Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1791-02-16 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. 84, of Vol. II.]
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1791.
[Whole No. 188.]
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MR. FENNO,  ALTHOUGH I conceive it improper for individuals to obtrude their sentiments on the public, too frequently, with respect to subjects that engage the attention, and require the deliberation of the legislature of the Union; yet if it appear from proceedings already had, that any thing will be pretermitted, which merits legislative provision, it ought to be communicated. The multiplicity and variety of business that is presented to the minds of the members of the honorable body, unavoidably prevent an accurate and precise view of every part: Hence I infer the reason that induced Congress to adopt the practice of referring certain subjects to those officers, that fill the different executive departments to report on: A practice proper enough, if confined within due bounds: The danger which may result is, that so implicit a reliance may be placed on those reports, as to preclude a due investigation of the subjects reported on—Few men possessing industry enough to investigate a subject already considered to their hand. This I presume, hath been the case, from certain proceedings of the house of representatives, in consequence of a late report, made by the Attorney-General , relative to the Judiciary System, the revision of which, as there recommended, hath been postponed to a subsequent period. The Attorney-General among other things, recommends it to the legislature as proper, "That the Clerks and Marshals should have emoluments equal to a livelihood," considering with justice that the precarious profits of their respective offices cannot be adequate to their support: Upon the ground of this recommendation, I suppose the house of representatives have appointed a committee "to prepare and bring in a bill making provision for the Clerks and Marshals."
An indifferent observer would be led to suppose, from this circumstance, that those were the only officers known in the courts of the Union, and that by some novel regulation, they had dispensed with a third officer, who hath been heretofore deemed important and essential in the constitution of judicial tribunals—I mean the Prosecutor of the pleas of the State , whom it would be conjectured from his stile was a character that filled an appointment of considerable trust and confidence. Our observer would be not a little surprised to be told, that altho' such an officer existed, yet he was thought of such trifling account, that he was left without any kind of provision, except the uncertain allowance of so much as the court might deem sufficient for casual services—and that he was not even permitted to make his own charge for such service.
I cannot avoid expressing my astonishment, that it should never have occurred to the Attorney-General, or to the Members of Congress, that it was the duty of the District Attorneys, as well as of the Clerks and Marshals, to attend the respective sessions of the Courts of the Union—distant perhaps from their residence, without much prospect of professional employment, and with no other object in view but a discharge of the duties of their office, and generally no doubt to the very great injury of their business at home.
It is unnecessary to mention the duties incumbent on that officer—they will occur upon reflection to the understandings of gentlemen—who, in revolving this subject in their minds, must be strongly impressed with an idea that talents and professional knowledge are requisite for the due discharge of the office—contrary to the usual, I may say, almost universal practice of the honorable body, they have expected that services will be rendered by the Attorneys without proper compensation. I have lately been informed, that it hath some time ago been required of them, by certain officers in some of the executive departments, to perform certain services that called for considerable attention and trouble, and that they were told their actual expenditures should be reimbursed. I am certainly no friend to salaries, but I think government ought to preserve some degree of consistency.
There is one consideration, in my view, that is conclusive as to the propriety of rendering the district Attorneys an adequate compensation: It is well known that most, if not all the States, have taken effectual steps, either by legislative acts, or the inculcation of a jealous distrust, to exclude all federal officers from state appointments—in or-
der, as they say, to preserve the state governments free from the influence of the federal government—The consequence of which is, that every person who accepts an appointment under the federal government, "ipso facto" expatriates himself, and loseth all chance, while in office, of any appointment in the particular State, however important. Is it to be supposed then that persons, whose talents afford them prospects of advancement at home, will accept of the office of district Attorney, estimated at so low a rate as it is at present by Congress. On the contrary, will it not be spurned at by men of abilities, inasmuch that none but inferior characters can be obtained to discharge its duties: Would this, I ask, be an eligible plight for pleas, that regard the interest and welfare of the Union, to be placed in. It is obviously the interest of the Union, that a due attention be paid to the prosecution of smugglers, the bane of its productive resources—and it is equally certain, that a spirited and determined prosecution of such offenders, will tend much to the discouragement of their mal-practices—This rests very much upon the district Attorneys, who are the principal agents in the commencement and conduct of suits: Men must be rewarded for doing their duty—the imperfections of humanity require the spur of interest:—"If you expect work well done, you must pay well."
C U R T I U S.
NEW-YORK, Feb. 11.
Extract of a letter from London, November 30.  "It is with pleasure I inform you that the credit and character of the American states is rapidly appreciating in this country; one considerable proof of which is, the speedy appointment of an ambassador, to reside in Philadelphia, whose arrival, it is said, will be succeeded by a commercial treaty with Great Britain; and which if constituted upon the liberal basis of reciprocal advantage, cannot be otherwise than highly beneficial to both countries. Many of your works of literature are in growing estimation on this side of the Atlantic; and, as refinement advances we have no small apprehensions of rivals in the fine arts rising in the western woods. An American production, entitled, "A law case between Solomon Dash and Frederick Flute,*" has been lately delivered with great eclat in the British theatre, owing to that fund of satirical humour with which it abounds, and yet is of such a nature as to please without offending."
* NOTE.
* See a volume of Miscellaneous pieces, by P. Freneau---page 216.
PROVIDENCE, February 3.
