Great-Britain and France; a circumstance, which was necessary, before those articles could be definitively binding. It was only when the definitive treaty was made, that Congress determined the period of the war. The army when finally disbanded, and paid up to that day, acknowledged, by accepting their pay, that it was then only the war ended; and, as far as was in their power, assented to the principle which he maintained, that the provisional articles had not before put an end to the war. Suppose (continued he) that, on the arrival of the definitive treaty, Congress had not agreed to the terms, would the war have then been considered as at an end? would not Congress have been in the same situation, as before the signing of the provisional articles? It was necessary that Congress should, by a definitive act, determine when the war ceased: Congress had passed such an act; and the house at present cannot with propriety enter into a resolution to alter the period.—The argument of inconvenience ought also, he observed, to have some weight with the house: for if any alteration were now to be made in the law, it must have a retrospect to all the widows and children of deceased officers, who have received half pay for years past. Besides, many officers, who have not hitherto considered themselves as entitled to half pay, would, in consequence of such an alteration, have a right to apply for it.
Mr. Lawrance said he doubted not the gentleman who supported the petition was fully satisfied as to the justice of the claim which he advocated with so much ardor; he beg'd leave to state his opinion however on the subject, in which he should differ from that gentleman:
The contract with the officers of the late army was, that those should be entitled to certain benefits who served to the end of the war. But Major Torrey was not thus circumstanced, as he died previous to the period when the war ceased, and left neither widow or orphans, to receive the benefit of the provisions allowed by
law; his case is not contemplated by any existing resolution of Congress.
It is well known that hostilities ceased at the time of publishing the provisional articles which formed the basis for the treaty of peace; but can any man say that every soldier had a right on that event to demand a discharge? Surely not. The provisional articles had the peace in contemplation, but the army was not to be discharged till the articles of the definitive treaty were ratified by the belligerent powers. The army of the United States was therefore only furloughed, and Congress retained the power of recalling them into service; and had the officers and soldiers been recalled from their furloughs to take the field, it would have been a continuance of the same war; but if the definitive treaty had been signed and hostilities had commenced the very next day, it would have been a new war, and would have been prosecuted on entirely new principles. The 3rd article of the provisional treaty looks forward to a future period for a conclusion of the war—and he inferred that the definitive articles being ratified, and the ratifications exchanged, alone constituted a termination of the war. Mr. Lawrance added some observations on the legal ideas of Mr. Ames, in which he also differed from that gentleman; and concluded by expressing his approbation of the report of the Secretary of war.
Mr. Ames's remarks were further combated by Mr. Williamson, Mr. Dayton, Mr. Hillhouse, Mr. Wadsworth, Mr. Clark and Mr. White.
Mr. Wayne was opposed to the report, and stated certain particulars to shew that the army was not furloughed by Congress, because it was apprehended there would be any further demand for their services, but because it was inconvenient to give them an absolute discharge at that period.
The motion for accepting the Secretary's Report was carried by a large majority.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9.
Mr. Sumpner from South-Carolina, and Mr. Murray from Maryland, appeared, and took their seats.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from the executive of the State of Maryland, enclosing a copy of the resignation of William Pinckney, who had been elected one of the Representatives of that State, and a certificate of the election of John Francis Mercer, to serve in his stead.
On motion of Mr. Seney, those communications were referred to the committee of elections.
Mr. Sedgwick, of the committee appointed to prepare a bill for the renewal of destroyed or lost certificates, represented to the house the impossibility of guarding against fraud, when applications should be made for the renewal of those that might be said to have been lost; and moved that the committee should be discharged from the further consideration of the subject, so far as it extends to lost certificates.
Some remarks being made for and against the motion; and the question being taken on it, and lost,
Mr. Sedgwick soon after reported a bill for the renewal of lost or destroyed certificates, which was read a first time.
Mr. White laid on the table a resolution that a committee should be appointed to bring in a bill to provide for the settlement of unliquidated claims against the United States.
On motion of Mr. Benson, the committee of the whole house was discharged from the further consideration of the proposed amendments to the constitution, which were then referred to a committee of seven.
On motion of Mr. Lawrance, resolved that the attorney-general should be directed to report to the house such further information as he might possess, relative to the operation of the judicial system.
