The New-York journal, and weekly register (New-York [N.Y.]), 1788-12-04 00:00:00

The New-York Journal, and Weekly Register.
NUMB. 198, of VOL. XLIII.]
THURSDAY, December 4, 1788.
[Total NUMB. 2377.]
HERE TRUTH UNLICENSED REIGNS; AND DARES ACCOST—EVEN KINGS THEMSELVES, OR RULERS OF THE FREE. Thompson's Liberty.
NEW-YORK: Printed and Published by THOMAS GREENLEAF, at the PRINTING-OFFICE, No. 25, WATER-STREET.
PRICE CURRENT
Of the CITY of NEW-YORK.
  SUPERFINE flour, 40s per barrel Madeira wine 60l   Common do. 36s to 90l per pipe   Wheat, 6s 8d per bu. Lisbon, 6s 9d per gal   Indian corn, 4s Port, 40l to 44l   Rye, 3s 4d to 3s 6d Teneriffe, 4s per gal   Oats, 1s 6d to 1s 8d Fyall, 3s 9d do   Flax-seed, 5s Jamaica Spirits, 4s 6d   Ship bread, 16s per cwt to 4s 9d per gallon   Country refined bar- Windward Island rum 4s   iron, 30l Country do, 2s 7d   Do. Bloomery, 24l French brandy, 5s   Swedes, 45l do Holland Gin in cases, 30s   Russia, 30l do Molasses, 2s   Pig-iron, 9l per barrel   German steel, 9d per lb Logwood unchipped, 7l   Pot-ash, 47l per ton 10s per ton   Bees-wax, 2s 4d lb 9 inch white oak plank,   French indigo, 18s do per m. 10l 10s   Carolina do. 6s to 9s do 1 inch do 5l   Cinnamon, 24s per do 2 inch white pine plank,   Cloves, 12s do 8l   Mace, 7s to 8s 1 and 1/2 inch do 6l 10s   Nutmegs, 5s to 5s 6d 1 inch do 4l 5s   Pimento, 2s 6d per lb 2 inch pitch pine, 10l   Chocolate, 1s 4d do 1 and 1/2 inch do 6l 10s   Cocoa, 70s 1 inch do 4l 10s   Cotton, 3s do Pitch pine scantling,   Feathers, 2s to 3s do 3l 10s   Tar, 13s per barrel Cyprus 2 feet shingles,   Pitch, 20s do 1l 12s   Turpentine, 14s do Do 22 inch do 1l 10s   Pork Connecticut, 80s per barrel Cedar 2 feet do 2l   Irish beef, 4s to 50s Do 22 inch do 1l 10s   Mackerel, 26s to 30s Do 18 inch do 1l 2s   Herrings, 16s Butt white oak staves, 35l   Muscovado sugar, 70s cwt Pipes do do 11l   Tobacco Js. River, 4d to 5d 1/2 lb Hoghead do do 8l   York, 5d Do do heading, 10l   Rappahannock, 3d to 4d Lith barrel do staves, 4l   Maryland coloured, 5 3/4 Hoghead red oak do 6l   Western-shore, 3d to 4d Do French do 6l   Lead in pigs, 56s per cwt Hoghead hoops, 4l 10s   Do. bars, do. White oak square tim-   Shot, 70s ber, at 8d per square   Red lead, 70s foot.   White do. 70s Beaver, 12s to 15s lb   Salt-petre hams, 8d Otter per skin, 9s to 32s   Spermacei candles 3s 6d Grey fox, 4s 7d   Mould do. 1s Martin, 4s 10d   Tallow dipt, 10 1/2 Bear,   Soap, 5d to 9d Raccoon, 3s 6d to 7s 6d   Cattle soap, 9d to 10d Muskat, 10d to 14d   English chee, 5d per lb Beaver hats, 6s 6d   Country do. 8d Castor do. 48s   Butter, 1s 6d Dutch gun-powder, 7l   Coffee, 20s Linsed oil, 4s per gal   Hysan tea, 20s Whale do. 70s to 75s   Sequin do. 2s 6d Spermacei oil, 6l   Bohea do. 2s 6d per barrel   Ginseng, 4s Shake-down hds. 3s 6d   Starch Poland, 2s 4d Spanish brown, 22s cwt   Snuff, 2s 4d Do. ground in oil, 6d lb   Loaf sugar, 15d American hemp,   Lump do. 13 3/4 per ton   Allum salt, water meal, 4s 6d per buf. Window-glass, 6 by 8   Liverpool, 2s 4l 2s 6d per box   Do. 7 by 9 5l 2s 6d   Do. 8 by 10 6l 5s 
New-York, November 29, 1788.
HUGH GAINE,
At his Printing-Office and Book-Store, at the Bible in Hanover-Square, Has FOR SALE,
A large Assortment of
Books and Stationary-Ware,
Among which are,
BIBLES , testaments, spelling-books and primers, young man's companion, schoolmaster's assistant, ready reckoner, young clerk's vade mecum, Hervey's meditation, confession of faith, common prayer books, of most sizes, whole do. of man, Nelson's feasts and festivals, Burket on the new testament, Flavel's works, Erskine's works, Moshem's ecclesiastical history, Cruden's concordance, Willison's sacramental catechism and meditations, holy war, afflicted man's companion, gospel sonnets, Henry on prayer, Ambrose looking unto Jesus, and a great variety of other religious books. Spectator, guardian, tattler, female, Stern's works, Pope's and Addison's works, Chesterfield's letters to his son, Cook's last voyage, in 4 vols. with maps, Foneff's voyages to new Guinea and the Moluccas.
A large assortment of new novels, Baccana on crimes and punishments. Most sorts of the classics without translations.
Paper of every size, blankbooks, pens and quills, sealing-wax and wafers, ink pots, shaving boxes, razors and straps, cork screws, seals set in gold and other metal.
Turlington's balsam, Anderson's and Kooper's pills, Nuremburgh salve, Harleam oil, Ryan's incomparable worm-destroying sugar plums, and a most excellent salve for corns.
Sold at said place, Ralzdard's plan of the city of New-York and its environs.
New-York, Nov. 26, 1786, 76 4w.
By Order of the Hon. John Sloss Hobart, Esq. one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of Judicature of the State of New-York:
NOTICE is hereby given to John Freebody, of New-Port, in the state of Rhode-Island, an absent debtor, and all others whom it may concern, that on application of one of the creditors of the said John Freebody to the said justice, and in pursuance of an act of the people of the state of New-York represented in senate and assembly, entitled, "An act for the relief against absconding and absent debtors," passed the 4th day of April, 1786—He the said justice hath directed all the estate, real and personal, of the said John Freebody, within this state, to be seized; and that unless he, the said John Freebody, an absent debtor, as aforesaid, shall return and discharge his debts within one year after the date hereof, all his estate, real and personal, will be sold for the payment and satisfaction of his debts. Dated this 21st day of October, 1788. 76
At a Court of Probates of the State of New-York, held at the Probate-Office, in the City of New-York, on the nineteenth Day of November, in the Year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred and Eighty-eight.
P R E S E N T, The Honorable PETER OGILVIE, Esq. Judge of the said Court.
WHEREAS Jacob Coles, administrator, with the will annexed, of Peter Totten, late of North-Castle, in the county of Westchester, deceased, hath by his petition, presented to the said judge, set forth, that the said Peter Totten was, at the time of his death, seized of a real estate, within this state, that the petitioner had made a just and true account of the personal estate and debts of the said Peter Totten as far as he had been able to discover the same, and that thereby it appeared that the personal estate of the said Peter Totten, was insufficient to pay his debts, and therefore requested the aid of the said judge in the premises, according to the directions of the act, entitled, "An act for the relief of creditors against heirs, devisees, executors and administrators, and for proving wills respecting real estates;" and the said petitioner hath delivered to the said judge the account in the said petition mentioned; thereupon it is ordered by the said judge, that all persons interested in the estate of the said Peter Totten, do appear before the judge of the said court of probates at the probate office, in the city of New-York, on the twelfth day of January next, to show cause, if any they have, why so much of the real estate whereof the said Peter Totten died seized, should not be sold, as will be sufficient to pay his debts. 75 4w. PETER OGILVIE.
By Order of the Honorable Paul Micheau, Esq. Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Richmond and State of New-York:
NOTICE is hereby given to Richard Christopher, of Nova-Scotia, in the province of New-Brunswick, an absent and non resident debtor, and to all others whom it may concern, that upon application and due proof made to the said judge (pursuant to an act of the legislature of the state of New-York, entitled, "An act for relief against absconding and absent debtors," passed the fourth day of April, 1786) by John Christopher, a creditor of the said Richard Christopher, he the said judge has directed all the said Richard Christopher's estate, real and personal, within said county to be seized; and that unless he shall discharge his debts within one year after the publication of this notice, all his estate, real, and personal, will be sold for the payment and satisfaction of his creditors. Dated this 10th day of Sept. 1788. 66
ACADEMY,
At Kingston, Ulster County.
