Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1791-11-30 00:00:00

Gazette of the United States.
PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS BY JOHN FENNO, No. 69, HIGH-STREET, BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD STREETS, PHILADELPHIA.
[No. 62, of Vol. III.]
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1791.
[Whole No. 270.]
PHILADELPHIA.
READ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE TWENTY-FIFTH INSTANT.
The SECRETARY OF STATE to whom was referred, by the House of REPRESENTATIVES of the United States, the petition of Jacob Isaacks, of Newport, in Rhode-Island, has examined into the truth and importance of the allegations therein set forth, and makes thereon the following
REPORT.
THE petitioner sets forth, that, by various experiments, with considerable labor and expence, he has discovered a method of converting salt-water into fresh, in the proportion of 8 pints out of 10, by a process so simple that it may be performed on board of vessels at sea by the common iron caudle with small alterations, by the same fire, and in the same time, which is used for cooking the ship's provisions; and offers to convey to the government of the United States a faithful account of his art, or secret, to be used by or within the United States, on their giving to him a reward suitable to the importance of the discovery, and, in the opinion of government, adequate to his expences, and the time he has devoted to the bringing it into effect.
In order to ascertain the merit of the petitioner's discovery, it becomes necessary to examine the advances already made in the art of converting salt-water into fresh.
Lord Bacon, to whom the world is indebted for the first germs of so many branches of science, had observed, that, with a heat sufficient for distillation, salt will not rise in vapour, and that salt-water distilled, is fresh. And it would seem that all mankind might have observed, that the earth is supplied with fresh-water chiefly by exhalation from the sea, which is in fact an insensible distillation effected by the heat of the sun. Yet this, tho' the most obvious, was not the first idea in the essays for converting salt-water into fresh. Filtration was tried in vain, and congelation could be resorted to only in the coldest regions and seasons. In all the earlier trials by distillation, some mixture was thought necessary to aid the operation by a partial precipitation of the salt, and other foreign matters contained in sea-water. Of this kind were the methods of Sir Richard Hawkins, in the 16th century, of Glauber, Hauton and Lister, in the 17th, and of Hales, Appl. by, Butler, Chapman, Hoffman and Dove, in the 18th: nor was there any thing in these methods worthy noting on the present occasion, except the very simple still contrived extempore by Capt. Chapman, and made from such materials as are to be found on board every ship, great or small. This was a common pot with a wooden lid of the usual form, in the center of which a great hole was bored to receive perpendicularly a short wooden tube, made with an inch and half auger, which perpendicular tube received at its top, and at an acute angle, another tube of wood also, which descended till it joined a third, of pewter, made by rolling up a dish, and passing it obliquely thro' a cask of cold water. With this simple machine he obtained two quarts of fresh-water an hour, and observed, that the expence of fuel would be very trifling, if the still was contrived to stand on the fire along with the ship's boiler.
In 1762, Dr. Lind proposing to make experiments of several different mixtures, first distilled rain-water, which he supposed would be the purest, and then sea-water, without any mixture, which he expected would be the least pure, in order to arrange between these two supposed extremes the degree of merit of the several ingredients he meant to try. "To his great surprise," as he confesses, the sea-water distilled without any mixture, was as pure as the rain-water. He pursued the discovery and established the fact, that a pure and portable fresh water may be obtained from salt-water by simple distillation without the aid of any mixture for lining or precipitating its foreign contents. In 1767, he proposed an extempore still, which in fact, was Chapman's, only substituting a gun-barrel instead of Chapman's pewter tube, and the hand-pump of the ship to be cut in two obliquely, and joined again at an acute angle, instead of Chapman's wooden tubes bored expressly; or, instead of the wooden lid and upright tube, he proposed a tea-kettle (without its lid or handle) to be turned bottom upwards over the mouth of the pot, by way of still-head, and a wooden tube leading from the spout to a gun-barrel passing through a cask of water, the whole luted with equal parts of chalk and meal moistened with salt-water.
With this apparatus of a pot, tea-kettle and gun-barrel, the Dolphin, a 20 gun ship, in her voyage round the world, in 1768 from 56 gallons of sea-water, and with 3lb. of wood and 60lb. of pit-coal, made 42 gallons of good fresh water at the rate of 8 gallons an hour. The Dorsetshire, in her passage from Gibraltar to Mahon, in 1769, made 19 quarts of pure water in 4 hours with 10lb. of wood. And the Slambal, in 1773, between Bombay and Bengal, with a hand-pump, gun-barrel and a pot, of 6 gallons of sea-water made 10 quarts of fresh water in 3 hours.