Mr. Vining called up a motion, heretofore made by him, for the appointment of a committee to prepare a bill or bills to establish an uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States. The question being taken on the motion, and carried, a committee was accordingly appointed.
A committee was also appointed (pursuant to a motion heretofore made by Mr. Fitzsimons, and since amended) to bring in a bill or bills, for the regulation of pilots, and the superintendence of the beacons, buoys, and public piers in the bay and river of Delaware, and in the bay of Chesapeake, and the rivers disemboguing therein.
The report of the Secretary of the department of war, on the petition of John Younglove, and the counte r-petition of sundry inhabitants of the state of New-York, being then called up, a resolution was moved,
That the prayer of the petition of sundry inhabitants of the counties of Albany and Washington, in the state of New-York, for the repeal of so much of the act, entitled, "An act for the relief of disabled soldiers and seamen lately in the service of the United States, and of certain other persons," as relates to the pension of John Younglove, cannot be granted.
[John Younglove having been, but not then actually being in the service of the United States, was disabled in his own house, in repelling an attack of the enemy during the late war. He obtained from the late Congress a pension; and the contra petitioners endeavored to effect the revocation of the grant. All the papers on this subject being referred to the secretary of the war department, he reported as his opinion, that Mr. Younglove did not, by any of the existing acts of Congress, seem entitled to a pension.]
An interesting debate took place on the propriety of withdrawing the pension. On the one hand, it was urged, that if Mr. Younglove's title was admitted, every man, who might suffer in his person or his property, from an attack of the

Indians, or of any other assailant, would have an equal right to claim a compensation, at the national expence, and that the multitude of such claims would drain the public coffers; that Congress was not infallible; and if the late Congress had committed an error in granting a pension where it was not justly due, the present Congress have a right, and are, in duty to their constituents, bound to rectify the mistake, by revoking the grant. On the other hand, it was said, that, although Mr. Younglove was not, under the then existing laws, entitled to a pension, yet, as the late Congress thought him deserving of one, and conferred it on him, it would ill become the present Congress to revoke the grant. They ought to suppose that their ancestors had sufficient reasons to influence them in making it; at all events, the grant being once made, and the public faith pledged for the continuance of the pension, they could not now withdraw it, without destroying the public confidence in the promises of government.
The question being taken on the motion, it was carried in the affirmative. Adjourned.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10.
Sundry petitions from officers and soldiers of the late army, praying compensations and pensions for services and disabilities, were read, and referred to the Secretary of War.
The bill providing a mode in which the evidences of the debt of the United States, which have been lost or destroyed, shall be renewed, was read the second time, and on motion of Mr. Dayton, referred to the committee of the whole house, to be the order of the day to-morrow. Ordered, that 100 copies of the above bill be printed.
A message was received from the President of the United States by Mr. Secretary Lear, communicating a report from the Secretary of State, respecting the quantity and situation of the unclaimed lands in the North and South Western Territories of the United States. This report being read, it was ordered that 200 copies of it should be printed.
Mr. Williamson laid the following motion on the table—"That a committee be appointed to bring in a bill to prevent the invalid pensioners of the United States from selling their pensions before the same shall have become due."
On motion of Mr. Lawrance, the message from the President of the United States, and the report from the Secretary of State, which accompanied the same, were referred to the committee appointed to bring in a bill providing for the sale of the vacant lands in the Western Territories of the United States.
On motion of Mr. Parker, the house came to the following resolution, "That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to lay before the house, a statement of the amount of the exports from the several districts of the United States respectively—also the amount of the duties on imports and tonnage, from 29th Sept. 1790, to the 30th Sept. 1791."
ORDER OF THE DAY—THE CENSUS.
Mr. Muhlenberg in the chair.
The proposed amendment to Mr. Lawrance's motion, by striking out thirty before the word thousand , under consideration.
Mr. Gerry opposed the amendment, and in a speech of some length, advocated the original motion of one representative to every thirty thousand persons. He was replied to by Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Steele, Mr. Clark, Mr. Barnewell and Mr. Goodhue. Mr. Baldwin coincided with Mr. Gerry. The committee rose without coming to a vote, and had leave to sit again.