While we remark with pleasure, on the advantages resulting to the public from the new regulation, by the Post Master General, for conveying the mails from the seat of the general government, we cannot help regretting, that the portmanteaus used in that business are so small, that Newspapers directed to Printers , are frequently excluded, and thereby the editors of the public papers at a distance from the capital prevented the pleasure of presenting their readers with the latest proceedings of Congress.—The more than usual number of public dispatches which weekly go with the mail, point out the necessity of enlarging the portmanteaus, in order to leave as much room as formerly for newspapers.—It is of the greatest importance to the general government, that the people in all parts of the union should have early and authentic accounts of the proceedings of Congress—and in no other manner can they receive such accounts but by a free and general circulation of newspapers.—By newspapers thus being stopped, opportunities are given to those so disposed to misrepresent such proceedings—and sorry are we to say there are such dispositions in every part of the United States. Other substantial reasons could be given, were it deemed necessary, to shew that the legislature of the union ought immediately, to give special directions to the officers by them appointed in the Post-Office department to attend punctually and faithfully to the forwarding and delivery of newspapers—especially those published at the seat of government.
BOSTON, February 2.
FOREIGN ARTICLES.
Mr. Burke, for his Puffipuck on the French National Assembly, is denominated at Paris, Guy Faux , and the fifth of November, was burnt in effigy, à l'Angloise .
The exiled Nobility of France, in various quarters, are still projecting counter-revolutions.
M. de Calonne, the Ex-Minister of France, has lately left England for Turin.
The city of London has addressed the British King on the pacification with Spain. It approves highly of the Convention—and the Recorder [Mr. Rose] who read, and the Sheriff who presented the Address, were Knighted.
The British Parliament will again take up the Abolition of the Slave Trade.
Mr. Pitt has a majority in the new British Parliament of two to one.
John Boydell, Esq. the celebrated printseller, is elected Lord Mayor of London.
Of Assignats [or funded Paper Money] Nov. 4, last, there was sold at Paris, 125,000,000 livres, at 5 3/4 per cent. above par.
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
AT THE THIRD SESSION, Begun and held at the City of Philadelphia, on Monday the sixth of December, one thousand seven hundred and ninety.
An ACT declaring the consent of Congress to a certain act of the State of Maryland.
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the consent of Congress be, and is hereby granted and declared to the operation of an act of the General Assembly of Maryland, made and passed at a session begun and held at the city of Annapolis, on the first Monday in November last, intitled, "An act to empower the wardens of the port of Baltimore to levy and collect the duty therein mentioned, "until the tenth day of January next, and from thence until the end of the then next session of Congress, and no longer."
FREDERICK AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
JOHN ADAMS, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate.
APPROVED, FEBRUARY NINTH, 1791.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, President of the United States.
(TRUE COPY)
THOMAS JEFFERSON, Secretary of State.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MONDAY, Jan. 31.
In committee of the whole, on the bill for the establishment of Post-Offices and Post-Roads.
Mr. Boudinot in the Chair.
MR. STEELE moved to expunge the second section, for the purpose of introducing another as an amendment; in substance, that the most direct route from Wilkesbarre in the district of Maine, to Savannah in the state of Georgia be established as the post road; and that the President of the United States be empowered to establish cross post roads, where they shall appear to him necessary.
He observed that upon the present establishment of the principal post road, a considerable and populous part of North-Carolina derived no advantage from the establishment, and the sea coast exclusively enjoyed the benefit of a regular and speedy conveyance for their correspondencies, and thus the agricultural interest was sacrificed to the commercial.
In the last session, it was true, he had been of opinion that a discretionary power, which by his amendment was proposed to be left, with the President, should not be given to him; not that he thought it unconstitutional, but because he then conceived the representatives, from their collected local information, better able to determine in what parts of the country posts would be required: But the Senate did not concur with the house in exercising that power, and a change of circumstances required a change of measures;—the President, by a tour to the southward, he said, could collect the necessary information whereon to found proper regulations in that quarter.
Mr. Williamson opposed the amendment offered by his colleague. The object of an established post was not to afford the most speedy conveyance, by the straightest line between two distant places: but to accommodate on the route as many persons desirous of writing as possible. If the

post was obliged to travel by the straightest road, the sea ports would be cut off from the advantage of a public mail—and it is a fact, that the mercantile interest principally supports the establishment. The post to be as beneficial as possible to the community, and as profitable to government should pass through as many towns as practicable—by journeying through the interior parts of North-Carolina, these ends would not be answered as letter writers there, will not be found to be numerous. Upon the present establishment he said, the profits of the post-office in the state of North-Carolina, were not more than one fourth of the expence; but if the proposed amendment was adopted, he was of opinion they would not pay more than a tenth part.
Mr. Bloodworth was in favor of the motion.
Mr. Steele said he was satisfied with the route followed by the post as far as Petersburg; but he objected to its returning thence to the eastward, as if to avoid the state of North-Carolina, taking a circular, hazardous and unprofitable route. The merchants, he said, had water conveyance at hand from Petersburg to Georgia, and generally preferred it, as more expeditious than the post. If the excise bill passed, he conceived there would be an additional necessity for a communication with the interior country by means of a regular post, if any revenue was to be collected from distilleries dispersed throughout the state of North-Carolina. Under the present regulations the inhabitants of the interior and populous part of that state received no regular information of the proceedings at the seat of general government, and other useful intelligence, but from the direct communications of their delegates in Congress. In support of his opinion he also mentioned the desire expressed by the legislature of his state that a change of route should take place. He was sorry to find his honorable colleague opposed to his amendment; but for his own part even if he was to torture his invention, he could not, he thought, contrive a more absurd and improper plan than that now followed by the post. He assured the house he was no ways influenced by private interest in offering the amendment he had proposed.