In 1771, Dr. Irwin, putting together Lind's idea of distilling without a mixture, Chapman's still, and Dr. Franklin's method of cooling by evaporation, obtained a premium of 5000l. from the British Parliament. He wet his tube constantly with a mop instead of passing it through a cask of water: He enlarged its bore also in order to give a freer passage to the vapour, and thereby increase its quantity by lessening the resistance or pressure on the evaporating surface: this last improvement was his own, and it doubtless contributed to the success of his models; and we may suppose the enlargement of the tube to be useful to that point at which the central parts of the vapour, passing through it, would begin to escape condensation. Lord Mulgrave used his method in his voyage towards the North Pole, in 1773, making from 34 to 40 gallons of fresh water a day, without any great addition of fuel, as he says.
M. de Bougainville in his voyage round the world, used, very successfully, a still which had been contrived in 1763, by Poyfson, so as to guard against the water being thrown over from the boiler into the pipe, by the agitation of the ship. In this one singularity was, that the furnace or fire box was in the middle of the boiler, so that the water surrounded it in contact. This still, however, was expensive and occupied much room.
Such were the advances already made in the art of obtaining fresh from salt water, when Mr. Isaacks, the petitioner, suggested his discovery.
As the merit of this could be ascertained by experiment only, the Secretary of State asked the favor of Mr. Rittenhouse, President of the American Philosophical Society, of Dr. Wistar, professor of chemistry in the college of Philadelphia, and Dr. Hutchinson, professor of chemistry in the university of Pennsylvania, to be present at the experiments. Mr. Isaacks fixed the pot of a small caudle, with a tin cap and straight tube of tin passing obliquely thro'
a cask of cold water; he made use of a mixture, the composition of which he did not explain, and from 24 pints of sea-water, taken up about 3 miles out of the Capes of Delaware at flood tide, he distilled 22 pints of fresh water in 4 hours, with 20lb. of seasoned pine, which was a little wetted by having lain in the rain.
In a 2d experiment of the 21st of March, performed in a furnace and 5 gallon still at the college, from 32 pints of sea-water he drew 31 pints of fresh water in 7 h. 24 min. with 5lb. of hickory which had been cut about 6 months. In order to decide whether Mr. Isaacks's mixture contributed in any and what degree to the success of the operation, it was thought proper to repeat his experiment under the same circumstances exactly, except the omission of the mixture. Accordingly on the next day the same quantity of sea-water was put into the same still, the same furnace was used, and fuel from the same parcel. It yielded, as his had done, 31 pints of fresh water in 11 min. more of time and with 10lb. less of wood.
On the 24th of March Mr. Isaacks performed a 3d experiment. For this, a common iron pot of 3 3/4 gallons was fixed in brick work, and the flue from the hearth wound once round the pot spirally, and then passed off up a chimney. The cap was of tin, and a straight tin tube of about two inches diameter, passing obliquely through a barrel of water, served instead of a worm. From 16 pints of sea water he drew off 15 pints of fresh water in 2 h. 55 min. with 3lb. of dry hickory and 8lb. of seasoned pine. This experiment was also repeated the next day, with the same apparatus and fuel from the same parcel, but without the mixture. Sixteen pints of sea water yielded in like manner 15 pints of fresh, in 1 min. more of time, and with half a pound less of wood. On the whole, it was evident that Mr. Isaacks's mixture produced no advantage, either in the process or result of the distillation.
The distilled water in all these instances was found on experiment to be as pure as the best pump water of the city. Its taste indeed was not as agreeable, but it was not such as to produce any disgust. In fact, we drink in common life, in many places, and under many circumstances, and almost always at sea, a worse tasted, and probably a less wholesome water.
The obtaining fresh from salt-water, for ages was considered as an important desideratum for the use of navigators. The process for doing this by simple distillation is so efficacious, the erecting an extempore still with such utensils as are found on board of every ship is so practicable, as to authorize the assertion, that this desideratum is satisfied to a very useful degree. But though this has been done for upwards of 30 years, though its reality has been established by the actual experience of several vessels which have had recourse to it, yet neither the fact nor the process is known to the mass of seamen, to whom it would be the most useful, and for whom it was principally wanted. The Secretary of State is therefore of opinion, that since the subject has now been brought under observation, it should be made the occasion of disseminating its knowledge generally and effectually among the sea-faring citizens of the United States. The following is one of the many methods which might be proposed for doing this. Let the clearance for every vessel sailing from the ports of the United States, be printed on a paper, on the back whereof shall be a printed account of the essays which have been made for obtaining fresh from salt water, mentioning shortly those which have been unsuccessful, and more fully those which have succeeded; describing the methods which have been found to answer for constructing extempore stills of such implements as are generally on board of every vessel, with a recommendation, in all cases where they shall have occasion to resort to this expedient for obtaining water, to publish the result of their trial in some gazette on their return to the United States, or to communicate it for publication to the office of the Secretary of State, in order that others may, by their success, be encouraged to make similar trials, and be benefitted by any improvements or new ideas which may occur to them in practice.
TH. JEFFERSON.
Philadelphia, November 21, 1791.
LONDON, September 19.