THE Trustees of this Academy beg leave to inform their Friends and the Public, that the Latin School is now supplied by a Gentleman from England, who is completely qualified to teach the Latin, Greek, and French Languages, having given every satisfactory Proof of his Abilities in some of the first Seminaries in the United States.
The Trustees flatter themselves from the above Circumstance, the low rate of Boarding and Tuition, together with the healthy and pleasant Situation of Kingston, that a Number may be induced to send their Sons, sufficient to make up a Compliment of Scholars.
Kingston, Esopus, October 29, 1788. 73, 4w.
BROKE GAOL,
ON Friday night the 31st of October, from the Court-house in Goshen, a certain ROBERT JONES, being confined for passing counterfeit money. He is a well set man, near 6 feet high, about 25 years of age, has no natural marks. Whoever will return him into the said Court-house shall be entitled to FIVE DOLLARS reward, by me HEZ. HOWELL, Sheriff.
Orange County, Nov. 1, 1788. 73 4w.
Just Published, At Thomas Greenleaf's Printing-Office, No. 25, Water-Street. A new, complete, and correct Edition of Baron Steuben's Regulations
FOR THE Order and Discipline OF THE Troops of the United States.
Just Published by M. CAREY, At Philadelphia, and to be SOLD By THOMAS ALLEN,
Book-Seller, in Queen-Street, New-York (By whom Subscriptions are received)
The American Museum,
FOR OCTOBER, 1788. CONTAINING, Politics.
REMARKS on a resolve of Congress, Reply to the above remarks, Address to the independent electors of the federal government.
Miscellanies.
 Letter on education,  Queries and answers respecting marriage,  Remarks on names,  On the wants and desires of mankind,  Oration on the effects of spiritous liquors upon the human body,  Letter from the Hon. Charles Thomson to general Clinton,  Address to the friends of religion, morality, and useful knowledge,  Account of the life and character of Mr. John Pierce,  Letter from Dr. Fothergill to a friend in Massachu.  Manufactures.  Address to the friends of American manufactures,  Account of the cotton mills in Great-Britain,  Circular letter from the tradesmen, &c. of Boston.  Rural Concerns.  On the advantage of raising hemp,  Receipt for making maple sugar,  —maple molasses,  —maple beer,  —maple wine,  —maple vinegar,  Cure for the measles in swine. 
Philosophical Papers.
 Letter on the southern and northern lights,  On the attraction towards the magnetic points,  Conjectures concerning the causes of such attractions.  On Instructing Representatives.  Thoughts on the constitution of Maryland,  Address of Samuel Chase, Esq.  Rhode-Island.  Address to the citizens of Rhode-Island,  Address to the Rhode-Island friends of paper money, tender acts, and anti-federalism.  Humour.  Some thoughts on the diseases of the mind,  Extract from a memoir to the American philosophical society,  Balloons not a modern invention.  Federal Constitution.  Fabius's IVth letter,  Vth letter,  Remarks on the new constitution.  Revolutional Paper.  Letter II. from a farmer in Pennsylvania.  Poetry.  Poem written in Boston,  The incarnation,  The American militia,  The complaint of Cascarilla,  The bulls and the lion,  Horace, lib. 1. ode xxii. imitated,  Eliza's ode, sacred to the memory of gen. Greene 
At a Meeting of the Society, for the Relief of Distressed Debtors, held at the House of Mr. John Simmons, the fourth Day of September, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight. [On emergency.] JONATHAN LAWRENCE, Esquire, President for the Evening.
THE Committee of Vindication reporting, that from the great Number of Persons relieved, the Funds of the Society were totally exhausted. That there were several distressed Debtors in Prison, who had no other Subsistence, but what was derived from this Body; and that without such Aid, they must want the common Necessaries of Life. And the said Committee farther reporting, that it would be necessary for the Society, to procure a quantity of Fire-Wood for the Benefit of the Prisoners the ensuing Winter; and that, were the Means in the Power of the Society, the same might be purchased at present, at a very low Rate: whereupon, on Motion, it is unanimously voted, that the Clergy in this City, be earnestly requested, to preach Charity Sermons in their respective Churches, for promoting the important and benevolent Purposes of the Society. And that Doctor Rogers, Mr. Liun, Mr. Beach, and Dr. Kunze be a Committee for making the necessary Arrangements to carry the same into Effect.
Published by order of the Society. 65—r.f. W. COCK, Secretary.
This Day was Published, And to be SOLD by the PRINTER hereof, &c.
ACOMPENDIUM
OF
Christian Theology,
By JOHN FREDERICK OSTERWALD,
A celebrated Divine of Switzerland.
Newly translated into English, from the Original
LATIN,
By the Rev. JOHN McMains.
SUBSCRIBERS are requested to call for their BOOKS.
Lumber Inspector's Office,
No. 146, Water-Street,
Where Shippers of Lumber will please to apply to
MICHAEL CONNOLLY,
Inspector.
New-York, Nov. 13, 1788. 74 r.f.
TO BE SOLD,
For JERSEY MONEY at full Value,
Or exchanged for any Property in New-York, of
bartered for West-India or DRY GOODS,
At Market Price.
A Valuable FARM,
SITUATE in Woodbridge town-
ship, in the county of Essex, New-Jersey,
within a quarter of a mile of the main road from
Woodbridge to Brunswick; about eight miles dis-
tant from the latter, and three and a half from
Perth Amboy, consisting of one hundred and fev-
enty acres a third part of which is excellent
MEADOW; a sufficiency of fire-wood, with a
handsome piece of thirsty young timber.
The plough-land equal to any
in that part of the country; the whole under
good fence.
On the premises is a good house,
kitchen, and barn; and an excellent spring of wa-
ter near the door; to which is added, fifteen acres,
or thereabouts, of salt marsh, on the Rariton, about
one mile from the farm.
This place is well known by the
name of CLAWSON'S FARM.
For particulars of sale enquire of Mr.
Joseph Bindon, merchant, New-York, or Ben-
jamin Thompson, near Morris-Town
This Day is published,
And to be sold by the PRINTER hereof and by
ROBERT HODGE, No. 237, Queen-Street,
PRINCIPLES
OF THE
Latin Grammar,
EXPLAINED in a manner suited
to the Capacity of Beginners, with rules
and Observations calculated for those who have
made proficiency in the Classics.
By JAMES HARDIE, A. B.
Teacher of the GREEK and LATIN Languages,
NEW-YORK.
WE, the PRESIDENT and PROFESSORS
of COLUMBIA COLLEGE, whose names are
hereto subscribed, do certify, that we have ex-
amined a new publication, entitled "The Principles
of the Latin Grammar explained," &c. by JAMES
HARDIE, and that we find it an accurate and
judicious compilation, well calculated for the in-
struction of youth in the rudiments of the Latin
language; and such as may be useful even to those
who have made considerable progress therein. We
therefore recommend it to all who are intrusted
with the care of education, and particularly to the
teachers in the different schools of this state.
W. SAMUEL JOHNSON, President,
WILLIAM COCHRAN, Professor of Lang.
JOHN DANIEL GROS, Professor of
(Moral Philosophy and Geography,
JOHN KEMP, Professor of Mathematics and
(Natural Philosophy.)
For the CONVENIENCE of MERCHANTS,
Just Published,
And to be sold at this Printing-Office,
A CATALOGUE of those ARTICLES of
MERCHANDIZE on which DUTIES were
imposed by late acts of the legislature of this state,
viz. of April 11, 1787, and March 12, 1788; which
dues took place on the 1st inst.
In the arranging of this catalogue neither pains
nor expense of time has been spared to render it of
great utility to the Merchants, by selecting and pro-
perly distinguishing the several rates of impositions =
upon GOODS imported in vessels built in the
United States since April 11, 1787, and not really
and bona fide wholly the property of the citizens =
imported in foreign vessels—and, in American ves-
sels. This work would require labour, and the most
intense study and attention of the best merchant, so
nicely to distinguish. It is printed upon a large
substantial sheet of paper, with the several kinds of
dues in distinct columns, in such a manner that
they can be readily contrasted when pulled up in a

MISCELLANY.
CENTINEL, No. XXIII.
To the PEOPLE of PENNSYLVANIA.
Friends and Fellow-Citizens,
I HAVE promised a number on the subject of the enormous sums of public monies unaccounted for by individuals, now ascertained by a late investigation of Congress; but find so extensive a field opened, as to require many numbers to treat of the several parts in a proper manner; I shall, therefore, confine my remarks at present to one paragraph of it. This investigation, after being long suppressed, has at length reached the public eye, and is of such magnitude and exhibits such immense peculations on the public treasure, by men who now assume the lead in this and some other state governments, and are among the most distinguished patrons of the new constitution as to demand the serious attention of the citizens of the United States at this peculiar crisis of public affairs.