Mr. Parker objected to the amendment. If a change of route took place, those now benefited by the post, he conceived would be offended, and those in whose favor the amendment was proposed, not materially benefited by, or greatly pleased with the alteration. It would be injuring all the sea port towns of North-Carolina and Virginia, to give an advantage to the interior parts of the former, of which in their present circumstances they would make but little use. If the amendment took place a very small portion of Maryland would feel the benefit of the establishment. He was willing that channels of information from the seat of the general government should be opened for the advantage of the interior parts of North-Carolina; but not so as to injure the interests of other states.
Mr. Sherman mentioned that the disagreement of the two houses in this paragraph had occasioned the losing of the bill last session. The house of Representatives wished to specify the several routes, and the Senate thought the President of the United States and Post-Master-General had a constitutional right to exercise that power, and that Congress had no authority to interfere.
The present post roads, he said, were established from long experience.
He still thought the house was able to enter into the detail of the business. He saw one great objection to leaving it with the President: It was scarcely possible to give universal satisfaction, and constant applications would consume much of his time.
Mr. Tucker adverted to the pains which the house had taken during last session, to specify in the bill the different routes in which it appeared necessary for the post to travel; but unfortunately, he said, their labours had been rendered useless by the non-concurrence of the Senate. However, he wished a similar clause again introduced in the bill, hoping that the Senate would now be differently disposed.
He said that the ideas of particular States, respecting alterations in the post road, ought not to be disregarded. He was firmly of opinion, that it should pass through the most populous parts—tho' the inhabitants of those parts had not at present many correspondencies, yet if a regular conveyance was offered them, they would in a short time acquire the habit of writing; and though at first the profits to government might by the change proposed in the post-road be diminished, yet by degrees they would encrease, and in the end become greater than before the alteration.
He could with therefore, he said, that the clause which had been before agreed to, and was now left out, might be inserted in the bill; but as he had not the bill at hand, he would move a clause respecting the state of S. Carolina, and such propositions as should be moved by other gentlemen, on similar principles, he would give his assent to. He moved that the general route should be from Wiscasset to Augusta, the seat of government in Georgia—from thence to Savannah—and by cros
posts to the seat of government in S. Carolina, and so in each State, in cases where the seat of government is out of the direct road.
Mr. Williamson remarked, that no one knew which was the direct road; if the gentleman who had proposed the amendment would point out its course, members would then be enabled to judge of the propriety of it, but not before.
With respect to the excise, and the necessity of interior posts on that account, he observed, that the some considerable revenue might be expected from that source, yet in his opinion, the treasury of the Union would still receive more augmentation from the duties collected on imported spirits, in the ports of entry, through which for that reason, he conceived, the post ought still to pass. If it took its direction through the interior parts of North-Carolina, four of those ports out of five would be out of the post-road, and the fifth at a distance of forty miles further than before. Besides the duties on spirits, those on other goods amounted to a sum by no means trifling, and for the collection of which a direct and regular communication between them and the seat of general government was requisite. He mentioned the necessity of giving the merchant regular opportunities to write for insurance, as an additional argument against the amendment.
Mr. Jackson said that if any revenue was to be derived from the post-office, it would be from the commercial and not the agricultural parts of the states. He was against the amendment. He wished matters could be so arranged as to give Augusta, in Georgia, the advantage of the public mail, by establishing a post-road to that place, but thought the post should first go to Savannah, and from thence to Augusta.
Mr. Tucker's motion was disagreed to.
Mr. Bloodworth spoke in favor of Mr. Steele's amendment. He said he had no idea of stopping the communications with the sea-ports, he supposed that provision would be made for their accommodation, and in this view he conceived there was no impropriety in opening the communication in the most direct manner with the interior country. He urged the necessity of giving the people every advantage to acquire information.
Mr. Sherman wished a limitation to the power of establishing cros roads—that such only should be established, as could defray their own expences.
Mr. Bourne was against the amendment as it stood; it would tend to render a number of good post roads almost useless: He hoped as an amendment to the proposition before the house, that a sentence be added to it as to make it read thus: "That the most direct roads from Wiscasset in the district of Maine, to Savannah in Georgia, and those now used as post roads, be established as such."
Mr. Hartley feared the house would not find time this session to enter into the minutiae of the establishment, and wished a temporary discretionary power given in the business to the President of the United States, and the Post-Master-General, after having fixed that the main road should remain as heretofore established. However he proposed that the power be not granted without a limitation: He thought no part of the revenue of the United States, other than that derived from the post-office, should by them be touched for the establishment of posts. He wished also this power granted for a limited time.