[Our limits will not admit of giving a sketch of the debate this day—it shall appear in our next.]
Mr. White's motion for a committee to report a bill for settling unliquidated claims against the United States, was taken into consideration—many difficulties were suggested in opposition to it—and on motion of Mr. Fitzsimons, being varied to read in the following manner, viz. "A bill to provide for the settlement of the claims of persons under particular circumstances, barred by the limitations heretofore established," was agreed to—and Messrs. White, Fitzsimons and Niles, appointed the committee accordingly.
Adjourned.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1791.
The House met pursuant to adjournment—but as a great proportion of the members were on committees who were not ready to report, Mr. Steele moved that, in order to afford those committees time to prepare and bring in their respective reports, the House should adjourn until Monday next—which motion was unanimously agreed to.
WINDHAM, (Con.) October 29.
Last Wednesday, four men, said to be concerned in a late riot in Columbia county, state of New-York, whereby the sheriff of the county was unfortunately killed, were apprehended by their pursuers, in Canterbury, in this state, and the same evening lodged in the goal in this town—from whence they were taken yesterday to be conducted back to the state of New-York for trial.
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
AT THE FIRST SESSION OF THE SECOND CONGRESS.
An ACT granting further time for making return of the Enumeration of the Inhabitants in the District of South-Carolina.
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That it shall be lawful for the Marshal of the District of South-Carolina, to compleat and make return of the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the said district to the President of the United States, in the form and manner prescribed by the act, entitled, "An act providing for the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States," at any time on or before the first day of March next, any thing in the said act to the contrary notwithstanding.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
JOHN ADAMS, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate.
APPROVED. GEORGE WASHINGTON, President of the United States.
SONNET.
BY DR. AIKIN.
To his Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, President of the United States of America.
POINT of that Pyramid, whose solid base Rests firmly founded on a Nation's trust, Which, while the gorgeous Palace sinks in dust, Shall stand sublime, and fill its ample space: Elected Chief of Freemen; greater far Than Kings, whose glitt'ring parts are fix'd by birth. Nam'd by thy country's voice, for long tried worth, Her crown in peace, as once her shield in war: Deign, WASHINGTON! to hear a British lyre, That ardent greets thee with applausive lays, And to the Patriot Hero homage pays! O would the Muse immortal strains inspire, That high beyond all Greek and Roman name, Might soar to times unborn thy purer, nobler name!
Philadelphia, November 12.
We are assured, that General St. Clair, with the main army, must probably have arrived at the utmost point of his destination by the 20th of the last month. His great object will be to establish strong posts in the Indian country, to curb and overawe such of the neighboring tribes as may be inclined to hostility. His force and talents are so respectable, that it may be justly expected, he will effectually answer the public expectations: It is rather improbable, the hostile Indians will meet in such numbers, as to occasion any serious contest. On the contrary, it is probable, as he carries the olive-branch in one hand, and the sword in the other, that the campaign will establish a firm peace with the unfortunate natives of America.
Thursday last arrived here from Cape-Francois, SYLVANUS BOURNE, Esq. Consul of the United States for St. Domingo—In the same vessel came also two French Gentlemen, Agents from the Colonial Assembly.
The Legislature of New-Jersey is now in session, and we hear that there is every reason to believe a most liberal plan of incorporation will be granted to the association for promoting manufactures in the United States.
By the latest accounts from Cape-Francois, it does not appear that tranquility is in any good degree restored to St. Domingo.
The salutary effects of the treaty made by the United States with the Creek Indians, are now apparent; the settlements on St. Mary's River, in the State of Georgia, it is said are in a most flourishing condition.
Some accounts from Cape-Francois say, that the blacks have put some of their white prisoners to death, by breaking them on the wheel, and by other cruel and infernal modes.
Besides the civilities which strangers, on visits among us, have a right to expect, on the principles of hospitality, the Countess of EFFINGHAM, just arrived at New-York from Jamaica for her health, has claims to the distinguished attention of our citizens. Earl EFFINGHAM, in the beginning of the late contest with Great-Britain, alone opposed, in the House of Peers, an attempt to reduce these States vi et armis . Finding his opposition of no weight, he resigned a commission of Lieutenant-General, rather than act against us.
