Gazette of the United-States. (New-York [N.Y.]), 1793-08-07 00:00:00

Gazette of the United States.
A NATIONAL PAPER, PUBLISHED WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS BY JOHN FENNO, No. 34, NORTH FIFTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA.
[No. 124 of Vol. IV.]
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1793.
[Whole No. 446.]
FROM THE MAIL.
The importance of the business agitated at the late special session of the Circuit Court in this city having induced the Editor to apply to a gentleman of the bar, who attended the Court, for a statement of it—he has an opportunity of laying before the public the following sketch of the proceedings, which as far as it goes may be deemed accurate.
AT a special Circuit Court of the United States, held at Philadelphia, July 22d. Gideon Henfield, was indicted for having entered on board the French privateer called the Citizen Genet, commissioned to cruise against certain powers with whom the United States are at peace—and having with others on board the said privateer taken a prize a British vessel called the William, against his duty as a citizen and inhabitant of the United States, against the treaties existing between the United States and the United Netherlands, Prussia and Great-Britain, and against the law of nations, &c.
To this he pleaded not guilty, and the trial of this important issue came on last Friday, the 26th July.
It appeared in evidence that Gideon Henfield, was a citizen of the United States, and that his family resided in Salem, Massachusetts—being a sea-faring man he had been absent from them some time, and about the first of May last, being then at Charleston, South-Carolina, and desirous of coming to Philadelphia, he applied to the master of a packet, who asked him more for his passage than he could afford to pay, whereupon he entered on board the Citizen Genet, a French privateer, commissioned by the French Republic, and commanded by Pierre Johannene. That Capt. Johannene promised him the birth of prize master on board the first prize they should capture, and the ship William, belonging to British subjects having been captured about the 5th of May, he was put on board her as prize master, with another person, and arrived in that capacity at Philadelphia. It appeared that on his examination before the magistrate he professed himself an American, that as such he would die, and therefore could not be supposed likely to intend any thing to her prejudice—he declared that if he had known it to be contrary to the President's proclamation, or even the wishes of the President, for whom he had the greatest respect, he would not have entered on board. About a month afterwards being again before the same magistrate, he declared that he had espoused the cause of France, that he now considered himself as a Frenchman, and meant to move his family within their dominions.
The attorney of the district, assisted by the attorney-general of the United States, conducted the prosecution.
Messieurs Du Ponceau, Ingersoll and Sergeant, appeared in the defence.
After the arguments were closed, Judge Wilson delivered a charge to the jury, in substance as follows:
This is, gentlemen of the jury, a case of the first importance—upon your verdict the interests of four millions of your fellow-citizens may be said to depend—But whatever be the consequences, it is your duty, it is our duty, to do only what is right.
He then stated the substance of the charges against the defendant, and proceeded.
It has not been contended on the present occasion, that the defendant has any peculiar or exclusive right to take a part in the present war between the European powers, in relation to all of whom the United States are in a state of perfect peace and neutrality.
If he has no peculiar nor exclusive right, it naturally follows that what he may do, every other citizen of the United States may also do—if one citizen of the United States may take a part in the present war, ten thousand may—if they may take part on one side, they may on the other, and thus thousands of our fellow-citizens may associate themselves with different belligerent powers, destroying not only those with whom we have no hostility, but destroying each other. In such a case can we expect peace among their friends who stay behind? and will not a civil war with all its lamentable train of evils be the natural effect?
Yet what is right must be done, independent of the consequences which I have only stated, in order to lay before you the necessity of seriously considering the case entrusted to you, before you decide upon it.
Two principal questions of fact have arisen and require your determination.
The first is, that the defendant, Gideon Henfield, has committed an act of hostility against the subjects of a power with whom the United States are at peace; this has been clearly established by the testimony. The second object of enquiry, is whether at that time Gideon Henfield was a citizen of the United States. This he explicitly acknowledged to Mr. Baker, and if he declared true, it was at that time the least of his thoughts to expatriate himself.
The question of law coming into joint consideration with the facts; it is the duty of the court to explain the law to the jury, and and give it to them in direction.
It is the joint and unanimous opinion of the court, that the United States being in a state of neutrality, relative to the present war, the acts of hostility committed by Gideon Henfield, were an offence against this country, and punishable by the laws of this country.