Unawed by that power and influence, that false glare of reputation, and by that clamour and partiality of party spirit, which for many years had rendered the characters of the great public defaulters tacit and impervious to public scrutiny, the Centinel, regardless of consequences in such a cause, impeached them at the bar of the public; he charged them with the receipt of millions of public money, for which they had not accounted; and notwithstanding he produced sufficient documents to substantiate the charge, such was the shameless effrontery of these men and their minions, on the one hand, and the confirmed prejudice and partiality of the public on the other hand, that the Centinel was deemed a libeller, a calumniator of some of the best and most illustrious characters in the United States. So immaculate was the Collier considered, that the epithets of rascal, villain, &c. were lavished upon every person who dared to assert any thing to his prejudice, and the cry of a cruel persecution was raised against the Centinel, and others, for endeavouring to compel him to disgorge the public treasure.
Congress have now confirmed the charges adduced by the Centinel against Mr. Robert Morris, and the other great public defaulters; so that if any person hereafter advocates the principles and measures of these men, he will thereby acknowledge contemptible sentiments, and proclaim his own character—the public will be equally aware of the one as of the other.
In my seventeenth number, there is the following paragraph: "When we consider the immense sums of public money taken up by Mr. Morris, as commercial agent, to import military supplies, and even to trade in behalf of the United States, at a time when the risk was so great, that individuals would not venture their property; that all these transactions were conducted under the private firm of Willing and Morris, which afforded unrestrained scope to peculation and embezzlement of the public property, by enabling Mr. Morris to throw the loss of all captures by the enemy, at that hazardous period, on the public, and converting most of the safe arrivals (which were consequently very valuable) into his private property; and when we add to these considerations, the principles of the man, his bankrupt situation at the commencement of the war, and the immense wealth he has dazzled the world with since, can it be thought unreasonable to conclude, that the principal source of his wealth was the commercial agency of the United States, during the war, not that I would derogate from his successful ingenuity in his numerous speculations in the paper monies, Havanaah monopoly and job, or in the sphere of financing."
And in a piece which I wrote under the signature of "One of the People," published in the Independent Gazetteer of April 17th last, I referred to a report of a committee of Congress of the 11th of February, 1779, to prove that Mr. Morris was a member of the secret or commercial committee, and that this committee had authorised and entrusted him solely with the purchasing of produce in the different states, and exporting the same on the public account, and that all such contracts were made by him under the private firm of Willing and Morris.
Mr. Morris being absent in Virginia, when the Centinel made the foregoing charge against him, his friends and minions undertook the vindication of his character; they asserted that he had rendered his accounts as commercial agent and that they were settled; but Mr. Morris, sensible that the ground which his advocates had taken for his justification was not tenable, and that their officious zeal had led them to make assertions that could easily be disproved, was obliged to confess that he had not settled, nor even rendered his accounts as commercial agent, at the distant period of ten years after his transactions in that capacity; but with his usual ingenuity endeavoured to apologize for not doing it, as it will appear by a recurrence to his address to the public, dated Richmond, March 21st, and published in the Independent Gazetteer of April 8th last.
I will make an extract of this address containing Mr. Morris's acknowledgement of receiving the public money and his not settling his accounts. It is as follows, viz. "At an early period of the revolution, I contracted with the committee to import arms, ammunition and clothing, and was employed to export American produce, and make remittances on account of the United States, for the purpose of lodging funds in Europe. To effect these objects, I received considerable sums of money. The business has been performed, but the accounts are not yet settled."
Having stated the charge formerly made against Mr. Morris, and the evidence that was then in my power to establish it, I will now add a quotation from the late investigation made by Congress, extracted from their journals of the 30th of September last, viz. "Your committee, turning their attention to an act of Congress of 22d of May last, directing the board of treasury to call upon all such persons as had been entrusted with public money, and had neglected to account for the same, and such other persons as had made partial or vague settlements, without producing proper vouchers, were desirous to obtain a particular statement of the accounts which are in the above predicament; but they are sorry to find that such a detail is too lengthy to be here inserted. Some of those accounts are stated in the file of papers marked papers
respecting unsettled accounts, which is herewith submitted. From the general aspect of those accounts, your committee are constrained to observe, that there are many strong marks of the want of responsibility or attention in the former transactions respecting the public treasure. No less a sum than 2,122,600 dollars has been advanced to the secret committee of Congress, before August 2d, 1777, and a considerable part of this money remains to be accounted for otherwise than by contracts made with individuals of their own body, while those individuals neglect to account."
Thus it appears that a considerable part of the enormous sum of two millions, one hundred and twenty-two thousand and six hundred dollars, nearly equal to specie, which was advanced to the secret committee of Congress, remains unaccounted for, otherwise than by contracts made with individuals of their own body, while these individuals neglected to account. And who those individuals are, is evident from the report of the committee of Congress of the 11th of February, 1779, before quoted, and from other records of congress. By them it appears, that after the death of Mr. Ward, who was the first chairman and agent to the secret committee, which happened very early, before this committee had transacted much business, that Mr. Robert Morris was solely entrusted by the secret committee with the disposition of the public money advanced to them, and that all his transactions, as commercial agent, were conducted by him under the private firm of Willing and Morris.
Eleven years have now elapsed since Mr. Morris was entrusted with the disposition of near two millions of specie dollars, and no account of this immense sum has yet been rendered by him.—What conclusion must every dispassionate person make of this delinquency? Is it not more than probable that he has converted the public money to his own property, and that, fearful of detection and reluctant to refund, he has, and will as long as he is able, avoid an investigation and settlement of these long standing accounts?
I will ask, did the majority of the late assembly evince either wisdom or virtue, when they appointed this man to a seat in the federal senate, or will the people evidence any regard to their own interests if they give their suffrages to his creatures, who are now proposed as federal representatives? Under the administration of such men, is it rational to expect that public defaulters will be called to account, or that future peculation and pocketing of the public money will be discouraged or detected?
I intend in a future number to notice the other numerous instances of public defaulters, and to show that if it had not been for the immense peculations and pocketing of the public monies by individuals, and those among our most distinguished federalists, that the people would not have been burdened with above one third of the present national debt and consequent taxes.
The following article of the last report of the committee of Congress on the finances, will be the subject of my next number, viz. "Your committee were desirous to discover in what manner the large sums of money received in France, have been accounted for, but the subject of this inquiry seems to be involved in darkness."
  Livres, s. d.   The amount of the several receipts—is 47,111,859 12 8   Of this sum there has been sent over or drawn for and expended in America 26,246,727 5 5   Salaries of foreign ministers, 1,160,183   27,406,910 5 3   There remains 19,704,949 7 5 
"The documents for the expenditures of the balance have never been produced at the treasury—They must be in France if there are any such papers. A full enquiry into the premises now claims the attention of the board of treasury. Some time must be expended in making the necessary investigation, but the result may be of important service to the United States."
In the investigation of this article, which informs us of a deficiency of upwards of nineteen millions of livres specie, however it may offend, I must expose the names of the men who have received this money. C E N T I N E L.
Philadelphia, Nov. 17, 1788.
To the Printer of the Independent Gazetteer, SIR,
IN your paper of the 20th day of this month, I find a repetition of the charges against me, which were introduced into the Independent Gazetteer last winter whilst I was in Virginia, and to which I made a reply in March that was published in your paper of the 8th of April.
On the repeated slanders of my enemies, so far as they can effect myself, I look down which silent contempt; but as I have been lately honored with a high trust in the federal government, and as an attempt is made to wound the federal cause by attacks on my reputation and the conduct of those who appointed me to a seat in the senate, my attachment to that cause, and my respect to my fellow citizens, lead me to inform them, that I have lately been at New-York for the purpose of bringing forward a settlement of my accounts with the United States, that they are now in the train of investigation, and that I shall do every thing in my power to obtain a final settlement of them before the meeting of Congress under the new constitution.
My enemies seem to expect that the report of a committee of Congress lately published, will give sanction to their assertions and insinuations; but this report cannot make me responsible for one dollar more or less than I received. The largeness of the sums (which however bear but a small proportion to those mentioned in the report) may indeed prove the greatness of the confidence reposed in me; but cannot justify the charge of delinquency; on the contrary if I render a faithful account of their expenditure, they will prove the extent and vigour of my exertions in the public cause. By the settlement of my accounts the merit or demerit of my conduct, respecting the money put into my hands, will be evinced. Till that settlement shall take place (and nothing has been done or shall be done by me to retard it) no candid citizen will draw an inference against me merely from the importance of the trusts which have been committed to me by my country.
ROBERT MORRIS. Philadelphia, November 21, 1788.
From the INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER. MR. OSWALD,
IT has been so repeatedly asserted that Judge Bryan is the author of the Centinel, that almost every body has been brought to believe it, even those who know his style and manner of writing to be different have been dinned into the same opinion; however, we have now an incontestable proof that he is not the author of the Centinel, for five numbers of this writing has appeared since Mr. Bryan's absence on the circuit, at the distance of 300 miles and more, where he still continues, and those five numbers are written in the same style, and with equal ability as the former. DEFECTOR.