Last Wednesday evening, at a meeting of the Directors of the National Bank, it was determined that four branches should be established, one in Boston, a second in New-York, a third in Baltimore, and a fourth in Charleston—to commence operation in January next. These branches are to have the benefit of a part of the specie capital.
Some of the papers have mentioned that the salary of the President of the National Bank is fixed at 3000 dollars. This is a mistake—the salary of the President is not fixed, and cannot be fixed by the Directors; but must be settled at a general meeting of Stockholders. Gen. Adv.
COMMUNICATIONS.
Those persons are greatly deceived, who think that government derives advantage from flatterers. Government, like an individual, has need of friends—but it is injured by deception. When any thing goes wrong in public affairs, it is doing government a favor to point out the error. There is no channel for conveying this kind of advice so useful as the newspapers. By regulating the Post-Office in a manner to convey information to every part of the country, the rulers are placed in a condition to receive advice from all their well-wishers. And if ever ill rumors are engendered in the body-politic, it is most salutary that they should have some pores to perspire thro. The Post-Office should be a kind of chimney to the federal edifice. If it was not for a vent, the house would be on fire, or would stifle its inhabitants with smoke. The Post-Office should be, in matters of opinion, a kind of Bank—the common centre of circulation, the instrument and the measure of improvement—Knowledge is cheaper than luxury—yet it is worth more—The Post-Office affords a means of obtaining it, which pays its own way.
The people of America have ten thousand rights; any one of them would be sufficient to change the political condition, and the order of thinking in almost any other country. But what are they all worth unless the people are taught, and taught too in the school house to understand and to estimate the value of them. Ages would pass away before a people could be brought into such habits of thinking as we in America have adopted; we have done so much it is scarcely possible we should stop where we are, we must make progress—our political state is good—let us mend our moral state—let our knowledge be made commensurate with our liberties.
There are two ways of governing men—either to make them govern themselves, or to govern them by force. The latter is the European and Asiatic method; it is governing by main strength—the former is the American, which is governing by slight of hand. For what have you to govern? Mens' passions—surely, and if you make their reason do it for you, which it always will when enlightened, your work is done to your hand.
But as governing the youth in the way of education is a slow affair, which we have not patience to wait to see the effects of, let us tell the grown gentlemen their rights and duties. Why should not the Post-Office be made use of to tell the people what is done, and why it is done? Fame says that the people in the back parts of North-Carolina do not get dispatches from the seat of government in less than two months. What an hazardous interval is left for art to dupe credulity, or credulity to dupe itself! Men have a right to know how their affairs are managed; it is doing the public business behind their backs to neglect or to conceal from them the facts and reasons which are necessary to the forming a sound judgment upon men and measures. The people do not know and can scarcely overrate their own importance, as it respects public men and measures. The public is a court, which tries both; they bring vice and error to the test, and expose them to shame.
Died, at Trenton, New-Jersey, the 1st inst. much lamented, Mrs. JOANNA SPENCER, relict of the late Rev. Dr. Elihu Spencer, in the 63d year of her age.
Her illness, which was long and severe, she bore with uncommon fortitude and christian resignation.
On the Thursday following, her remains were interred in the Presbyterian Church-yard of said place; when a well adapted discourse was delivered by the Rev. James F. Armstrong, from Revelations 14—13.
From PELOSI's MARINE LIST.
ARRIVALS at the PORT of PHILADELPHIA.
  Ship Four Friends, Volans, Madeira   Mary, Curry, Grenada   Brig Theodosia, Lake, Cape-Francois   Georgia Packet, Carson, Savannah   Sloop Three Sisters, Thompson, Port-au-Prince   Schooner Industry, Shackford, Portsmouth (N.C.)   Isabella, Anderson, St. Eustatius 
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
  FUNDED DEBT.   6 pr. Cents 21/10 22 1/2 pr. £. 110 pr. cent.   3 pr. Cents 12/6 62 1/2 do.   Deferred 6 pr. Cents 13/ 13 3/4 66 do.   UNFUNDED DEBT.   Final Sett. and other Certificates 19/ 95 do.   Indents 11/6 56 1/4 do.   Bank Subscriptions, 140 Dollars. 