Mr. Baldwin moved that the post road should be extended from Savannah to Augusta, in the State of Georgia. He observed that it was a duty which the government owed to the parts of which it was composed, to provide at least some channel of communication to them; that hitherto to the post had only crossed the river from Carolina—barely landed in the State of Georgia, and returned; that the seat of the government in that State, is 120 miles from that place inland, and all communication with it for that distance, depends entirely on contingency. The operation of this government will prove, said he, that the distant extremes of the union, remote from the warm and vivifying influences of the government, will have a sufficiently hard lot. And is it to be thought best that no way should be provided to communicate any information to them? that ignorance may be a soporific, to prevent a sense of their situation. He was obliged to add that great provision had long been made on one extreme of the union, and none at all for the other. Did the post only cross the river into the district of Maine, and return immediately, their situations would be somewhat similar; but the post road there had been several years extended to Portland, which is 60 miles within the district; and in the year 1788, it was extended 80 miles further, to Pownalborough—not to go to the seat of government of a state, for it is not a state, and the return will shew that it could not be for the sake of the revenue.
The present clause in the bill provides for continuing the post to the same place, he relied on the justice of the house, that his motion would
prevail, and that the post-road would be extended to Augusta.
Some other alterations to Mr. Steele's proposition were offered—all of which were negatived, as was the original motion.
SATURDAY, Feb. 12.
Sundry petitions were read and referred.
On motion of Mr. Boudinot, the committee on the navigation act was discharged from any further proceedings relative to that subject.
The report of the Secretary of State, on the memorial of Andrew Brown, was taken into consideration. A resolution in conformity to said report was submitted, which, after some debate, was amended and agreed to.
A report of the Secretary of the Treasury, on the petition of John Hollins, of Baltimore, was read—which negatived the prayer of said petition. This report being accepted, the petitioner had leave to withdraw his petition.
Read and laid on the table, a report on the memorial of the holders of Loan-Office Certificates, received for loans in 1777 and 1778.
Reported, the enrolled bill for incorporating the subscribers to the bank of the United States, which was signed by the Speaker.
A message from the Senate informed the house, that the Kentucky Bill has received the assent of the President of the United States:—Also, that the Senate has passed a bill providing for the admission of Vermont into the federal union on the 4th March next:—And a bill determining the number of representatives for Kentucky and Vermont;—by this bill, each of these states is to be entitled to two representatives. These bills were read the first and second time, and made the order of the day for Monday next.
On motion of Mr. Gerry, the petition of Thomas Walley, and others, on the subject of the new emission money, was referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
The amendments to the land-office bill, reported by the committee of the whole house, were taken into consideration—after some debate, the subject was postponed to Monday.
Adjourned to Monday, 10 o'clock.
MONDAY, Feb. 14.
A message was received from the President of the United States, relative to a commercial treaty with Great Britain, the substance of which is, that from such communications as he had received from the Court of London, he cannot infer any disposition on the part of the British government, to form any connection strictly commercial with the United States.
Sundry petitions were read and referred to the Secretary of war.
On motion of Mr. Bourne—Archibald Crary, who presented a petition the last session, which was referred to the Secretary of war—had leave to withdraw said petition.
Mr. Madison, Mr. Wadsworth and Mr. Leonard were appointed a committee to bring in a bill explanatory of that part of the act laying duties on goods, wares and merchandise, which imposes a duty on foreign lead and calicoes.
In committee of the whole house—Mr. Boudinot in the Chair.
The Vermont bill received from the Senate on Saturday, was taken into consideration—and afterwards reported to the house without any alteration—the bill was then read the third time, and passed.
Messrs. Sedgwick, Benson, and Sturges, were appointed a committee to bring in a bill to give effect to the laws of the United States, within the state of Vermont.
A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. Secretary Otis, with the bill, entitled an act, repealing after the last day of next, the duties heretofore laid on distilled spirits, and laying others in their stead; passed with sundry amendments.—Another message informed the house that the act to continue in force for a limited time, the act to regulate processes in the courts of the United States, which originated in the house, had also passed the Senate.
The house then proceeded in the further consideration of the amendments, proposed by the committee of the whole, to the bill to establish offices, for the purpose of granting lands, within the territories of the United States; and having gone through the same, and made some further amendments. Adjourned.
TUESDAY, Feb. 15.
Mr. Sumpter, Member from South Carolina, took his seat this day. A number of petitions were read, and referred to the heads of departments.
Sundry reports from the Secretary of War, on petitions and memorials referred to him, were read and laid on the table.
A report from the Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to a resolution of the house, directing him to report whether any further compensation is necessary to be made to the Commissioners of the Loan-Offices, in consequence of extra duties and expences, occasioned by the funding-system: This report was in favor of a temporary extra allowance with respect to paying expences—also of Clerks. Laid on the table.
The report of the committee on the petition of Joshua Barney, was taken up, and agreed to by the house.
Mr. Stone had leave of absence from Monday next.
The message of the President of the United States, communicated yesterday, was taken into consideration.

L O N D O N.
Extract of a letter from Kingston, Jamaica. "An extraordinary circumstance happened in this town a few days since, to a young Jewess, daughter of Mr. Jacob Mendez Guntia, deceased. This girl, who is about 14 years of age, had from her infancy been entirely dumb, and nearly deaf; being present when her father was in the agonies of death, she was so affected as to fall into violent fits; on her recovery, to the utter astonishment and terror of all persons present, she began to articulate, and, with every mark of the most poignant grief, bewailed the loss of her deceased parent, in terms perfectly to be understood. This phenomenon, as wonderful as it is interesting, will doubtless prove a theme for discussion to the speculative philosopher, who wishes to account for every uncommon appearance proceeding from natural causes."