Nothing could have been more dexterous than the art with which La Fayette seized the moment of the Assembly's joy at the royal acceptance, to procure from them an Amnesty. This was artfully availing himself of the molli tempore fandi . Any delay might indeed, from the tumultuous clamours of the Enragees , have proved fatal to that wise and magnanimous measure. It remains to be ascertained, whether the haughty spirit of the Princes and Nobles of France will suffer them to re-enter their country as pardoned criminals.
The French King's speech does no little honor to its author: besides the good style and good sense which pervade it, there is an apology for the King's late elopement, intermixed with peculiar skill and effect.
The acceptance of the new Constitution by the King of France, must certainly be regarded as in some measure definitive, and depriving others of a pretext for interference. The alternative was either that he should accept upon the terms there granted him, or abdicate the throne.
The act of oblivion, just now passed in France, was certainly dictated by a wise and good policy. It will tend to soften the animosity of parties, and reconcile the minds of those who are yet averse to the Revolution.
When the King of France refused to wear the decorations of the St. Esprit , notwithstanding the previous permission of the National Assembly, he said, "that he could not decide in regard to the Prince Royal, who was a minor; but he doubted not but that the eldest son of a King of France would endeavor to distinguish himself by the virtues of his heart, rather than any bauble about his person."
Numbers of French families are preparing to quit London, in consequence of the adjustment of the French Constitution.
Saturday last dispatches were received at the India house, over land, confirming the particulars of the capture of Darwar by Colonel Frederick, who is not dead, as has been generally reported.
Russia has begun to fulfil her terms with the Porte, and the peace, at length established between these violent foes, promises to be one of some continuance.
Among the curiosities imported from Botany Bay is a leaf, of very uncommon properties. The most extraordinary is that when dried, even without being pulverised, it goes off on the application of a match, with an explosion somewhat similar to gunpowder; and the air is afterwards agreeably perfumed. Experiments are now making to try what force it may possess, compared with our materials of explosion.
The capture of Darwar took place about the latter end of March. The Mahratta troops displayed much gallantry, and were chiefly instrumental in shortening the duration of the siege.
The fortress of Darwar is in the Mysore country, on the Bombay side; and will by the conveniences attached to it, greatly accelerate the total subjugation of Tippoo and his flying followers.
Near three millions have been remitted to Lord Cornwallis from Bengal and Britain, since he took the command.
Yesterday dispatches were received at the Secretary of State's office, from Mr. Whitworth, the British Ambassador at Petersburg. They were brought over by the Jezikill Garnour. It was mentioned, news of the greatest importance had been received by the Empress from Prince Potemkin; that on the departure of the messenger, the Russian army continued to penetrate farther against the Turks; that the former had been successful in several skirmishes; that the latter received several considerable reinforcements from home; and, not having heard of the treaty of peace between the two powers, they were about to rally themselves for the purpose of a general engagement. In the last rencounter, the chief of the Turks and a lieutenant-general of the Russians, fell. It is however believed, that the communication of the peace would soon disperse the several encampments, and render the usual guards on the frontiers only necessary. The Russian fleet at Cronstadt had been dismantled; and the Empress had issued orders for another fete in honor of her conquests.
WARWICK, Sept. 8.
At a quarter past twelve, Francis Field, otherwise Rodney, and John Green, convicted for the offence of aiding and assisting in the demolishing of the house of Mr. Taylor, at Ashton, near Birmingham, were taken to the usual place of execution, where, together with two others, the one for horse-stealing, the other for a highway robbery, they were executed pursuant to their sentence. The rioters behaviour was such as might be expected—expressive of sorrow for their offences; and confessing the cause of them to arise from delusion and misguided zeal.
PLYMOUTH-DOCK, Sept. 10.
This day his Majesty's ship Impregnable, of 93 guns, Sir Thomas Bayard, was paid off and laid up in ordinary.
When the Impregnable was paid off, all the seamen went to the pay-table in uniform; and after receiving their wages, they went respectfully to return thanks to all the Officers for their treatment of them; as did also upwards of sixty fine boys, sons of the seamen, who, from the liberality of the Officers, had been taught to read and write.
PORTSMOUTH, Sept. 12.
An invention is successfully used in the Dock-yard for tarring ropes by the labor of horses instead of men, and another is shortly to be introduced for laying the cables by the same means. This will be a great injury to the people employed in the rope-house, but a very considerable saving to Government.
LIVERPOOL, Sept. 17.
Thursday morning last, about five o'clock, the post-boy carrying the mail from Warrington to Manchester, was robbed of the Chester and Liverpool bags, and murdered.

CONGRESS.
PHILADELPHIA.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 1791.
IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
Debate on the Ratio of Representation.
(CONTINUED.)