ADVERTISEMENT.
WHEREAS it appears by the proceedings in a certain cause now depending in the High Court of Chancery in England, wherein William Webb is the plaintiff, and John Parker, (executor of Thomas Bradly, deceased) is the defendant, that Henry Webb was put out an apprentice to the sea trade by the Greenwich school, in or about the year 1775, and who was then of the age of 14 years, or thereabouts, and sailed from England in the year 1776, to some part of North-America, in the ship or vessel Artemisia , Capt. Lewellyn, formerly a Spanish trader, and at that time a navy victualler or transport in his Majesty's service—and whereas it appears that the said Henry Webb deserted and ran away from said ship or vessel, and entered on board a certain privateer called the Revenge , or Vengeance Privateer , of which one John Dean was master or commander, then lying at New-York, North-America; and that the said Vengeance Privateer , on or about the 5th of November, 1779, sailed from New-York aforesaid to Savannah, and arrived at such last mentioned port in or about the month of March, 1780, and on the month of April following, to some port or place in America, but to what port or place is not known; and in the month of May, 1780, the said ship or vessel was seen at Barbadoes in the West-Indies, but the said Henry Webb has not since been heard of, and is supposed to be dead; it having been reported that the tender belonging to the said ship or vessel called the Vengeance , which ship was then commanded by Capt. Knowles, with a number of her men, to the amount of 20, or thereabouts, (and among whom the said Henry Webb is supposed to have been one) were taken by the enemy, and carried into Philadelphia.—Now, in pursuance of an order made in the said cause, bearing date the 3d of December, 1790, any person or persons who can give any account or information touching the said Henry Webb, or of the said ship Vengeance , or whether the said Henry Webb be living or dead, and if dead, when or wherefore he died, are requested to give such information to William Weller Pepys, Esq. one of the Masters of said Court, at his Chambers in Symonds-Inn, Chancery-Lane, London; and such person or persons will be rewarded for their trouble by applying to Samuel Naylor, Esq. the Solicitor in said cause, No. 4, Great Newport-Street, London; or to the Rev. John Stanford, No. 33, John-Street, New-York; or to John Prettyjohn, Esq. Bridgetown, Barbadoes. W. W. PEPYS.

FROM THE BALTIMORE DAILY REPOSITORY.
THE IMPORTANCE AND GOOD EFFECTS OF RIGHT INSTRUCTION IN YOUTH.
To rude, misshapen, craggy stones, Good statuary give A form divine, which makes us think That they indeed can live. So o'er the tender, flexible heart Of all ingenuous youth, Is early culture's charming pow'r, To form their minds to truth. Hence native strength will be improv'd, And native faults suppress'd: So Academia's pleasant groves Their faithful vot'ries bles'd. From Education's forming hand, The purpose and the will Of doing good to all mankind; And of avoiding ill. Hence Liberty, dear sacred name, Infills the strong desire, To live with her, to feel her rays, Or with her to expire. For, if we lose that noble boon, ('Tis fix'd by laws divine) At once we sink beneath the brutes, And all our worth resign. No barrier will be ever found, No strength of laws prevail, To guard the People's sacred rights, If Education fail. From her we seek, in her we find, The most effectual cure, For our depravity and ills, Which num'rous we endure. Health, Patience, vig'rous Fortitude, Walk in her smiling train; And flow'rs spring where'er she treads To cheer the dreary plain.
GALLIPOLIS.
THE settlers of Gallipolis are in great hopes of succeeding in making wine,—not of the exotic vine, but by cultivating the wild American grape. A singular circumstance gave rise to these hopes. In the Ohio, immediately opposite to Gallipolis, is a sandy island remarkable for the goodness of the wild grapes produced on it. They are juicy, the skin much thinner and stone smaller than the grapes of the same kind in the other parts of the country. This difference is attributed to the effect of the ice in winter, which, when the river rises, sweeps over the island and trims the vines. This coarse dressing, though it happens at an unfavourable season of the year, together with the exposed situation of the island to the direct rays of the sun, is conceived to be the reason of the superiority of the grapes in this small spot. Very palatable wine has already been made of these grapes, and when the hint is improved upon, and a regular course of culture bestowed upon our native vine, (which it is the determination of the settlers to attempt) Scioto wine, who knows, may perhaps, one day supplant the Madeira on our tables.