N E W-Y O R K, Feb. 11.
Extract from Governor Pinckney's message to the South-Carolina House of Representatives, January 10. (at Columbia.)
"BY one of the acts accompanying this, you will perceive that the United States have consented to assume and fund, upon the principles therein mentioned, four millions of dollars of the debt of this state. Upon considering the terms on which the assumption is made, I am hopeful when the true balance of our state debt is known, the assumption will nearly cover the whole; and that our public income in future will not only be fully sufficient to punctually discharge all demands as they arise, but to enable us in a few years to extend to every part of the state those benefits of inland navigation, under the want of which they have so long and inconveniently laboured. Convinced that no measure of domestic policy can by any means compare with this in importance, I take the liberty of recommending it to your serious attention whenever you may be of opinion that the public are in a situation to attempt it."
All the acts of Congress passed during their last session are herewith transmitted, and a copy of the definitive treaty concluded between the United States and the head men and warriors of the Creek nation. Copies of a letter from the governor of North-Carolina received in February last on the subject of amendments to the general government, and of a resolution of the legislature of Virginia respecting the right of the citizens of the United States to hear the debates of the federal Senate, are also transmitted."
JANUARY 15.
"The governor's message was referred by both houses to a special committee."
"The committee of the house of representatives in their report on the message, approve of the conduct of Virginia, and recommend a co-operation."
At a meeting of the commissioners of the land office of the state of New-York, held at the city-hall, in the city of New-York, on Wednesday, the second day of February, 1791.
P R E S E N T.
His Excellency GEORGE CLINTON, Esquire, Governor. Aaron Burr, Esq. Attorney-General. Gerard Bancker, Esq. Treasurer, and Peter T. Curtenius, Auditor.
WHEREAS a road hath lately been explored, marked and laid out under the direction of this board, commencing on the road leading from Kingston to Peenpack in Ulster county, about one half mile southerly of Wawarsing church and extending from thence westerly to the house of Johannis Osterhoudt, at Lackewack, and then crossing the Rosandili creek, and continuing westerly on the most direct route which the country will admit of to the Blue mountains; and thence continuing westerly as the same is marked to the Delaware river, nearly opposite to the mouth of the Tockpolick creek—Resolved, that proposals for contracts will be received at any time between this and the first day of April next, at the secretary's office, for making that part of the said road which lies between the house of the said Johannis Osterhoudt and the sixteen mile tree from the Delaware, and which tree stands about one half mile east of the Calkoon creek, in the manner following, to wit:—The said road to be cleared of trees, logs and under brush, two rods wide at least; and such parts of it to be causewayed as may be necessary for the passing along the same with loaded carts and waggons, and good and sufficient bridges made over all creeks not exceeding forty feet in width; the rocks and large stones to be removed out of the said road, and the side hills dug and levelled, so that such loaded ox carts and waggons may with ease and safety pass along the same.
A true copy from the minutes. LEWIS A. SCOTT, Secretary. HARRISBURGH, Jan. 25. By letters received from Muskingum the 17th inst. we are enabled to present the following intelligence to our readers.
About 6 weeks ago, a small party of the most enterprising of the Muskingum people, commenced at a settlement at a place called the Big Bottom, about 24 miles from Marietta by land, and about 40 miles up the Muskingum. They had built a block house, and had began to make improvements—when on the 2d inst. in the dusk of the evening, not having barred the door, the house was surprized by a party of about 40 Indians, consisting chiefly, if not wholly, of the Tawawa, Shawanee and Kekkappoo nations. The onset was so impetuous, that the unhappy victims had not time to find a gun, but fell an easy sacrifice to the vindictive and cruel enemy, whose horrid policy would not admit the last of the unfortunate party who were in the house to the claim of mercy, notwithstanding it was sued for in the most moving manner. One person only of the whole escaped, by being out, who lay concealed about forty rods from the place, and was witness to the awful scene. The number who perished on this occasion, were in all 14; among whom were one woman and two children. Three prisoners were taken from a small cabin 1 mile from this place the same evening, whose fate is doubted to be still more unfortunate.
Philadelphia, Feb. 16.
The United States, on the broad basis of an honest policy, and an efficient government, cemented by Union, must very shortly exhibit a spectacle on the theatre of the world, novel, attractive and august!—Already do we behold an astonishing change in the deportment of some of the European powers towards us—and from the united force of respect and interest, we may anticipate the moment, when a rivalry for our friendship shall give us an opportunity to avail ourselves of the most favorable political and commercial overtures.
The accession of Kentucky and Vermont to the Union, is an event that appears to give universal satisfaction: The facility and promptitude with which this business has been accomplished, evince a cordial disposition in the minds of our civil fathers, to extend the blessings of the general government to the inhabitants of the remotest parts of the United States—Thus link after link is added to the chain, which connects the great American family in a union of interests and affection, and which we trust will exist, co-equal with time.
The State of Vermont will be an important member of the Union. Its length is 155, and its breadth 60 miles. Its soil is strong and fertile—is finely watered, and affords the best pasturage for cattle. The bulk of its inhabitants are hardy and enterprising, emigrants from Connecticut and Massachusetts, and their descendants. No State in the union affords a more efficient militia, as many of their actions in the late war sufficiently testify; and there are nearly 18,000 men upon its militia rolls. The number of its inhabitants is estimated at nearly 100,000, and will therefore be entitled three representatives to Congress.