MR. HILLHOUSE said he had ever been a friend to a republican form of government, and God forbid, added he, that I should ever give my vote for any measure that should endanger the liberties of my country. He said he was in favor of an energetic government, as that alone can secure the blessings of liberty—As to the dread of corruption in this House, which some gentlemen appeared to entertain, he thought there was no foundation for such an apprehension; at least, said he, as the idea refers to one or two hundred representatives—two hundred he contended were as easily corrupted as one—But the corruption contemplated was a meer matter of opinion; no facts, he presumed, existed in this country to justify a positive assertion, and as to foreign countries, it seems to be conceded that a larger number than any that has been mentioned is susceptible of undue influence.—He then adverted to the restrictions on the President of the United States, and the Senate, in respect to the means of corrupting the legislature—The Constitution has also made provision to secure the independence of the members, &c. He then urged some difficulties which would be occasioned by a small ratio.—He observed that the population of some of the states was nearly stationary—if a small ratio is now established, the consequence will be when it is augmented, that the representation of those states must be diminished—this he conceived, would be a measure that would be greatly disliked. With respect to the proposed amendment, he thought it was entirely out of the question, till it was ratified by three fourths of the states. A very numerous representation, he further observed, would tend to weaken if not destroy the state governments, and that in the issue would destroy the general government—For, said he, they mutually depend on each other for support.
Mr. Sedgwick rose for enquiry, whether if the word thirty should be struck out, it can be restored? For though he wished for an encrease of the ratio, yet he thought it ought to stop short of 40,000. He was in favor of making the proposed amendment to the Constitution, the rule to guide the House. He said he had no idea that the liberties of this country depended on the difference in the representation between 100 and 113 members. With more than 1800 watchmen, in the state legislatures, he conceived that the liberties of this country were perfectly safe—and he never could believe that the people of the United States would ever be slaves; he was sure they never would so long as they were just to themselves and deserve to be free.
Mr. Heister was in favor of retaining the ratio of one to 30,000—He stated sundry particulars respecting the very distant local situations of the representatives of the United States, which rendered it almost impossible for the present number to do complete justice to their respective districts.
Mr. Kitchell was in favor of a numerous representation—He thought the amendment proposed to the Constitution ought to be the guide to the House on this occasion. He did not draw his ideas of what should constitute a proper representation, from the examples cited from foreign countries—nor was he actuated by an apprehension of corruption, as more applicable to a small number than to a large one; but when he considered the various objects, views, denominations, professions, callings and interests of the citizens of the United States, he was fully convinced that a large representation was necessary to embrace the wishes and answer the expectations of the people.—He should therefore vote against the motion for striking out 30,000.
Mr. Findley rose to explain certain expressions which he said had been misunderstood—he defended the opinion he had before advanced, respecting a large representation. In reply to Mr. Clarke, he observed, that the information to which he alluded when he said that a larger number would enable the representatives to adapt the laws and proceedings of government, to the circumstances of the country, was that species of knowledge which arises from a more perfect representation of the wants, wishes, and interests of the people.
Mr. Gerry closed the debate this day—He took a general survey of the arguments against the
proposed ratio of one to 30,000.—In noticing the objection from the instability of the state legislatures, he said it was not owing to their numbers, but to the mode in which they are elected—were the Senates and executives of the several states chosen as those of the general government, there would have been as much stability and consistency in their transactions, as in those of the government of the Union. A gentleman had said that the proposed amendments to the Constitution, had been adopted with reluctance by some of the states which had accepted them—He called on the gentleman to produce his authorities for this assertion.—A relative proportion between the members of the House and the Senate had been suggested; this idea, he said, had no foundation in the Constitution—and he further observed, that the Constitution has so completely guarded and secured the rights and independence of the Senate, that he could not conceive of the apprehensions of gentlemen, who appear to think that an encrease of the members of this House will overwhelm that branch of the legislature—In all events the privileges of that body will remain the same. The States it is said have reduced their representative assemblies—This, he said, so far from being an argument against the proposed ratio, was directly in favor of it—The diminution of the state legislatures has been occasioned by the idea which the people entertain of the encreasing importance of the general government—The objects of legislation to both governments are nearly similar; they relate to those important concerns which interest the feelings of every citizen of the United States—all the difference lies in the magnitude of their respective spheres of action—hence it must evidently be the wish and expectation of the people, that their interests in every point of view, should be fully and adequately represented in this House.
The gentleman from North-Carolina, has said, that extending the sphere of Representation will lead to a choice of more competent characters; but he observed, that the larger the sphere, the less knowledge of the merits of candidates—and the electors will be obliged to vote on trust.
The mode of election in Great-Britain, and not the number of the members of the House of Commons is the source of that corruption which has been so frequently alluded to; the mode of election in that country admits of an executive influence in the election of a majority of the members; this is the rotten part of their constitution which requires amputation.
He did not apprehend any danger from undue attempts to influence or corrupt the members of the house—but though he admitted that the government may be untainted at the present time—yet he conceived it the best policy to prevent the evil, rather than to wait for a corrupt administration and then to seek for a remedy.
The idea which had been suggested, that encreasing the federal representation, would tend to diminish the importance of the State governments in the estimation of the people, he conceived had no foundation; it supposed a want of wisdom in the community at large, which supposition had nothing to support it. The people know that their happiness depends on preserving the balance between the State governments and that of the Union.