For the NEW-YORK JOURNAL, &c. To the Members of the Legislature of the STATE of NEW-YORK.
THE arguments heretofore urged in favor of the new constitution have been progressive. Its advocates, at first, asserted it to be an excellent and a complete form of government, amply sufficient to secure the rights and liberties of the people; that a bill of rights was unnecessary; that the rulers ought to have the power to keep a standing army, build a navy, command the militia, and order them when and where they pleased, and to raise a revenue by direct taxes, poll taxes, and such excises as they might think proper: in a word, it was represented to be perfect, and that it was not in the power of human wisdom to devise a better.
Then again they admitted, that the constitution was imperfect, and that amendments were absolutely necessary, but strenuously advocated an adoption in its present form; trusting to subsequent amendments, because it could not be supposed that all the states would agree upon the same set of amendments.
It seems, however, to be now the general and prevailing opinion, that the amendments agreed to by the convention of this state, will be necessary and extensively beneficial.
I shall enquire no farther into the motives which induced the convention to ratify this very imperfect constitution without a previous stipulation for all the amendments, than that it is said, on the one hand, that they were seduced and deceived by fears of convulsion, anarchy, and confusion, and that Congress would remove from the state in case of its non-adoption; and on the other, that they adopted it from an invincible reluctance to a separation from our sister states. It is sufficient to know, that it has been adopted in full confidence that amendments should take place, and that there were gentlemen strenuously for and against the measure; which of them were right and which wrong, time and experience will determine. Should the amendments be obtained without much opposition, trouble, and difficulty, it may be said, that those who were for the present adoption of it, have done well; but if, on the contrary, the amendments are opposed, and the means of obtaining them should throw the state into convulsions, I suppose it will not only be said, that they have done ill, but that they have acted against the experience of all ages.
By this adoption, we are placed in a most dangerous situation; and unless we proceed with the utmost caution and circumspection, and use all the means in our power to obtain the proposed amendments, we may be frustrated in our hopes and expectations; and the consequence will be, that we and our posterity must submit to the constitution in its present defective form; the greatest curse that ever befel a free people, since the fall of Adam. Our continental rulers will no doubt be prudent and cautious enough for a time and not exert all the powers delegated to them—and thus afford a temporary ease and relief to the minds and purses of the people: but although it may not effect an immediate slavery, yet it will hang like a mill-stone about us, until at least it must unavoidably settle us into hewers of wood and drawers of water. Before its adoption, it was in our power to prevent, and we could have prevented, its operation, until its radical and dangerous defects were amended; whereas it now requires two thirds of the states to call a convention, the like number to agree to the amendments, and three fourths of the legislatures to ratify them.
From this train the difficulty of effecting any material amendments may be easily observed. It lately took Congress ten weeks, before seven states could be prevailed on, to agree upon the place, where the new government was to meet. And this is not all, for (unless prevented) it becomes the duty "of the members of the several legislatures, and all the executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, to be bound by oath or affirmation to support this constitution." Observe the constitution in its present form!
In this dangerous situation, where our all is at stake, I beg leave to suggest the propriety of passing an act as soon as possible, to inhibit your federal officers from taking that oath, until agreeable to our amendments. "The senators, and representatives and all the executive and judicial officers of the United States, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, not to infringe or violate the constitutions or the rights of the respective states." And the state officers, until the amendments have been previously agreed to, and confirmed by three fourths of the several legislatures.
Also to convert the following instruction into an oath of office. "And your representatives do swear, that they will exert all their influence and use all reasonable means to obtain a ratification of all the amendments; and in all laws to be passed by the Congress, in the mean time, to conform to the spirit of the said amendments."
This will undoubtedly be opposed and especially out of doors; for some of the most zealous advocates for the new government do not wish or desire any amendments (unless it should be to make it still stronger) and will exert every faculty of mind and body to oppose them; as if it was not enough, that we have transferred "the power of determining whether that government shall be rendered perpetual in its present form, or altered agreeable to our wishes on a minority of the states with whom we unite." They will wish to see the public officers embarrassed under this oath, and become even involuntary abettors in frustrating the accomplishment of the amendments; or at least secure their silence when their constituents shall be reduced to the dire necessity of calling out, stand fast in your liberty, be not again entangled with the yoke of bondage.
Suppose Congress should interfere in your elections, attempt to violate the trial by jury, call out
the militia, lay poll taxes and excises, or exercise other powers, contrary to the letter and spirit of your amendments, with what face could your legislative, executive or judicial officers (having taken that oath) oppose such proceedings? A conscientious man can have no idea of a mental evasion or a secret reservation, when under an oath; for though he sweareth to his own hurt he changeth not: will it afford any consolation to you, or to your constituents, or give relief, when thus oppressed, that the convention adopted in full confidence of future amendments.
What arguments may be used, or what measures will be taken by those who are opposed to the amendments in this state, in order to frustrate the measure, is difficult to predict. Their coadjutors in Massachusetts, it seems, at first attempted to persuade the people that it would be best to postpone calling a convention and to let experience dictate the defects, and then the necessary amendments would be immediately adopted.
When they found the bait would not take * they came out more openly. [Boston Gazette, 21st of October 1788.] He is now called "an enemy to his country, who would attempt amendments, and told, that the propositions for that purpose in the convention, were only conciliatory, and the constitution being adopted there can be no need of them."
Perhaps those in this state will pursue their former delusive manœuvres, and inform you, that the more confidence you place in your rulers, the more good they will do; that Americans are an enlightened people—that they will make choice of good representatives, so that there will be no danger of procuring a convention, an agreement to the amendments, and three fourths of the states to confirm them; that the rulers will not dare, nor would a people so enlightened suffer them, to abuse their powers—Or perhaps (preposterous as it may appear, considering the conduct of our legislature, of Congress, and of the general convention in Philadelphia) they may say, that you have no right or power to make such a law, and that by the adoption you are obliged to implicit acquiescence, though it should be at the risk of all the rights and privileges of your constituents.
That the advocates for this new constitution have had the advantage in starting, is no new thing. I suppose it ever was, and always will be the case, that those who are for subverting the government (their movements being preconceived) have at first the advantage of those who are for supporting it. They choose their epithets, or catch-words—the confederation is a rope of sand—trade and credit abroad—the worse the better: of late they have covered themselves under the term federal, while they were undermining and annihilating the confederation. But that these circumstances should be adduced to prove that we are distanced, and not warranted to proceed, and that we ought cheerfully to submit, is so great a perversion of reason, and so entirely unwarranted by the real state of things, that common sense stands agash at the idea.
You are the representatives, the guardians of the rights and liberties of the people, and invested with every power necessary for their preservation and happiness. The words of Vattel are, "A nation is under an obligation to preserve itself, and has (not only) a right to every thing necessary for its preservation, but to avoid every thing that might occasion its destruction; and, as the pact may be dissolved by common consent of the parties, if the individuals that compose the nation, unanimously consent to break the knot that binds them, they may be permitted to do it, and thus to destroy the state or nation; but they doubtless cannot innocently do it, if they take this step without just and weighty reasons—and, as it is impossible that the nation should ever permit the use of such means, if on a particular occasion no other present themselves for fulfilling a general obligation, the obligation ought to cease in that particular instance as impossible, and consequently void—By an evident consequence from what has been said, a nation ought carefully to avoid, as much as possible, whatever may cause its destruction, or that of the state, which is the same thing—A nation or state has a right to every thing that can secure it from such a threatening danger, and to keep at a distance whatever is capable of causing its ruin; and that from the very reasons that establish its right to the things necessary to its preservation." Vattel, 12, 13.
By the laws of Moses, although a man might, if he pleased, become a slave, yet no one had a right to him delusive arguments to induce him to submit to a state of bondage; and that it might evidently appear that he had not been imposed upon, he was, after having expressed his inclination, taken by his master before the judges to be interrogated, and if he persisted before the judge, if the voice of reason did not influence him, the judge directed him to be put to the shameful and painful operation of having his ear nailed to the door post; and if he still persisted was then, and not till then, deemed a complete and voluntary slave.
That honorable body (of blessed memory) the Congress of 1776 appear to have been of the same opinion; "We hold these things (said they) to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life liberty and the pursuit of happiness." But supposing an individual had, a fit of delusion, submitted to become a voluntary slave, would he not have a right, when his mind acquired its wonted tone, to extricate himself? He certainly would.
* "It was compared to the loaning a man's money untold and without proper security for the payment thereof, in order to ascertain his honor; or to neglect to repair a breach in the walls of a city, liable to be besieged, in order to discover whether the assailants would avail themselves of the advantage offered them; the loss of property, however, in the one case, and a lodgement gained behind the breach in the other, would render after precaution unavailable." [See New-York Journal of the 25th of Sept. 1788.]
† "The dark councils of the Cabal, though from the first they gave anxiety to all men of reflection; were not thoroughly known but by the event," 7 Hume, 471. Absalom, under the cloak of serving the Lord, attempted to dethrone his father David."