It has been asked by his counsel in their address to you, against what law has he offended? The answer is against many laws, binding laws. As a citizen of the United States, he was bound to act no part which could injure the nation, he was bound to keep the peace in regard to all nations, with whom we are at peace. This is the law of nations, not an ex post facto law, but a law which was in existence long before Gideon Henfield existed. There are also positive laws existing previous to the offence committed, and expressly declared to be part of the supreme law of the land. The constitution of the United States has declared that all treaties made or to be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be part of the supreme law of the land. I will state to you gentlemen, so much of the several treaties in force between America, and any of the powers at war with France, as applies to the present case.
The first article of the treaty with the United Netherlands declares that there shall be a firm, inviolable and universal peace, and sincere friendship between the States General of the United Netherlands and the United States of America, and between the subjects and inhabitants of the said parties.
The seventh article of the definitive treaty of peace between the United States and Great-Britain declares that there shall be a firm and perpetual peace between his Britannic Majesty and the United States, and between the subjects of the one and the citizens of the other.
And the first article of the treaty with Prussia declares that there shall be a firm, inviolable and universal peace and sincere friendship between his Majesty the King of Prussia, and his subjects on the one part, and the United States of America and their citizens on the other.
It may be observed that the treaty would not be less sufficient in relation to the present question if "subjects" and "citizens" had not been mentioned.
These treaties were in the most public, the most notorious existence before the act for which the prisoner is indicted was committed.
The notoriety may indeed be said to have been greater than that of the general acts of Congress, since besides the same mode of publication, they are expressly referred to in the constitution.
Much has been said on this occasion by the defendant's counsel, in support of the natural right of emigration, but little of it is truly applicable to the present question.
Emigration is undoubtedly one of the natural rights of man. Yet it does not follow from thence that every act inconsistent with the duty, is inconsistent with the state of a citizen.
Nothing is more inconsistent with the duty of a citizen than treason; but it is because he still continues a citizen that he is liable to punishment.
After some other observations explanatory of the legal principles which had been agitated in the course of the trial, the judge concluded by remarking that the jury in a general verdict must decide both law and fact, but that this did not authorise them to decide it as they pleased; they were as much bound to decide by law as the judges—the responsibility was equal upon both.
The jury retired about nine on Saturday evening, and came into court again about half past 11, when they informed the court they had not agreed. They were desired to retire again, which they did, and returned on Monday morning, having delivered into the hands of Judge Wilson a privy verdict on Sunday morning, soon after the adjournment of the court.
One of the jurymen now expressed some doubts, which occasioned the judges separately to deliver their sentiments on the points of law, adverted to in the charge on Saturday evening, particularly as to the change of political relation in the defendant, from his having been some time absent from home, previous to his entering on board the privateer, which was mentioned by another of the jury.
The jury again retired, and the court again adjourned. At half past four the court again met, and the jury presented a written verdict, which the court refused to receive, as being neither general nor special.
Another adjournment took place, and about seven, a verdict of not guilty, was delivered.
At the same court two bills were found against Joseph Ravara, Esq. consul from Genoa to the United States.
His counsel, Messrs. Lewis, Sergeant, Heatly and Dallas, moved to quash the indictment, for want of jurisdiction in the court, when a consul for a foreign power was defendant, alleging that in that case the supreme court
was alone entitled to hold plea. The motion was overruled, and a plea having been afterwards put in, containing the same matter it received the same fare.
Mr. Ravara then traversed the bill to the next session.
Several merchants, agents or consignees of British and French vessels, were presented by the grand jury, for having furnished arms and military stores for such vessels, in the port of Philadelphia, to be employed in hostile manner against powers with whom the United States are at peace.
On Monday most of the persons indicted appeared in court, and entered into recognizances, and some of them traversing their bills to the next session, the attorney of the district continued the remainder till the same time.
John Singeltary, who was indicted for the same offence with that of Gideon Henfield, not appearing his recognizance, was forfeited, and respited till next session.
FOR THE GAZETTE.
MR. FENNO.