A L B A N Y, October 27.
We have it now in our power to congratulate the public, on the subject of the projected canal between the Mohawk river and the western Wood-creek, which has for some time engaged the attention of our fellow-citizens.
The ingenious Major Hardenbergh, who was commissioned by government to explore this connection and report to the ensuing legislature, arrived in this city from thence a short time since.
It appears, that this very important operation is not only practicable, but will be found very easy on the south side of Fort Stanwix, the distance in a direct line between the two waters is one mile and two chains—the bed of the Mohawk in that line being higher than Wood-creek—the land so level that the depth of digging will not vary more than three feet above the common level.
G O S H E N, November 1.
A report, some time current here, has been related variously: the following, however, we are inclined to believe, is nearly the truth, viz. That on or about the first of October, the mills of the Hon. Cornelius C. Schoonmaker, Esq. at Shawangunk, were set on fire and consumed, for which he censured several persons—that a short time after, as a person was passing an unfrequented road, in the neighbourhood, he fell in with a man in a thicket of woods, armed with a musket, who enquired of him where Mr. Schoonmaker was, on being answered that he did not know, they passed each other—the unarmed person had not proceeded far, before he began to reflect that the situation and appearance of the man, were mysterious—In short, he was impressed with an idea that some fatal proceedings were in agitation. Under these apprehensions, he concealed his horse, with an intention to return and place himself in a situation where he might watch the actions of the suspicious character; he accordingly advanced to an uncommonly thick group of laurels, where he might lay concealed; on penetrating the clufter, he found a grave newly dug—long, and very deep—in consequence of
this, he made a secret retreat and had the man apprehended, who, we are informed, has since confessed that he burnt the mills and was, at the time he was secured, laying in wait to execute his desperate intentions of murdering Mr. Schoonmaker, and depositing his body in the grave mentioned.
BALTIMORE, October 31.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Nantz, to his friend in this town, dated Sept. 10.
“We learn with concern, by the Captains of vessels from your side of the water, the erroneous reports made you of the situation of this country—We can assure you that we are in the most perfect tranquility, and that commerce never was more flourishing or better protected.”
WORCESTER, October 27.
On Tuesday last an ox which weighed, alive, 2520 lbs. neat, was driven through this town on his way to Bolton market. He was six years old, and was raised by a Mr. Rich, of Brookfield in this county.
THE First and Second Volumes of the HISTORY OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, (To which is prefixed an accurate Map of the State)
By the Rev. JEREMY BELKNAP,
Are ready for Delivery to Subscribers—who may receive their Books on application to HAZARD & ADDOMS, at the Corner of Chestnut and Third Streets.
The above two volumes contain the political history of the State, from its first settlement to the adoption of the present Constitution of the United States;—the third, containing a geographical description of the State, sketches of its natural history, &c. is in the press.
*** A few copies of the first two volumes for sale—price 20f. November 5, 1791.
In the Press, and speedily will be published, HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS; Consisting of STATE PAPERS, and other authentic Documents, tending to elucidate the HISTORY OF AMERICA, and particularly of the UNITED STATES.
By EBENEZER HAZARD, A.M.
*** The price to Subscribers will be a Dollar for each Number, containing 160 large quarto pages; or Four Dollars and a Quarter for each Volume in Boards; to be paid as follows, viz. the first and second Numbers, or Volumes, to be paid for on delivery of the first; and each subsequent one (except the last) at the time of delivery.
Subscriptions will be received, in this city, by THOMAS DODSON, and HAZARD & ADDOMS, (who will exhibit specimens of the work) and in other places by the principal Booksellers there. Philadelphia, November 5, 1791.
TO BE SOLD, BY JOHN CAREY, No. 26, PEAR-STREET, A COLLECTION OF Scarce and Valuable BOOKS,
Which may be seen every day, until five o'clock, P. M. Among them are the following:
Folio. HOMER, Xenophon, Plato, Plutarch, Eusebius, Sozomen, Theodoret, Virgil, Horace, Livy, Tacitus, Paterculus, Pliny, Concordantia Lat. Concordantia Gr. Thesaurus Ciceronis, Biblia Junii and Tremellii, Bible de Martin, Wells's Maps, Scapulae—Phavorini—Martini—Hoffmani Lexica, Vossii Etymologicum, Antiqui. Eccles. Britannica, &c.