[General Advertiser.]
The time of the dissolution of the first House of Representatives under the new Constitution, draweth nigh—and the public business moves with increasing celerity: Tho' the remaining period of the session is short, there is every prospect of finishing the most important subjects: Some articles will probably lay over to the second Congress; but they will be taken up with the advantages of more popular information, and the light thrown on them by the deliberations of their predecessors.
THE FIRST CONGRESS UNDER THE NEW CONSTITUTION. May be called, in the language of truth, THE CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES!
Of its character, "It needs no other Elogium, than a recital Of its own ACTS:" It cemented the union of the States; It destroyed the demon of Anarchy; and fixed The public confidence and tranquility, On the firm pillars of LIBERTY, LAW, and GOVERNMENT. It snatched from impending ruin, PUBLIC CREDIT: "RAISED THE FUNDS:" EXTENDED COMMERCE; and ESTABLISHED A REVENUE Without imposing excessive burthens on THE PEOPLE. It invariably Watched over and protected THE RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL STATES, AND OF THE CITIZENS. And tho' the historic page may scan some errors, "On the whole, We are warranted in this wish— May its successor equal it" IN FIRMNESS, INTEGRITY, PATRIOTISM, ATTENTION TO BUSINESS, and PUBLIC CONFIDENCE.
PRICE CURRENT.—PUBLIC SECURITIES.
   FUNDED DEBT.     6 pr. Cents 17/8 17/8 pr. £ 86 3/4 pr. cent.   3 pr. Cents 9/ 9/1 45 do.   Deferred 6 pr. Cents 9/2 46 do.   UNFUNDED DEBT.   Final Sett. and other Certificates 15/9 16/ 80 do.   Indents 9/ 9/1 45 do.   N. and S. Carolina debts, 12/6 62 1/2 do.  
On motion, this message was referred to a select committee of seven, viz. Mr. Goodhue, Mr. Madison, Mr. Bourne, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Fitzsimons, Mr. Smith (S. C.) and Mr. Vining. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Secretary Otis, informed the House that they have concurred in the resolution on the report of the Secretary of State, on the memorial of Andrew Brown. The amendments proposed by the Senate to the new revenue bill were read, and referred to a committee of the whole house to-morrow.
The house resumed the consideration of amendments proposed to the land-office bill. Several additional amendments were proposed, some of which were agreed to, others negatived.
A motion by Mr. Sherman, to strike out "the Attorney General" for the purpose of inserting the Secretary of the Treasury, as superintendent of the general land-office, occasioned considerable debate, and was finally negatived.
Mr. Gerry proposed a clause providing (in substance) that public securities, as well as specie should be received for the land, at the last price previously given for said securities by the Secretary of the Treasury. This motion occasioned further debate, and was finally carried in the affirmative—Ayes 34—Nays 21.
It was then ordered that the bill be engrossed for a third reading.
The Speaker (at half after three) informed the house, that he had some private communications to make, which occasioned an order for clearing the galleries.
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MR. FENNO,
IN a majority of the remarks of N. W. on the English language, which some time ago appeared in the Gazette of the United States, there is a justness which will insure them the notice of every friend to propriety.
It is indeed a matter of serious importance to correct the wrong use or misapplication of words in conversation—for from thence the admission is easy into the familiar kinds of writing, and the power of habit (or custom) is so difficult to be resisted, that they will many times be unintentionally transferred into the more serious kinds of composition.—I have noticed the improper use of some words which are not mentioned by N. W.
I have been surprised to find the Sound which separates New-York from Long-Island, called a river—and this not only in discourse among the citizens of New-York, but also in print, and even in the geography of the United States: I could not help imagining how difficult an European would find it to discover on a map the East river. Nor do I apprehend he would find, a sound and a river, used as synonymous by Geographers or Lexicographers.
America is used very generally both by writers and public speakers, when they only intend the territory of the United States. This is figuratively just, as a part may be taken for the whole, or contrary wise. Yet I do not conceive it a just expression—it seems to resemble the stile of eastern Potentates too much—tho' I would be far from reprehending it, if I thought it added any dignity to the United States. It may have first come into use as being much shorter to say Americans, than citizens of the United States: Some use Atlantic America for the United States—others United America—the last is the most proper.
It may appear paradoxical to assert, that first and last are words of the same meaning; but it can be supported by quotations from authors of reputation—who, when they would convey the idea of an affair of great importance, say, it was a thing of the first importance—others, it was of the last importance or consequence, &c. According to which we may justly say, the first is last, and the last is first.
A R I S T I D E S.
EXTRACT.
PERHAPS I shall be told that men such as the great characters of antiquity are no longer to be found. I am however of opinion, that there is not the least foundation for speaking or thinking in this manner. Was Chatham in greatness inferior to a Roman? Will his son, who when yet a youth, thundered forth in the Senate like Demosthenes, and like Pericles rivetted the attention of those who heard him, and who now, when little more than thirty years of age, makes himself be feared and respected as the Prime Minister of England, ever think or act with less dignity than his father? What men have once been they may always be. Greece or Rome never had on their thrones, or at the head of their armies a great man whose equal may not be found at present in Europe. Wherever there is a desire for it, wisdom and virtue profit, at court as well as in private life, in the palaces of Kings equally as in the cottage. Wife solitude is never so respectable as in a palace: There in profound tranquility, may one weigh the most important affairs, live calmly, happily, and contented, when one does without ostentation whatever duty requires and when one knows how to avoid the contagion of frivolous and weak minds. One may acquire instruction every where, and at all times; and if we cannot return and begin a new career, we may at least employ properly that time which remains, unless the man who has it in his power to display the lamp of truth chooses rather to be satisfied with the feeble light of the glow-worm.