The government of the union has been justly compared to a pyramid; he wished that the base which was constituted by the representative body might be broad in order to give it stability—and therefore hoped that the original motion of one representative to every thirty thousand persons would be adopted.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25.
Resolutions of the House respecting the contested election of Anthony Wayne, member from Georgia.
RESOLVED, That the first Monday of February next be assigned for the trial of the articles alledged in the petition against the said return.
Resolved, That the evidence which may be offered on the part of the petitioner, shall be confined to the proof of the articles of charge exhibited in the said petition, against the validity of the return of the said election.
Resolved, That on the trial, the deposition of a witness shall be received, which shall have been taken more than 25 days prior to the day assigned for the trial, before any justice or judge of the courts of the United States, or before any chancellor, justice or judge of a supreme or superior court, mayor or chief magistrate of a city, or judge of a county court of common pleas of any of the United States, not being of counsel or attorney to either the said Anthony Wayne or the petitioner: provided, that a notification from the magistrate before whom the deposition is to be taken, to the adverse party to be present at the taking of the same, and to put interrogatories, if he think fit, shall have been first made out and served on the adverse party, or his attorney specially authorized for the purpose, as either may be nearest, if either is within one hundred miles of the place of such caption, allowing time for their attendance, after notified, not less than at the rate of one day, Sundays exclusive, for every
twenty miles travel. And every person deposing shall be carefully examined and cautioned, and sworn or affirmed to testify the whole truth, and shall subscribe the testimony by him or her given, after the same shall be reduced to writing, which shall be done only by the magistrate taking the deposition, or by the deponent in his presence. And the depositions so taken, together with a certificate of the notice, if any, given to the adverse party, or his attorney, shall be sealed up by the said magistrate and directed to the Speaker.—Provided nevertheless, That no ex parte deposition shall be used on the trial of the said petition, which shall have been taken at any time before the 26th day of December next. Provided also, That evidence, taken in any other manner than is herein before directed, and not objected to by the parties, may, with the approbation of the house, be produced on the trial.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28.
The bill for the relief of David Cook was read a second time, and referred to a committee of the whole house to-morrow.
Mr. Sedgwick presented the petition of Samuel Negus, which was read and referred to the Secretary at War.
Sundry petitions, praying for the settlement of accounts, and the renewal of lost or destroyed certificates—were read and referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. Thatcher presented the petition of Samuel Proctor, which was read and referred to the Secretary at War.
The memorial of James Simpson, a surveyor under the late geographer general of the United States, was presented—read and referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. Muhlenberg presented the petition of Nicholas Schultz, which was read and referred to the Secretary at War.
Mr. Clarke presented the petition of Joel Phelps, praying the benefit of a pension in consequence of disability incurred while in the service of the United States. The report of the Secretary at War on the petition of said Phelps, referred to him at the last session, was called for, which being read, the following resolution was moved, and agreed to by the house—That the reports of the Secretary at War on the petitions of Joel Phelps and others, whose claims appear to be precluded by the resolve of Congress of 11th of March, 1778, and have not yet been acted upon, be referred to a committee of the whole house on the state of the Union, and that the reference be the order of the day for Monday next.
Mr. Ames presented the petition of Samuel Breck, and others, proprietors of the Sail-Cloth Manufactory in Boston, praying that they may have the exclusive privilege of affixing certain marks to their Sail-Cloth, and that measures be adopted for preventing the said marks from being used by others—read and referred to the Secretary of State.
Agreeably to the order of the day, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Muhlenberg in the chair, to take into consideration the bill making compensation to widows, orphans and invalids, in certain cases.
The committee reported progress, and are to sit again to-morrow. Adjourned.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29.
Sundry petitions praying compensations, pensions, &c. were read, and referred to the Secretary of war.
Mr. Livermore reported a bill to establish the post-office, and post-roads in the United States—read the first and second times, and referred to the committee of the whole House on Monday next—Ordered that the bill be printed in the interim.
Mr. Dayton presented the petition of sundry persons, refugees from Canada during the late war—read, and referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Dayton, Bourne, (R. I.) and Murray.
A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. Secretary Otis, informing the House that they have passed a bill respecting Consuls and Vice-Consuls.
The House went into a committee of the whole on the bill making compensation to widows, orphans, and invalids in certain cases—the discussion of the bill was finished—the committee agreed to sundry amendments—they then rose and reported.—And the House adjourned.
PORTLAND, (Mass.) Nov. 10.
Tuesday last arrived here the snow ELIZA, Capt. Jackson, belonging to Portsmouth (N.H.) in 30 days from Cape-Francois, in Hispaniola.—Capt. Jackson has brought back the cargo he carried out from Portsmouth, which was lumber.
By Capt. Jackson we learn, that the white inhabitants are in a most deplorable situation. The whites do not consist of more than 3000 strong, exclusive of Americans and others detained there by the embargo. The negroes consist of more than 30,000, and it was daily expected that they would attack the town.