‡ The notions of mankind are sometimes very unaccountable, and their desires equally absurd and importunate, "Nay, but we will have a King over us," was the cry in the days of Samuel; and Joshua the divine forerunner, that all the world will worship the beast—saying, "who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him."

Is it not notorious that even some members of the convention at Poughkeepsie were intimidated and deluded by threats and promises? Was it not asserted in the convention, that they had no right to amend, that they could only approve or reject? Were they not threatened, that unless they adopted the constitution in its present form, the southern part of the state would secede from the northern and join with the adopting states to subdue it? That it would throw the state into convulsions, and a scene of blood and devastation would ensue? and besides, that Congress would remove from the state and, were they not induced to believe, that if they did adopt it in its present form, Congress would remain in the city of New York? Is it not notorious, that these threats and promises influenced some of the members to agree to the adoption, who would otherwise have opposed it? to use their own words, "several articles in it appear to be exceptionable to a majority of us, that nothing but the fullest confidence of obtaining a revision of them by a general convention and an invincible reluctance to separate from our sister states, would have prevailed upon a sufficient number to ratify it without stipulating for previous amendments."
Every man in his private capacity in such a case, might, in a court of justice, avail himself of the plea of duress, and avoid the contract. Would it be just or expedient, that the legislative, executive, and judicial officers should be bound and fettered by an oath to support a constitution thus adopted, and which your convention declares to be so very exceptionable; and which, if not amended, will produce the most direful effects.
I apprehend the time is not far distant, when the propriety of these observations will be more fully evinced: even now there are but few who do not consider the bill and declaration of rights as incorporated with and making part of the adoption, although they are not so expressed: it seems that policy has not yet rendered it expedient.
Be that as it may, the present legislature are under no restraint, and therefore have only to consider whether the law proposed will have the effect intended, viz. to secure the amendments, and consequently the rights and liberties of the people.
S I D N E Y.
November 29, 1788.
Foreign Intelligence.
[Extracts from English papers received by the Speedy Packet, Cotesworth, from Falmouth, arrived here on Thursday last, and the Ship Venus, from London, arrived at Philadelphia.]
L O N D O N, October 2.
YESTERDAY advices were received from Hamburg, that the regency of that city had received public notice from the court of Denmark, to provide with all possible expedition, its quota of two thousand seamen to man the Danish men of war now fitting out at Copenhagen, and just ready for sea, if that complement were afforded. It is now, according to these accounts, past all denial, that Denmark will finally join all its forces to aid the Russians, and that an important rupture with Sweden is at no great distance. The regency of Hamburg is preparing to comply with the demand of the Danish government, which will be very soon fulfilled.
The city of Hamburg, of which the Danish government have lately demanded a number of sailors to man their ships of war, is what is usually called a free city, but under the arbitrary mandate of the Danish court; liberty among mankind is but a mere name.
The cessation of arms just agreed on between Russia and Sweden, was so necessary to the latter, on account of the internal dissatisfactions in the kingdom, that a peace may be very soon expected. Some letters go so far as to hint a commotion in Sweden tending to the revolution. The interference of Prussia, however, will prevent this.
The court of Portugal, by giving the title of Prince of Brazil, attaches that colony to the crown, with a policy from which England ought long since to have taken a lesson.
His Moorish Majesty's army is said to be within a few days march of Algiers, and is conducted by that son, who was reported to have rebelled against him. The Spanish squadron is at sea, and is supposed to have joined the French.
The Prussian Monarch, by the last letters, was wavering in his conduct, respecting his neutrality, or taking an active part among the belligerent powers. On the determination of England he depended much. It is certain, too, that by the last accounts from Prussia, the King had received the ultimatum of Britain; which was, that if Prussia commenced hostilities, the court of London would not deem itself bound to assist him. But should he ever be attacked, Britain would stand vigorously forward in his defence.
Intelligence is received from Peterburgh, that the people are so far from expecting any thing like an accommodation with the court of Sweden, that on the contrary orders have been issued to raise 80,000 more men for the land and sea service, in which they will be employed as emergencies occur. The augmentation is to be made by raising every hundredth man within the Empress's dominions; and considering the manner of enlisting in those countries, the men will be procured at no great distance of time. The event of the King of Sweden's leaving Finland, and returning to Stockholm, was known in Russia on the 3d. inst.
The Emperor, with the flower of his army, is on the Danau—and what with the rains, which have been immoderate there, and the pestilent appointments of an Austrian camp, this flower, like any other is too likely soon to fade.
Denmark so far observes neutrality, that none of the ships of Sweden, captured and carried into the Danish ports, have yet been sold.
Dantzick, a great victualling port, has just prohibited all exportation of provisions.
The inhabitants of Galicia have been numbered; they amount to 1,345,803. In 1786, there was a similar estimate formed, and the total was 257,368 persons less.
The declaration of Denmark to assist Russia with the stipulated forces, has obliged Sweden to arm on the borders of Scania, and this is given as the reason of the Swedish Majesty's return to Stockholm. M. le Baron de Toll is appointed in Scania to an
army of 5000 men; and admiral Rayallu is to go to Carlscroone, and take command of the fleet which is to be opposed to the combined fleet of Russia and Denmark. The rest of the regular forces are to march from the north of Sweden to the south. The inhabitants of Scania arm in their own defence; one gentleman only has provided 600 of his vassals with the necessaries of war.
The King of Sweden has opened a loan for five hundred thousand six dollars. The interest six per cent. To be repaid in six years.
Poland is said to be in arms. The majority of the nobility wish to persuade the King to profit by the present occasion, and recover, or endeavour to recover, all the provinces which have been lopped off from the republic. To give vigour to this patriotic measure, each of the nobility who have spoken of it to the King, have at the same time made an offer of the fifth part of their revenues.
October 8.
The new destination of the convicts in Newgate, to the settlements in Canada, instead of Botany Bay, has occasioned continued enquiries as to the safety of Commodore Philips and his squadron of transports, among the unhappy relations of those unfortunate outcasts; but no alarm ought to take place, when the extreme distance of New South Wales in a manner accounts for the want of intelligence at the admiralty; and when it is considered, that it became expedient for government to take some immediate steps to clear the prisons in the mean time. The Quebec plan seems far more eligible than any other which has been proposed for temporary relief, and is not likely to be attended with the melancholy consequences, which followed the transportation of the Irish convicts in the six vessels which sailed from Dublin, whose unhappy fate so much engages the conversation of the public at present in our sister kingdom.
American Occurrences.
KINGSTON (Jamaica) October 25.
AMONG other regulations, to be introduced into the new code, we hear, that for all capital offences, negro slaves are in future to be tried at the court of quarter sessions by the same jury as white men. Regulations are also to be introduced to give the slaves more time to themselves; one holiday in every fortnight, at least. On plantations, no book-keeper, or driver is to presume to inflict a punishment on any negro exceeding six lashes unless the owner or overseer be present; and effectual care will be taken to abolish the practice of keeping the gang at work, after sunset, to fetch grain; a grievance of a monstrous nature where the overseer happens to be a jockey. Regulations are to be likewise introduced for the better government of the jails and work-houses. No person will be permitted, in future, to send a slave there to be punished at discretion. Such regulations as these furnish a better answer to our calumniators in England than all the pamphlets in the world.
WILMINGTON (N.C.) November 5.
The honorable the legislature of this state, met at Fayette-Ville on Monday last. It is said that the propriety of calling a new convention, will be among their earliest deliberations.
His Excellency Governor Johnston, and his secretary, arrived at Fayette-Ville, on Saturday last. We learn from Salisbury and Morgan districts, that petitions are in circulation, to be presented to the assembly for calling a new convention which are signed by all ranks of people with the greatest avidity.
November 12.
Nothing particular has transpired from the honorable legislature since our last, except that the hon. Alexander Martin, Esq. is appointed speaker of the hon. the senate, and the hon. John Snigreeves, Esq. speaker of the commons.
NEW-BRUNSWICK, November 25.
A bill has passed the house of assembly for the meeting of the legislature at Perth-Amboy and Burlington, alternately—nothing has been done in council on this business.
New-York, December 4.
THE commonwealth of Massachusetts, in general court met, have resolved—in their act of the 19th and 20th ult. for carrying into execution the new constitution on their part—that the commonwealth be divided into eight districts, for the purpose of choosing eight persons to represent the people thereof in the Congress of the United States—each district to choose one representative, who shall be an inhabitant of such district.
The general court of Massachusetts was prorogued on the 24th ult. by order of the governor, advice of council, and consent of the senate and house, to the 24th ult.
New-Hampshire are now in session upon this important business.
On the 21st ult. the state of New-Jersey, in general assembly met, passed an act for carrying into effect the constitution on their part. Every inhabitant who is qualified to vote for members of the state legislature, by this act, is authorized to nominate for that state's members of the house of representatives in the general government.
Next Monday, agreeably to the proclamation of his Excellency the Governor, the legislature of this state are to convene at the City Hall of the city of Albany.