EPITAPH
On a Young Lady, who was drowned in her fiftth year.
SOFT as the balm the gentle gale distills, Sweet as the fragrance of the new-mown hills, Her opening mind a thousand charms reveal'd, Proof of those thousand which were still conceal'd. The loveliest flow'r in Nature's garden plac'd, Permitted just to bloom, and pluck'd in haste. Angels beheld her ripe for joys to come, And call'd, by God's command, their sister home.

Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, on the subject of a MINT.
(CONTINUED.)
THE difference established by custom in the United States between coined gold and coined silver, has been stated upon another occasion, to be nearly as 1 to 15.6. This, if truly the case, would imply that gold was extremely over-valued in the United States; for the highest actual proportion in any part of Europe, very little, if at all, exceeds 1 to 15; and the average proportion throughout Europe is probably not more than about 1 to 14.45. But that statement has proceeded upon the idea of the ancient dollar.
The preceding view of the subject does not indeed afford a precise or certain definition of the present unit, in the coins, but it furnishes data, which will serve as guides in the progress of the investigation.
The next enquiry towards a right determination of what ought to be the future money unit of the United States turns upon these questions—Whether it ought to be peculiarly attached to either of the metals, in preference to the other or not; and, if so, to which of them?
The suggestions and proceedings hitherto have had for object the annexing of it emphatically to the silver dollar. A resolution of Congress of the 6th July, 1785, declares that the money unit of the United States shall be a dollar; and another resolution of the 8th of August, 1786, fixes that dollar at 375 grains and 54 hundredths of a grain of fine silver.
If the general declaration, that the dollar shall be the money unit of the United States could be understood to give it a superior or legal, in payments, the institution of coins of gold, and the declaration that each of them shall be equal to a certain number of dollars, would appear to destroy that inference.
Contrary to the ideas which have heretofore prevailed, in the suggestions concerning a coinage for the United States, though not without much hesitation, arising from a deference for those ideas, the Secretary is upon the whole strongly inclined to the opinion, that a preference ought to be given to neither of the metals for the money unit.
The inducements to such a preference is to render the unit as little variable as possible, because on this depends the steady value of all contracts, and in a certain sense of all other property.
Gold may, perhaps, in certain senses, be said to have greater stability than silver: as being of superior value, less liberties have been taken with it, in the regulations of different countries.
As long as gold, either from its intrinsic superiority, as a metal, from its greater rarity, or from the prejudices of mankind, retains so considerable a pre-eminence in value, over silver, as it has hitherto had, a natural consequence of this seems to be that its condition will be more stationary.
If there should be an appearance of too much abstraction in any of these ideas, it may be remarked, that the first and most simple impressions do not naturally incline to giving a preference to the inferior or least valuable of the two metals.
It is sometimes observed, that silver ought to be encouraged rather than gold, as being more conducive to the extension of bank circulation, from the greater difficulty and inconvenience which its greater bulk, compared with its value, occasions in the transportation of it.
But upon the whole, it seems to be most advisable, as has been observed, not to attach the unit exclusively to either of the metals; because this cannot be done effectually, without destroying the office and character of one of them as money, and reducing it to the situation of a mere merchandise.
To annul the use of either of the metals as money, is to abridge the quantity of circulating medium; and is liable to all the objections, which arise from a comparison of the benefits of a full, with the evils of a scanty circulation.
It is not a satisfactory answer to say, that none but the favoured metal would in this case, find its way into the country, as in that
all balances must be paid. The practicability of this would in some measure depend on the abundance or scarcity of it, in the country paying.
It seems, however, most probable that the chief, if not the sole effect of such a regulation, would be to diminish the utility of one of the metals.
If then the unit ought not to be attached exclusively to either of the metals, the proportion which ought to subsist between them, in the coins, becomes a preliminary enquiry, in order to its proper adjustment.
One consequence of overvaluing either metal, in respect to the other, is the banishment of that which is undervalued.
This consequence is deemed by some not very material; and there are even persons, who from a fanciful predilection to gold, are willing to invite it, even by a higher price.
But it is to be suspected, that there is another consequence more serious than the one which has been mentioned.
It is evident, that as often as a country, which overrates either of the metals, receives a payment in that metal, it gets a less actual quantity than it ought to do, or than it would do, if the rate were a just one.
It is also equally evident that there will be a continual effort to make payment to it in that species, to which it has annexed an exaggerated estimation, wherever it is current at a less proportional value.
A conclusion of this sort, however, is to be drawn with great caution.
There ought, for instance, according to those which have been stated, to have been formerly a greater quantity of gold in proportion to silver in the United States, than there has been; because the actual value of gold in this country, compared with silver, was perhaps higher than in any other.
What influence the proportion under consideration may have upon the state of prices, and how far this may counteract its tendency to increase or lessen the quantity of the metals, are points not easy to be developed; and yet they are very necessary to an accurate judgment of the true operation of the thing.