Quarto. Pindar, Cyropaedia, Bentley's Horace, Terence and Phaedrus, Ovid, Juvenal, Manilius, Ciceronis op. om. Cæsar, Suetonius, Julius Pollux, Hederici Lexicon, Vossii Ars Gram. Cluverii Geographia, Justinian Code, &c.
Octavo & infra. Homer, Anacreon, Aristophanes, Longinus, Theophrastus, Hesiod, Poëtae minores Gr. Isocrates, Phalaris, various editions of Horace, Virgil, Terence, and Ovid, Tibullus, Plautus, Lucan, Martial, Claudian, Val. Flaccus, Ausonius, Buchanan, Sallust, Curtius, Florus, Justin, Val. Maximus, A. Gellius, Hist. August. Scriptores, English and French Translations of some of the Classics, a great variety of Greek and Latin Grammars, &c. &c.
Catalogues may be had of Messrs. Rice & Co. Booksellers, Market-street, or of JOHN CAREY. October 31. (ep tf.)
TO BE SOLD, And possession given immediately, That pleasantly situated FARM
Whereon the subscriber now lives.
It lies on the road from Princeton to Brunswick, about a mile and a half from the former. It contains 213 acres, whereof 47 are woodland, upwards of 30 meadow, and 20 more may be made. Also a young orchard of 200 apple trees, besides a variety of peach and cherry trees, and a large garden; the whole under good fence. There are on the premises a two story stone house and kitchen, with an elegant piazza, the whole painted and finished. Also, a smoke-house, work-shop, granary, waggon-house; barracks cow-houses, two floors high and 90 feet long, and a good barn, with stabling. From the buildings there are charming views of Princeton, the neighbouring farms, and Monmouth hills. Any person inclining to purchase, may know the terms by applying to the subscriber on the premises, or to ISAAC SNOWDEN, No. 141, South Second-street, Philadelphia.
ISAAC SNOWDEN, Junior. Princeton, October 10, 1791. [cp 2m]
Forty Dollars Reward.
LAST night was broke open the Store of the subscriber, at Bordentown, and stolen from the same the following articles, viz. One hair trunk, containing womens' wearing apparel; 1 small box, containing four clocks and one dozen testaments; 1 ditto containing one bottle green cloth coat, one striped vest and breeches, two shirts and a small bag with 36 dollars and 20s. to 30s. Jersey coppers; 1 keg containing a large bible, with other small books; 1 box containing 447 real ostrich feathers, some of them large and elegant, and of different colours; 2 barrels rye meal, branded Stout and Imlay; 1 barrel pork, 1 ream paper, and 1 dozen pallet-boards.—Stolen at the same time, a large Batteau, with black sides.
A reward of Twenty Dollars will be given for the security of the above property, so that the owners may have the articles again, or in proportion for part thereof; also a further reward of Twenty Dollars will be given for the security of the perpetrator or perpetrators, so that they may be brought to justice, by JOHN VAN EMBURGH.
Bordentown, New-Jersey, Sept. 1, 1791. [ep tf.]
Funds of the United States.
ALL kinds of the Public Debt of the Union, bought, sold, or exchanged; Foreign and Inland Bills of Exchange negotiated; Merchandise of all sorts bought and sold on Commission, and all other Business in the line of a Broker, translated by
WILLIAM CLELAND, At the Office next door to the Custom-House, State-Street, BOSTON. 2m
IMPERIAL HYSON, SOUCHONG, and BOHEA
TEAS,
REFINED SUGARS, COFFEE, & SPICES, &c. &c.
Of the first quality—by retail,
No. 19,
Third-Street, between Chestnut and Market-Streets.
MASSACHUSETTS SEMI-ANNUAL LOTTERY.
CLASS SECOND.
THIS Class will positively commence drawing on Thursday the 24th of November next, at 4 o'clock, P.M. which will be completed with all expedition.—The Managers pledge themselves that no consideration whatever shall induce them to postpone the drawing a moment beyond that time.