Govenor Johnston has resigned the chair of government, of the state of Maryland, to which he was lately appointed, and the honorable JOHN E. HOWARD is elected in his stead.
On Thursday last the sloop Phoenix, Capt. Bartlett, arrived here from Wilmington, North-Carolina. By this sloop we received the Wilmington Centinel; extracts from which see that head.
Extract of a letter from Wilmington, North-Carolina, Nov. 13, 1788.
"The latter end of the summer and fall has been the most fatal season ever known in this place; upwards of one hundred persons have died. We have no other news, except, that it is expected our assembly will call a new convention."
The honorable Abraham Clark, Jonathan Dayton, and Jonathan Elmer, Esquires, are elected to represent the state of New-Jersey in Congress under the old constitution.
On Saturday arrived the brig Pearl, Capt. William Pell, in seven weeks from Liverpool. Capt. Pell, on the 4th instant, in lat. 39, long. 50 W. spoke the ship New-York, Capt. Watson, of this port, bound to London, out—days; all well.
A Kingston (Jamaica) paper of Oct. 25, says:—The appearance of the packet on Thursday raised the spirits of the quidnuncs in this parish, to a degree surpassing description; and they gaped like oysters in expectation of being gratified with intelligence of an universal war in Europe, but, alas! when the packet left England every thing was peace and tranquillity, with respect to Great-Britain; and no such event, as a war, was deemed likely to take place, except in the lying prints of the stock-jobbers.
From a CORRESPONDENT.
I find, by conversing with a number of gentlemen from the southward, that the present state of politics in several of the states on that course is far from being so favorable to (what the anti-federalists call) the aristocratic plan as it at first was. As for Pennsylvania, there will, it seems, be a warm contest. The inhabitants of Virginia are almost universally in favor of amendments to the constitution; of course members will be sent from that state to the Congress under the new constitution, who will adhere to the spirit of their form of ratification. Their general with now is, that amendments might constitutionally take place; and, Mr. Printer, however zealous a federal I may have been hitherto, I cannot help wishing it also, that unanimity may be re-established.
SENATORS of the UNITED STATES already chosen.
VIRGINIA—Honorable William Grayson, and Richard Henry Lee, Esquires.
DELAWARE—Honorable George Read, and Richard Bassett, Esquires.
PENNSYLVANIA—Honorable Robert Morris, and W. Maclay, Esquires.
NEW-JERSEY—Honorable William Patterson, and Jonathan Elmer, Esquires.
NEW HAMPSHIRE—Honorable John Langdon, and Bartlett, Esquires.
MASSACHUSETTS—Honorable Caleb Strong, and Tristram Dalton, Esquires.
CONNECTICUT—Honorable W. S. Johnson, and G. Ellsworth, Esquires.
Monday last being the Anniversary of the Tutelar Saint of Scotland, the St. Andrew Society assembled at the city tavern at twelve o'clock; when the members convened, the following gentlemen were announced to the society as their officers for the ensuing year, viz.
The honorable R. R. Livingston, Esq. (chancellor of the state) president.
William Maxwell, and Samuel Kerr, Esquires, vice presidents.
A Robertson, Esq. treasurer.
The Rev. Dr. Mason, chaplain.
Dr. James Tillary, Physician.
Mr. Alexander Hollis, B. K., Livingston, Esq.
Mr. Alexander J. Hamilton, Mr. Hay Stevenson, Dr. John Kemp, and Mr. Thomas Durie, managers.
Mr. Robert Lenox, secretary.
Last Sunday an excellent sermon was preached in the Old Presbyterian Meeting-House, by the Rev. Dr. ROGERS, agreeably to previous information, upon the benevolent subject of alms-giving, when a handsome collection was made for the poor.
In the first page of this paper a general Price Current is inserted, which we have taken some pains to collect, for the benefit of merchants and traders in town and country, and these in the neighbouring states, &c. This Price Current will be continued every week, dated on the Saturday of each week.
At a quarterly meeting of the society for the Manumission of Slaves, and protecting such of them as have or may be liberated, held at the Coffee-House, on Thursday evening, the 20th of November, 1788.
ON MOTION, Resolved unanimously, That the members of this society will not encourage any Vendue Master who shall sell any Slave or Slaves at Public Sale hereafter, but will give their business only to such as shall uniformly refrain from a practice so disgraceful and so shocking to humanity.
Resolved, That the secretary cause the above to be published in the Newspapers of this city.
True Copy from the minutes, JOHN KEESE, Secretary.
At a Court of Probates of the State of New-York, held at the Probate Office in the City of New-York, on the third Day of December, in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight.
P R E S E N T, The Hon. PETER OGILVIE, Esq. Judge of the said Court.
WHEREAS Hophni Smith, executor of the last will and testament of David Smith, late of Smith's Cove, in Orange county, deceased, hath, by his petition, presented to the said judge, set forth that the said David Smith, was, at the time of his death, seized of a real estate within this state, that the petitioner had made a just and true account of the personal estate and debts of the said David Smith, as far as he had been able to discover the same, and that thereby it appeared, that the personal estate of the said David Smith, was insufficient to pay his debts, and therefore requested the aid of the said judge in the premises, according to the directions of the act, entitled, "An act for the relief of creditors against heirs, devisees, executors, and administrators, and for proving wills respecting real estates," and the said petitioner hath delivered to the said judge the account in the said petition mentioned; hereupon it is ordered by the said judge, that all persons interested in the estate of the said David Smith, do appear before the judge of the said court of Probates, at the Probate Office, in the city of New-York, on the twenty-sixth day of January next, to show cause, if any they have, why so much of the real estate whereof the said David Smith, died seized, should not be sold, as will be sufficient to pay his debts.
17 7w. PETER OGILVIE.
ARRIVED—Nichols Grenada; Williamson Madeira; Pell, Liverpool; Brown, do. Telford do. Yore, Virginia; Hulton, Halifax; Atwater New-Previdence; Leeks, Philadelphia; Bailey do. Bartlett, Wilmington.
FELL PARKER,
At his COMMISSION WARE-HOUSE, No. 259, Wapping, New-Stairs, LONDON, BEGS leave to inform the Merchants and Planters, in New York, and all parts of America, that he receives all sorts of FOREIGN MERCHANDISE to sell on commission. These gentlemen who are not engaged with agents in London, he offers his services to receive the consignments of their goods and commission; they may depend the utmost attention will be paid to their interest.
A L S O, Receives orders to ship Goods from Leghorn, Malaga, Cadiz, Seville, Bourdeaux, Madeira, Teneriff, Nantz, Ronen, Calais, Altona, Hamburg, Bremen, and Dublin, where he has correspondence established.
L I K E W I S E, Ships the following Articles which are generally in his Ware-House, clear on Board, at the following Prices:
OLD BROWN STOUT, cask included, at eleven guineas the tun, Fine old Bottled Porter, packages included, at six shillings and three pence the dozen, Dorchester, Ringwood, and Wiltshire Beer, cask included, at four pound the hogshead, Dorchester, Ringwood, and Wiltshire Beer, bottles and packages included, at nine shillings the doz. Burton Ale, barrels included, at two shillings and three pence the gallon, Best English Vinegar, cask included, at twelve guineas the tun, Sallad Oil, from Leghorn, thirty-seven shillings and six-pence the half chsk, Florence Wine, from Leghorn, two guineas the half chsk. London, October 1, 1788. 77 t.f.
The MORNING-STAR,
At the North Side of Staten-Island, SO noted, and so much admired for the many conveniences attending it, both for pleasure and advantage.
The conspicuous prospect, the rapidity of the waters, the healthy and clear westerly breezes on the one side, and the thick southerly atmosphere, obfuscated by a ridge of hills on the other side, makes it so healthy that it must induce gentlemen of fortune to purchase, who wish to lengthen out their days and enjoy all the temporal happiness this life can afford.
There are on the premises two good dwelling-houses, one fit for a store, or tavern, a good barn, stables, and other necessary out-buildings; an excellent garden, equal to any for vegetation, with docks, ferry and boats, convenient for the ferry to Bargen-Point, which has long been used and is a stage road from said point to Powles-Hook—The land is under good cultivation, and the whole can be made into meadow: there is an excellent orchard of the best grafted fruit, viz. the bow or harvest apple, the derick claucies sweet, and Rariton sweet do. the large fall pippin, the golden and New-Town do. Spitzenberg perman, red-streak, seek-no-farther, black apple, Harman's winter, maiden's blush, and refteton, &c. &c. which alternate rotation from the early to the winter apple. There is also an excellent collection of pears, plums, cherries, &c. Oysters and fish are in great plenty near the door.
There is also fine bathing waters, a smooth beach and a fine sand for a store. Nature hath formed it so pleasant and convenient, that gentlemen and ladies of weakly habit may restore their health, and spend their days with comfort in a peaceable and agreeable neighbourhood.