PUBLISHED BY PARTICULAR REQUEST.
LETTERS BY THE EARL OF DUNDONALD, ON MAKING BREAD FROM POTATOES.
LETTER I.
THE discovery of a method to make good bread of the Potatoe, or its farina, has long been a desideratum, and the only thing wanting to render it the most useful of plants.
The process of making a flour, or farina, from potatoes, is similar to what has long been practised in the West Indies, by the negroes, in the preparation of the Cassado flour;
It has for some years been known, that grain, particularly wheat, consists of two distinct, and, in some circumstances, opposite substances: viz. a powder insoluble in cold water, called starch;
Potatoes contain likewise those different substances, with the addition of certain salts, not contained in grain, at least in that abundance.
The powdery part of the potatoe is found in the state of a powder extremely fine, and of a fibrous part, which connects the particles of the powder:
The very fine and white powder got from potatoes, and which is stated to be in the proportion to the fibrous part as two to one, precipitates in cold water like sand.
The fibrous matter of the potatoe, when dried, and ground, has a greater degree of tendency, than the fine white powder, to form a paste with water;
From what has been stated, it is obvious, that the farina, or rather powder, got from potatoes, does not contain that substance, which is the cause of wheat flour forming a paste with water;
Nothing appears more simply, and more likely to answer the purpose, than the mixing it with different proportions of the flour of different sorts of grain, according to the kind of bread to be made of it, whether leavened or unleavened.
Two parts of wheat-flour to one of potatoe-powder, make a leavened bread, in no ways to be distinguished from wheat-bread alone.
Equal quantities of wheat-flour, and potatoe-powder, make a bread which leavens, and rises exceedingly well:
Equal quantities of wheat-flour and potatoe-powder make a sea biscuit, which cannot, by the nicest taste, be distinguished from biscuit baked wholly of wheat flour.
Equal quantities of oat-meal and potatoe-powder unleavened, or with a small portion of yeast, make a cake or flat bread more pleasant, to the taste, than when made only of oat-meal.
With pease and barley-meal the potatoe-powder has not yet been tried: But it is more than probable that equal quantities of pease meal, and potatoe-powder will make a good wholesome bread, similar to a mixture of barley and pease-meal.
There is reason a priori, however, to believe, that a mixture of barley-meal and potatoe-powder will not answer equally well. To this account of the component parts or analyses of potatoes, and the uses to which the powder may be
applied, I shall subjoin the result of my last experiment made with 24lb. avoirdupoise of potatoes. From these were got 6lb. 2 one half oz. of flour, and 2 oz. of bran, or skin of the potatoes, making in all 6lb. 4 one half oz.
LEAVENED, OR LOAF-BREAD. Table showing weights of potatoe-powder, wheat-flour, and resulting bread weight.
BISCUIT. Table showing weights of potatoe-powder, wheat-flour, and resulting bread weight.
Enough has been stated in this letter to call the attention of the public to the farther uses of a plant, or root, which, in its simple and unprepared state, has been deemed, by one of the ablest men in Europe, (Abbe Raynal) to have been the only substantial blessing which the inhabitants of Europe derived from the discovery of the continent of America.
Another letter will soon follow this, stating other experiments on potatoes, as well as uses to which they, or the powder made from them, are applicable;
Culross Abbey, Feb. 1791.
[LETTER 2, IN OUR NEXT.]
Philadelphia, November 30.
Extract of a letter from James Maury, Consul of the United States at Liverpool, to the Secretary of State, dated September 14, 1791.
The Ports of Britain are shut against Foreign Wheat. Many of our vessels within my district have been under difficulties this year;
The brig Betty, Capt. Salter, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was refused entry in the Clyde six weeks, for the tonnage and where built being omitted in the manifest, and the affidavit thereto being made before a Justice of the Peace instead of the British Deputy Consul,
I submit to you the propriety of making public these particulars that similar inconveniences may be guarded against in future.
A notice from the Board of Customs, to the Collector and Comptroller of Liverpool.
Whereas it has been stated to have been the practice for American ships and vessels to land at Guernsey cargoes of tobacco, the produce of the United States of America, contrary to the 12th Charles 2d. Chap. 18th.
We direct you to make it known to all owners and masters of American vessels which may trade to and from your part, that two American vessels have been on that account lately seized there, and that the said act which not only prohibits the before-mentioned article, but all other species of goods, the produce of America, from being imported into the aforesaid Island, or the Island of Jersey, in foreign ships, will be strictly enforced in future.
The produce of the Rice Plantations the present season, are much larger than were ever before known in Carolina—and this is owing principally to the use of machines, the introduction of the plough instead of hoes, and to the humane treatment of the slaves, who are found to encrease thereby, instead of diminishing, as is the case in the Islands.
The English papers say, that the elections for the new Legislature of France go on with great rapidity, and every where with the most profound tranquility.