Boston, October 15, 1791.
PUBLIC SECURITIES,
BOUGHT AND SOLD, on COMMISSION, by
SAMUEL ANDERSON,
Chestnut-Street, next door to the Bank, No. 97.
MASSACHUSETTS SEMI-ANNUAL,
AND NEW-HAVEN
LOTTERY TICKETS,
To be had at the same place.
JOHN PINTARD,
SWORN BROKER & AUCTIONEER,
PURCHASES and SELLS
PUBLIC DEBT of every description, on Commission, at the following rates:
ON the specie amount of all sales at auction, one eighth per cent.
On ditto at private sale or purchase, one-half per cent.
On remittances, ditto.
Receiving interest at the Loan-Office, one per cent. on the amount of the interest.
For making transfers at ditto, seventy-five cents per transfer.
Such persons as may incline to favor the subscriber with their orders, may rely on their being executed with punctuality, fidelity and dispatch. His long experience and extensive dealings in the public stocks, together with a well established correspondence throughout the United States, enable him to conduct his operations with peculiar benefit to his employers.
JOHN PINTARD, New-York, No. 57, King-Street. October 15, 1791.
A Young Gentleman, of American birth and education (being a graduate) would for a liberal compensation engage as Tutor in a family, or take charge of an Academy, to teach the Latin and English Languages. He has had some experience in teaching, and trusts he can exhibit satisfactory recommendations. Any letters upon this subject, post paid, addressed to A— S—, and the care of the Editor hereof, prior to the 25th December, will be punctually attended to. October 22, 1791. [1aw]
W. M. DOUGALL'S DANCING SCHOOL,
Is now opened at his School-Room, No. 23, Carter's Alley.
HE returns his sincere thanks for the great encouragement he has experienced these eighteen years; hopes the reputation of his school for decorum and good order, as well as the performance of his scholars, will still ensure him a respectable share of the public favor.
A number of new Cotillions and Country Dances will be taught during the season.
Those who please to honor him with the tuition of their children, may be assured, they will be taught in the most approved style, and that proper attention will be paid to their carriage and manners.
A general practising for the improvement of the scholars, will be held at the New Rooms, every other Wednesday; when the employers, and strangers of genteel deportment, will be admitted. These practisings will be attended with no expence.
N. B. An EVENING SCHOOL will be opened for grown Gentlemen, as soon as a sufficient number offer.
Philadelphia, September 14, 1791. (t. f.)
WANTED, A NUMBER OF
Journeymen Cordwainers,
Who will find constant employment and generous wages, by applying to the Master Cordwainers of the City of Philadelphia. October 22, 1791. [ep tf.]
Wanted, a good COOK,
To whom genteel wages will be allowed. None need apply who cannot be well recommended. Enquire of the Printer.
Lectures on Government & Law.
THE Honorable JAMES WILSON, L.L.D. Professor of Laws in the College and Academy of Philadelphia, proposes to deliver, next Winter, two Courses of Lectures. One Course to begin on the Second Monday, the other on the Second Tuesday of December.
WILLIAM ROGERS,
Secretary to the Board of Faculty. Philadelphia, October 12, 1791. [ep tf.]
HOLY BIBLE.—Royal Quarto.
MR. THOMAS, of Worcester, Massachusetts, most respectfully informs the public, that he has this day completed the Old and New Testaments of his Royal Quarto Edition of the HOLY BIBLE. The Apocrypha and Index, &c. will be finished with all the dispatch the nature of the work will admit.
Such Gentlemen as hold SUBSCRIPTION PAPERS, he begs will return them to him at Worcester, or to him and Company at Boston, by the last day of November next, and as much sooner as they conveniently can.
He is happy to inform the public, that the work has been examined by many gentlemen, clergymen and others, and has met with their highest approbation; both as to the execution of the printing, its correctness, and its cheapness compared with English copies of the same size and quality.
As this very laborious and exceedingly expensive undertaking, is carried on solely at his own cost, he is led to hope that all those who wish to possess a large Family Bible, will so far encourage this laudable undertaking of their countryman, as to add their names to the subscription.
Worcester, Sept. 29, 1791.
ISAIAH THOMAS.