It will be sold altogether, or the Morning-Star, with any number of acres, from ten to fifty, or more if required, and the residue in lots, as may best suit the purchaser or purchasers: with twenty acres of salt meadow at the mouth of Bound Creek, in Elizabeth Town, great meadow.
The conveyance to and from New-York, is so pleasant, that every necessary supply or information may be acquired, either by stage or passage boats, which ply every day.
The payments for the Morning-Star will be made easy to the purchaser.
For farther particulars enquire of Joshua Mersereau, on the premises, Col. Jacob Mersereau, or Gozen Ryers, Esq. on Staten-Island, William Cock, Esq. in Wall-street, corner of New-street, New-York, or of Col. Clement Biddle, at Philadelphia.
New-York, November 27, 1788. 76-3w.
A PUBLIC AUCTION AND COMMISSION STORE
IS OPENED By MARINUS WILLETT, No. 36, Water-Street,
FOR the reception of GOODS to be disposed of on commission, at Public or Private SALE. Money advanced, previous to the sale, if required. The excellency of the situation, and his extensive acquaintance with country merchants and traders, induces him to flatter himself, that his sales will be advantageous to those who please to favor him with their commands.
To be disposed of at PRIVATE SALE, 20 Puncheons Antigua Rum, 40 Do. St. Croix do. 20 Do. Barbadoes do. New-York Rum, of the first quality, at all times.
To be Sold at this PRINTING-OFFICE, B L A N K S of different sorts.

POET'S CORNER.
L I N E S,
Written by a Lady, and placed at the Entrance of her Grotto, which is dedicated to Contemplation; and within view of the Metropolis.
Y OU, who are led to this serene retreat, Where contemplation holds unrivall'd sway, Stop—if reflection you would dread to meet, And from her rigid mandates shrink away! But if a vot'ry at soft pleasure's fane, (Allur'd by yon proud city's tempting powers) From day to day you join the thoughtless train, And in illusion waste life's choicest hours! 'Tis you who chiefly want reflection's aid; Bow then, to contemplation's power sublime, Here be your vows with pious fervour paid, And reformation shall redeem your time. But if cull'd apathy pervades your breath, And veils it 'gainst conviction's heavenly light, The Goddess here, your offerings will detest, Nor with one favouring smile your vows requite. And yet fair virtue may have scatter'd seeds, Which in your barren mind, uncherish'd lie; Or, choak'd by dissipation's baleful weeds, Just spring to life, and blossom but to die! Then enter here—to contemplation bend, Her power can raise the feed which virtue sows, From folk's blights the tender plant defend, 'Till vigorous as the tow'ring oak it grows!
A singular instance of SAGACITY in a DOG.
A GENTLEMAN of Suffolk (England) being on a journey with his friend, and a Newfoundland dog who was of the party, being the subject of their conversation, asserted that he would fetch any thing he was ordered from any distance. To prove this, a marked shilling was put under a large square stone on the side of the road, and the gentleman, accompanied by the dog, rode forward for three miles, when the dog's master ordered him to go back and fetch the shilling he had been put under the stone. The dog returned back, and the gentleman rode forward and got home; but, contrary to their expectations, the quadruped did not return for the whole day.
It appeared afterwards that he had gone to the place where the shilling was deposited, but the stone being too large for his strength to remove, he had laid howling at the place until two horsemen riding by, attracting by his seeming distress stopped to look at him, and one of them alighted and moved the stone, when finding the shilling he put it into his pocket, not conceiving the dog could be seeking for that. The dog followed their horses for upwards of twenty miles, laid in the room where they supped, followed the chamber maid into the bed-room and hid himself under one of the beds.—The possessor of the shilling hung his breeches upon a nail by the bed-side, but when they were both asleep, the dog got them off the nail, and the window being open, leaped out of it with the breeches in his mouth, and dragged them through bog and quagmire, over ditch and through hedge, until four o'clock, when he arrived at his master's house. In the pockets were found several guineas and four watches, the owner being a dealer in those articles, and the marked shilling. The watches being advertised were returned, and the thief not indicted.
Rising and Setting of the SUN and MOON.
  ☉ R. ☉ S. R & S.    Thursday, Dec. 4, 7 20 4 40 11 23.  Friday, 5, 7 21 4 39 Morn.  Saturday, 6, 7 22 4 38 0 20.  Sunday, 7, 7 22 4 38 1 18.  Monday, 8, 7 23 4 37 2 26.  Tuesday, 9, 7 23 4 37 3 19.  Wednesday, 10, 7 24 4 36 4 23.  
HIGH WATER.
  D. H. M.    Thursday, Dec. 4, 2 10.  Friday, 5, 2 58.  Saturday, 6, 3 46.  Sunday, 7, 4 34.  Monday, 8, 5 24.  Tuesday, 9, 6 12.  Wednesday, 10, 7 6.  
Affix of BREAD.
As established December 5, 1787. A Loaf of infected Superfine Wheat Flower to weigh Two Pound Five Ounces for Six-pence. A Loaf of Rye Flour to weigh One Pound Twelve Ounces for Three-pence.
By his Excellency GEORGE CLINTON, Esq. Governor of the State of New-York, General and Commander in Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy thereof.
A PROCLAMATION.
W HEREAS events have taken place since the rising of the legislature, which render it necessary that they should be convened at an earlier day than that fixed by law for their annual meeting—I DO THEREFORE, by these presents, require the Senate and Assembly to meet at the City-Hall, of the city of Albany, on MONDAY the EIGHTH Day of DECEMBER next:—Whereof all concerned are to take notice, and govern themselves accordingly.
Given under my hand, and the privy seal, at the city of New-York, this thirteenth day of October, in the thirteenth year of the Independence of the said State.
GEO. CLINTON.
DR. SAMUEL STEARNS, Formerly of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for these fourteen Years past, has spent much of his time in preparing for Publication, THE North American Dispensary.
CONTAINING, I. THE Materia Medica. II. The Operation of Medicines. III. The Art and Science of Pharmacy. IV. The Composition of Medicines. V. An Index of Diseases and their Remedies. VI. The Operations and Medicines used in Surgery.
This is the first Dispensary that ever was written in America; and will contain not only an account of the virtues of the American productions, and those in other parts of the world, but the completest system of antidotes against all the various maladies, incident to the human race, that has ever been published; being calculated according to modern philosophy, and the experience and observation, of the most celebrated physicians and surgeons in all parts of the known world.
Those that may be minded to furnish themselves with this important work, may do it, by subscribing Three Dollars for each book; one half of the money to be paid at the time of subscribing, and the other at the reception of the books—Those that subscribe for six, will have one gratis.
This work will be printed in quarto upon good paper, with a good type, and be neatly bound and adorned with cuts of the chymical and surgical instruments—It will be put to press as soon as a sufficient number of subscriptions are received.
Subscriptions are taken in by the author, by the Printer hereof, by Benjamin Edes and Son, in Boston, I. Thomas, in Worcester, Messrs. Hallwell and Russell, in Bennington, and by many other gentlemen in various parts of the continent.
New-York, October 15, 1788. 37—
Line of Eastern Stages.
THE Public are most respectfully informed, That, after great expence and fatigue, the subscriber, and company, have completed the line of STAGES from this city quite through to Boston. The carriages, which were before heavy and uneasy, are now all hung upon coach-springs, and do not fatigue more than a common coach. The carriage from hence to Fairfield, in particular, is a new, well constructed, easy one, which will render the journey pleasurable, instead of a toil as heretofore.
Having thus completed the line, the subscriber will commence on Monday next, the 21st instant, to run the Stages from NEW-YORK to BOSTON, THREE TIMES A WEEK, and continue it until Nov. 1, from which to May 1 twice a week.
The extraordinary cost which he has been at in completing this great work, which he doubts not will be of no small public utility, as well as private advantage and convenience, he hopes will induce many to patronize him. Any business of consequence that may be wished to be transacted between these two capitals, shall be faithfully executed.
The Stages will start from the General Stage Office, in Cortland Street, on the Monday, Wednesday and Friday, of every week, at four o'clock, A. M. and will arrive at said place on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at eight o'clock, P. M. The days and hours of starting and arriving at Hartford and Boston, are the same as at New-York.
The FARE is three-pence lawful money, or four-pence New-York currency, per mile; fourteen pounds of baggage is allowed gratis; one hundred and fifty pounds of baggage pays the same as a passenger, and in that proportion.
The Public's humble servant,
LEVI PEASE.
Just PUBLISHED, and to be Sold at this OFFICE, No. 25, Water-street,
The American Calculator, or Counting-House COMPANION,
CONTAINING, A TABLE, ascertaining the value of sundry coins in gold, as regulated by the Chamber of Commerce in this city, and shewing at one view, their value in the several currencies of New-York, North-Carolina, and Great-Britain. A Collection of Tables, shewing, at one view, the amount of any number (under 10,000) of Dollars, French and English Crowns, Half Joes, French and English Guineas, &c. as they pass through the United States. A Table of Guineas, as they pass in England and Ireland. Rules for the ready reducing the currencies of the United-States, from the currency of one state into the currency of any other of the United States; and for reducing the currencies of the United-States into sterling, and sterling into the currencies of the said states. Rules for reducing English Money into Irish, and Irish Money into English, according to the par of exchange between both kingdoms. Five different tables of the coins of the United-States of America, agreeable to a resolve of Congress of the 8th August, 1787, viz. a Table of Half Dollars, a Table of Dimes, a Table of Cents, and a table of Mills; calculated to render familiar the proper mode of counting said Money.