But however impossible it may be to pronounce with certainty, that the possession of a less quantity of specie is a consequence of overvaluing either of the metals, there is enough of probability in the considerations, which seem to indicate it, to form an argument of weight against such overvaluation.
A third ill consequence resulting from it is, a greater and more frequent disturbance of the state of the money unit, by a greater and more frequent diversity between the legal and market proportions of the metals.
In establishing a proportion between the metals, there seems to be an option of one of two things—
To approach as nearly as it can be ascertained, the mean or average proportion, in what may be called the commercial world; or
To retain that which now exists in the United States.
To ascertain the first, with precision, would require better materials than are possessed, or than could be obtained, without an inconvenient delay.
South-Carolina Lands for Sale,
ABOUT one hundred miles from Charleston, for any kind of Goods. One third part of 69 Tracts of Land, containing 51,900 acres, lying near the rivers of Savannah, Big and Little Salt Coachees, and the fork of the Edisto.
Also 5 tracts of Land in Ninety-Six district, 4 in Orangeburg district, 6 in Camden, all containing 4600 acres, all good land, with streams of water running through them.
Duplicate Plots and Grants may be seen, and indisputable titles will be given by the subscriber. FREDERICK KING. Morristown, Jan. 1791. (77-6waw.)
MASSACHUSETTS STATE LOTTERY.
THE Managers of the STATE LOTTERY, present the Public with the First Class of the Massachusetts Semi-annual State Lottery, which will commence drawing in the Representatives' Chamber in Boston, on the Seventeenth of March next, or sooner, if the Tickets shall be disposed of.
SCHEME.
NOT TWO BLANKS TO A PRIZE.
25,000 Tickets, at Five Dollars each, are 125,000 Dollars, to be paid in the following Prizes, subject to a deduction of twelve and an half per cent. for the use of the Commonwealth.
Table with 4 columns: Prizes, Dollars, Dollars, Dollars. It lists various prize amounts and their corresponding dollar values.
8388 Prizes. 16612 Blanks. 125000
TICKETS may be had of the several Managers, who will pay the Prizes on demand—of the TREASURER of the Commonwealth—of JAMES WHITE, at his Book-Store, Franklin's-Head, Court-Street, and at other places as usual.
BENJAMIN AUSTIN, jun. DAVID COBB, SAMUEL COOPER, GEORGE R. MINOT, JOHN KNEELAND. Managers.
Boston, July 28, 1790.
Tickets in the above Lottery are to be sold by Stephen Austin, corner of Front and Pine Streets, Philadelphia.
PLEASE TO NOTICE.
FOR the accommodation of those who would wish to become Adventurers in the First Class of the MASSACHUSETTS SEMI-ANNUAL STATE LOTTERY, letters, post paid, directed to SAMUEL COOPER, at his Office, North side State-House, Boston, enclosing Philadelphia, New-York or Boston Bank-Bills, or other good Bills, will be particularly attended to, and Tickets forwarded immediately upon the receipt of such letters.
Boston, Dec. 22, 1790.
N. B. A List of Prizes will be deposited with the Printer hereof, immediately after the drawing is compleated. 71 raw tf
The Managers of the STATE LOTTERY assure the public, that the first Class of the Semi-annual Lottery will positively commence drawing on the day appointed, viz. the 17th of March next.
TO BE SOLD.
THE SEAT OF THE LATE GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON,
Situate about a mile from Elizabeth-Town, on the public road to Morris Town. The farm contains between 90 and 100 acres of land, 15 or 20 acres of which are wood land; there is also appertaining to the said farm about 19 acres of salt meadow.
Enquire of the Printer, for further particulars. New-York, Jan. 1791. 80 3m
MANUEL NOAH,
BROKER, No. 91, Race-Street, between Second and Third-Streets, BUYS and SELLS
Continental & State Certificates,
Pennsylvania and Jersey Paper Money, And all kinds of SECURITIES of the United States, or of any particular State. Philadelphia, Feb. 1790.
THE Copartnership of HEWES and ANTHONY having expired the 31st ultimo, they request those, who have any demands, to exhibit their accounts and receive their money; and those who are indebted, are desired to make speedy payment, to either of the Subscribers, at their Compting-House, No. 5, Chestnut-Street-Wharf.
JOSIAH HEWES, JOSEPH ANTHONY. Philadelphia, Jan. 15, 1791.
N. B. They have yet on hand, and for SALE, at their STORE abovementioned,
HYSON, Souchong, and Bohea TEAS,
Three cases Caffa, Pimento in bags, Muscovado Sugar, A few Cases old Batavia Arrack, One cask of Durham Muffard, New England Rum in hogheads and barrels, A quantity of prime Boston Beef, Spermaceti, right whale and tanners' Oil, Best pickled Mackerel, 6 by 8-7 by 9-8 by 10-9 by 11-and 10 by 12 Window Glass,
A quantity of excellent carrot Tobacco, And an elegant CHANDELIER. (2aw6w.)
IMPERIAL, HYSON, SOUCHONG, and BOHEA
TEAS;
REFINED SUGARS, COFFEE, and SPICES, &c.
Of the first Quality—by Retail,
No. 17,
Third-Street, between Chestnut and Market-Streets.
N. B. A few TICKETS in the New-York Lottery, which is to be drawn the first of April next, for sale.
The price of this paper is 3 dollars per annum.