The harvest in England the present year, has turned out very favorably.
It is asserted in a late French paper, that the Abbe Raynal was not the real author of the work entitled, "The History of the European Establishments in the East and West-Indies."
From the general tenor of the late European papers, the new French Government is now universally looked upon as ESTABLISHED.
Amongst the objects which will claim the attention of the present Congress, will be a provision for the residiary surplus of the unliquidated debts of the States. This subject, which was suggested in the President's speech, has been specially referred to the Secretary of the Treasury by the House of Representatives, and the liberal policy of that officer leaves little room to doubt that he will be an advocate for the measure, without which the Finances of the Union can never assume an orderly shape.
The glory of old England was the burthen of the song, from the Tar who swabbed the deck, to the immortal Pitt who guided the helm—the enthusiasm excited by this ignis fatuus, carried their triumphs round the globe;—but, happy for mankind, the principles of reason and philosophy are inspiring juster sentiments—a rivalry in the arts of peace, and universal philanthropy, will crown the labors of that country which shall make the most distinguished exertions to level the jealousies and prejudices in the family of man, with more real dignity than is comprized in all the victories from Alexander to Cæsar, and from Cæsar to Catharine.
APPOINTMENT.
The President of the United States has been pleased to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, RICHARD HARRISON, of Virginia, to be Auditor of the Treasury.
It is an old adage, Honesty is the best policy—this applies to individuals and societies—to rulers and people—it extends to opinions and actions—to giving and receiving, and in all implies that golden rule of doing as we would be done unto—it carries its own reward with it—and in all ages and countries has rewarded the fathers and benefactors of mankind with the love of the people, promoted their happiness and celebrity while living, and embalmed their memories in the precious repositories of a grateful recollection in succeeding ages.
Many people read newspapers who read little else—They live in retired situations, and feel a strong curiosity to know the news, and to join in the opinions of the day. To a retired man, a newspaper is always company—sometimes instruction. Bad newspapers, therefore, should be discouraged—because it is furnishing bad company to those whose solitary way of living makes them willing to accept of almost any.
Liberty is not only secured against many former dangers, but it has fewer enemies to contend with. As knowledge spreads through Europe, it gains authority over the hearts of its adversaries; Kings begin to talk like good republicans—they give a tone to the fashion of being free. But let those who love liberty be careful how they mistake the love of liberty for the practice of its discipline.
Our Allies, in forming their Government, have, according to the English paragraphists, deviated from the opinions of the great Democrat, Mr. Paine, in several points;—they have established a monarchical form of government, and made the monarchy hereditary—and their constitution they have made perpetual, by declaring that it is susceptible of no alteration.
Perhaps there is a point of perfection in government, if not in other things, beyond which mankind cannot progress—and if men can agree and determine precisely, when that point is attained, in which the two great objects of forming the social compact, liberty and security, may be most completely realized, why is it not a dictate of wisdom to resolve, that a Constitution thus organized, shall never be changed?
Monday the election of Directors to the institution for promoting American Manufactures, was made at Trenton—seven from New-York, and six of New-Jersey. We are not in possession of the names at present.
To JOSIAH HARMAR, ESQUIRE, Brigadier-General in the service of the United States, and Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the first United States Regiment.
SIR, THE officers of the first regiment beg leave to express the warmth of their attachment to your person, and that perfect satisfaction which they have severally experienced under your command.
United as they have always been in sentiments of affection and friendship towards you, it is with extreme regret they are informed of your intention to quit the army.—If, Sir, upon this interesting occasion your officers might presume their advice—or would you attend to the respectful solicitations of men anxious for your welfare—they might yet hope for your continuance in the service. But—whatever may be your final determination, that honor and happiness may attend you, is amongst their first and most ardent wishes.
We have the honor to be, with perfect esteem and respect, Sir, your very humble servants,
[Signed by twenty-six commissioned Officers.]
TO THE OFFICERS OF THE FIRST UNITED STATES REGIMENT.
GENTLEMEN, YOUR very affectionate address of this morning, claims my warmest acknowledgments.
If I have been so fortunate, during my command, as to give satisfaction to my officers, believe me it has been reciprocal.
I sincerely thank you, gentlemen, for your expressions of affection and friendship towards me, and of the obliging part you appear to take in my future welfare. When I tell you that I shall continue to remember you, my companions, with emotions of friendship and affection, and that my best wishes for your happiness through life, can only cease to exist with myself, I beg you to receive it as the genuine effusion of my heart.
I have the honor to be, with the most affectionate regard, Gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
J. HARMAR, B. G.
Fort-Washington, August 11, 1791.
From PELOSI's MARINE LIST.
ARRIVALS at the PORT of PHILADELPHIA.
Table listing ship arrivals: Brig James, Minerva, Charleston, Brothers, Snow Noftra Seignora, Schooner Ann & Mary, Sloop Peggy, Sally, Merrimack.
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
FUNDED DEBT.