This Day is published, and to be Sold, By ROBERT HODGE, No. 237, the Corner of King & Queen-Street, The Miscellaneous Works
OF PHILIP FRENEAU,
Containing his Essays and additional Poems. THIS second volume of our American Author, is replete with the highest sentimental entertainment. Humour, wit, and satire, flow in copious strains.—It requires only to be read to be admired.
Such gentlemen, in this city and state, as honored this vol. with their subscriptions, will be pleased to send for it as soon as convenient.
THE MESSIAH, Attempted from the GERMAN of Mr. KLOPSTOCK.
TO those who are acquainted with the merits of this work, little need be said to recommend it.—It is calculated to inspire every pious, every virtuous sentiment:—to fill the mind with an awful reverence and love of the Great and incomprehensible GOD and FATHER of all; with the sublimest and most fervent gratitude to our gracious REDEEMER, and a perfect detestation and abhorrence of all vice. In a word, it claims the patronage of ALL who do not blush at owning themselves Christians, and at paying a humble obedience to the King of Kings.
This piece of religious and moral painting has obtained Mr. Klopstock the honor of being esteemed the Milton of Germany, and is considered as having completed what that favorite son of the British muse had left unfinished.—The beauties of the Messiah equal Paradise Lost:—Paradise Regained, though far from being destitute of merit, is universally allowed to fall much below this work, and is acknowledged to be deficient in that unbounded invention, that beautiful machinery, and variety of characters, which distinguish the rigorous efforts of Mr. Klopstock's genius.
The Messiah is formed upon an extensive and important plan, and includes the sufferings, death, and resurrection of Christ.
S E R M O N S.
By the celebrated RICHARD PRICE, D. D. L. L. D. F. R. S.
The Triumphs of Temper; A Poem in six Cantos.
By WILLIAM HALEY, Esquire. Dr. Gregory's Legacy to his Daughter. Dr. Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion. Iheridan's Rhetorical Grammar. The Charms of Melody.—A new Song Book. Tavel's Travels through the interior Parts of America. Oeconomy of Human Life. Webster's American Selection of Lessons, in reading and speaking. Webster's Institute, first and second Part. Pike's excellent System of Arithmetic. A few cts of Newton on the Prophesies. Edwards on the Affections. Do. History of Redemption, &c. &c.
Also, JUST IMPORTED, A number of very valuable B O O K S,
Consisting of HISTORY. Surgery, Divinity, Agriculture, Law, Nautical Books, Philosophy, Dictionaries, Mathematics, Architecture, Biography, Novels, Geography, Miscellanies, Poetry, Plays, &c. &c.
Also an excellent Assortment of STATIONARY.
Genuine Writing Paper Wrapping Paper, Sealing-Wax, Wafers, of different sizes and prices, Ledgers, Journals, Quills, Slates, Lead and slate Pencils, Pens and Blank Books of all sizes, Receipt Books, Bonnet and Cards, &c. &c. Commissions from the country are thankfully received, and carefully executed. 505—
Wanted to Purchase IMMEDIATELY.
OFFICER's and Soldier's Military Bounty Rights of land, both State and Continental—Also, a large Amount in Indents, Final Settlements, and Pickering's Notes, Apply at No. 196, Water-street.
Starch and Hair-Powder, MANUFACTURED and Sold by Isaac & John Stoutenburgh, At the Corner of Greenwich and Dey-Streets, North-River.
New-York RUM Of excellent Flavor and good Proof F O R S A L E,
By Charles Tillinghast, At the DISTILLERY, near the New Market in Cherry Street.
REMAINING ON HAND, A FEW MAPS,
Of the interior parts of North-America, including the lands intended for the NEW STATES, some of which are selling, and others already disposed of by order of Congress.
ORDERS are just received, by the printer hereof, to sell these Maps at a much cheaper rate than they have yet been sold. The plates were cut and the impressions taken in London, and there sold (without the pamphlet) at One Guinea each.
To accompany this map, and explanatory of it with references to it, will be sold, included in the price of the map, a pamphlet, containing 67 large octavo pages, with plates and figures, entitled, a Topographical Description of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North-Carolina, comprehending the rivers Ohio, Kenawha, Sioto, Cheroke, Wabash, Illinois, Mississippi, &c. The climate, soil, and produce, whether animal, vegetable, or mineral; the mountains, creeks, roads, distances, latitudes, &c. and of every part, laid down in the Map.
By THOMAS HUTCHINS, Esq. Late Captain and Engineer in the British army, and now Geographer General to the United States of America. With a plan of the rapids of the Ohio, a plan of the several villages in the Illinois country, a table of the distances between Fort Pitt and the mouth of the Ohio, all engraved upon copper.—And an Appendix, containing Mr. Patrick Kennedy's Journal up the Illinois river, and a correct list of the different nations and tribes of Indians, with the number of fighting men, &c.
Description of the ILLINOIS COUNTRY.
THE Illinois country is in general of a superior soil to any other part of North America that I have seen. It produces fine oak, hickory, cedar, mulberry trees, &c. some dying roots and medicinal plants;—hops, and excellent wild grapes, and in the year 1769, one hundred and ten hogheads of strong wine, were made by the French settlers, from these grapes. A large quantity of sugar is also annually made from the juice of the maple tree; and as the mulberry trees are large and numerous, I presume the making of silk will employ the attention and industry of the settlers, when the country is more fully inhabited than it is at present, and especially as the winters are much more moderate and favourable for the breed of silk worms, than they are in many of the sea coast provinces. Indigo may likewise be successfully cultivated—(but not more than two cuttings in a year) wheat, teas, and Indian corn thrive well, as does every sort of grain and pulse, that is produced in any of the old colonies. Great quantities of tobacco are also yearly raised by the inhabitants of the Illinois, both for their own consumption and that of the Indians; but little has hitherto been exported to Europe. Hemp grows spontaneously, and is of a good texture; its common height is 10 feet, and its thickness three inches (the latter reckoned within about a foot of the root) and with little labour, any quantity may be cultivated. Flax seed has hitherto been only raised in small quantities. There has however been enough produced to shew, that it may be grown to the greatest advantage. Apples, pears, peaches, and all other European fruits succeed admirably. Iron, copper, and lead mines, as also salt springs, have been discovered in different parts of this territory. The two latter are worked on the Spanish side of the Mississippi, with considerable advantage to the owners. There is plenty of fish in the rivers, particularly Cat, Carp, and Perch, of an uncommon size.—Savannahs, or natural meadows, are both numerous and extensive; yielding excellent grass, and feeding great herds of buffalo, deer, &c. ducks, teal, geese, swans, cranes, pelicans, turkeys, pheasants, partridges, &c. such as are seen in the sea coast Colonies, are in the greatest variety and abundance.—In short, every thing, that a reasonable mind can desire, is to be had, or may, with little pains, be produced here.
Masters & Owners of Vessels
Are hereby informed, THAT they may be supplied with cables, large or small, of any length, and cordage of all sizes, made of Petersburg hemp, first quality, at Ivers's Rope-walk, at the head of Mulberry-street, the first left hand turn above the Tea-Water Pump, on such favourable terms as to merit the attention of any gentleman that would wish to lay out his money to the best advantage. Cables spliced, with the addition of any length required, white rope of every sort for city or country use, hambro lines, deep sea lines, hand lead lines, log lines, house lines, and marline, &c. &c. by H. IVERS, Ropemaker.
N. B. The above articles, whether in large or small quantities, will be delivered to any part of the city without expence of cartage to the buyer.
S H R U B,
Of the very best Quality, by the Hoghead, Barrel, or smaller Quantity, F O R S A L E, by Charles Tillinghast, At his House, nearly opposite the New-Market in Cherry-street.
Just Published, And to be sold at this Printing-Office, The Heidelbergh Catechism; ALSO, The Mothers Catechism.
The highest Price is given by the Printer hereof for clean
L I N E N R A G S.
—LETTERS of INTELLIGENCE—occasional PARAGRAPHS—speculative PIECES—ESSAYS, &c.—are gratefully received at this OFFICE.—For the greater CONVENIENCE and SAFETY of which COMMUNICATIONS, a LETTER BOX is placed in the Window. SUBSCRIPTIONS for this PAPER (printed ONCE a Week, at Two Dollars, per Annum) are also received here—and ADVERTISEMENTS, REASONABLY INSERTED. * * PRINTING, in all its Variety, Performed with NEATNESS and DISPATCH.