Table listing funded debt prices: 6 pr. Cents, 3 pr. Cents, Deferred 6 pr. Cents.
UNFUNDED DEBT.
Table listing unfunded debt prices: First Sett. and other Certificates, Indents, Bank Subscriptions.

PRICE CURRENT.—PHILADELPHIA.
Table with multiple columns listing various goods (e.g., Anchors, Beer, Boards, Candles, Coffee, Flour, Grain, Iron, Oil, Tea, Wine) and their corresponding prices in dollars and cents.
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.
Bank of the United States.
PHILADELPHIA, November 22, 1791. THE STOCKHOLDERS of the BANK OF THE UNITED STATES are hereby informed, that according to the statute of incorporation, a general election for twenty-five DIRECTORS will be held at the Bank of the United States, in the city of Philadelphia, on Monday the second day of January next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon.
GEORGE MEADE
Has for SALE, at his Stores on WALNUT-STREET WHARF, A FEW DIPS of 3 and 4 years old bills of exchange. Madeira WINE, which he will dispose of by the pipe, hoghead or quarter cask. London market Madeira WINE, 5 and 6 years old. Old Sherry WINE of the first quality, by the hoghead or quarter cask. Three and 4 years old Lisbon WINE, of a superior quality to what is generally imported, by the pipe, quarter cask, or larger quantity. Choice old Coniac BRANDY, by the pipe, tierce, or larger quantity. A few quarter chests of first quality Hyson TEA. He has just received by the Pigeon, Loxley, master, from London, a few quarter casks of old Madeira WINE—And by the brig Mercury, Capt. Stevens, from Dublin, a few boxes of Irish LINENS, low priced and well assorted; a few bales of red and white FLANNELS, and some GLUE. A few boxes of Spermaceti CANDLES of the first quality, and Burlington PORK of prime quality. He has also to dispose of, a quantity of dressed White Oak STAVES. He means to keep a constant supply of First Quality Madeira and Lisbon WINES, and whoever is pleased to favor him with their custom, may be assured of being well served. He will, through the Winter and Spring, buy undressed HAND-SPIKES. He is purchasing FLAX-SEED and BEES-WAX, and will give the highest price for them. N.B. A few hampers of excellent London PORTER and Taunton ALE; just received, and to be disposed of. Philadelphia, November 16, 1791. (ep 6w.)
TO BE SOLD, BY JOHN CAREY,
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, Paternus, Pliny, Concordantia Lat. Concordantia Gr. Thesaurus Ciceronis, Biblia Junii and Tremellii, Bible de Martin, Wells's Maps, Scapulae—Phavorini—Martini—Hoffmani Lexica, Vossii Etymologicum, Antiquit. Ecclesie. 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, Julianian Code, &c. Octavo et infra. Homer, Anacreon, Aristophanes, Longinus, Theophrastus, Hesiod, Poëtæ minores Gr. Isocrates, Phalaris, various editions of Horace, Virgil, Terence, and Ovid, Tibullus, Plautus, Lucan, Martial, Claudian, Val. Flaccus, Asconius, 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. (ept. 1.)
TO BE SOLD, And possession given immediately,
That pleasantly situated FARM 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; barnock cow-houses, two stories 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.]
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. (ept. D)
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 DORSON, and HAZARD & ADDOMS, (who will exhibit specimens of the work) and in other places by the principal Booksellers there. Philadelphia, November 5, 1791.
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, transacted by WILLIAM CLELAND, At the Office next door to the Custom-House, State-Street, BOSTON. 2m
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.
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.
W. M c DOUGALL'S
DANCING SCHOOL,
Is now opened at his School-Room, No. 28, 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 expense. N.B. An EVENING SCHOOL will be opened for grown Gentlemen, as soon as a sufficient number offer. Philadelphia, September 14, 1791. (t. f.)
Thirty Dollars Reward.
RUN AWAY, some time in August 1789, a yellow NEGRO MAN, named ABRAHAM, late the property of Nathaniel Wickliff, deceased—about forty-five years of age, about five feet eight or nine inches high, pretty well set, with a large woolly head and large beard, walks with his knees bent, often complains of pains in his feet and aches—by trade a bricklayer, stone mason and plasterer. He is a very handy fellow as a house-waiter, and is fond of such business. He is a great dissembler, and no doubt pretends he is a freeman. He has been eloped so long that no description of his present clothing can be given. It is supposed that he went to the Northern States, as he often mentioned having friends there.—Twenty Dollars reward will be given to any person that will secure said Negro in any jail, so that the subscriber may get him again; and reasonable charges will be paid—or Thirty Dollars will be given if he is brought to Prince William County, Virginia, to Mr. JOHN KINCHELOE, by CHARLES WICKLIFF, Administrator. October 12, 1791. (1aw9w)
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 flirts 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 paste-boards.—Stolen at the same time, a large Batteau, with black fides. 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. [ept. 1]
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]
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 20s. November 5, 1791. The price of this Paper is 3 Dollars per ann.