THE writer under the signature of "Philanthropy," who furnished the article in your Gazette of the 24th instant, on the subject of the Borough of Easton, has assumed a title which but illy corresponds with the spirit or tendency of his publication; for, whatever humour there may be in it, there is certainly not a sprinkling either of good nature or good manners. Otherwise, he would not have involved in the same stupid jest the Negro and a respectable Citizen, valuable in his station, as a member of society, whose urbanity of disposition, if I mistake not, has induced many acts of politeness and hospitality to the author of that piece; but where is the wit who will not sacrifice his friend to his joke?
He has, however, meditated a more serious and inexcusable injury, when he has made an entire community the object of his sarcasm, and when he has wantonly endeavored to check the growing prosperity of a town, which, if little, should rather be encouraged than depressed; but which, on the contrary, he knows to possess great natural advantages, to be the mart for the produce of an extensive country, to be already comparatively populous and wealthy, and to be daily and rapidly increasing, as well in population, as in manufactures and improvements of every kind.—
When he vouched for the authenticity of the information he gave you, he should not have involved the whole society in the guilt of a few malicious and insignificant individuals. He should have told you that the disgraceful business he mentions, originated in the malignity of a petulant young man, who had been obtruded upon this town as a justice of the peace, contrary to the general wish; that it was conducted with profound secrecy, and was supported by the instrumentality of a few persons, either too young to reflect, or too ignorant to judge for themselves; that the stroke was struck before it was even suspected; and that therefore, there was neither "zeal nor spirit" of exertion at the election, which was too unimportant in its object to excite general attention, and from that reason only could have furnished the occasion which has called forth the humour of your Philanthropist . And above all, instead of asserting the contrary, he should have told you, that such an outrage on decency failed of its purpose, and that a very reputable inhabitant was duly returned and qualified to the execution of his office.
AN INHABITANT OF EASTON.
Easton, July 28, 1793.
FROM EDES' (BOSTON) GAZETTE.
At a legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, at Faneuil Hall, July 26, 1793.
WHEREAS it has been published in the Centinel of the 24th instant, That it was asserted in a Merchant's Meeting, that it was generally known by the inhabitants of this town, that within two or three days from that time, privateers had been fitted out armed, and had sailed from this port; that others were now fitting out, some manned, and to be manned partly by Firemen, and partly by Citizens of the United States: "And whereas the inhabitants of this town feel their reputation concerned in said publication: They hereby declare, in town-meeting legally assembled, that there was no just foundation for the assertion; but that the disposition of the citizens of Boston, is entirely in favor of observing the rules of a strict neutrality respecting the powers at war in Europe.
Attest, WM. COOPER, Town-Clerk.
The French privateer which sailed from this port last Saturday fortnight, returned on Thursday, and has landed her stores, it is said, by order of the French Consul.
[Query—Whether the last article is designed as a contradiction to the first, or not?]
FOR THE GAZETTE.
MR. FENNO.
Please to give the following a place in your Gazette, and oblige your Fellow-Citizens.
VIRGINIA, 27th July, 1793.
AT a meeting of Citizens, Hanover County, Virginia, the Principles, Articles, Regulations and Circular Letter of the Democratic Society, at Philadelphia, having been read and considered—
Resolved unanimously, That the following letter be addressed to DAVID FITTENHOUSE, Esq. and others, members of that Society.
Fellow Citizens,
THE principles recognized by your society being among those on which our free and happy Constitution is founded, no true Republican will hesitate to subscribe to them. We join you also most cordially in opinion, that at this crisis it is more particularly the duty of every individual to use his utmost efforts to remove the prejudices and conciliate the affections of all our fellow citizens; and that, to obtain the most desirable objects, it behoves all to cultivate on all occasions peace, order, harmony and attachment to the Constitution; and having the general welfare only in view, sedulously to avoid even the appearance of party distinctions. But we cannot refrain, fellow citizens, from expressing our apprehensions that political societies, branched out and assuming powers to the extent you recommend, may, however pure and well intentioned in their commencement, be perverted into clubs of faction, as has been too often experienced, and terminate at length in Courts of Inquisition . We apprehend that a dread at least of such consequences will at any rate excite heart-burnings and dissensions —fatal precursors of Anarchy , and its invariable follower— Despotism .
We are happy in the conviction that the citizens of the United States, who of their own free choice have adopted the Constitution under which we enjoy Peace, Liberty and Independence , are fully competent, by the modes prescribed by that Constitution, to correct the abuses which may and will, from time to time, creep into this and all other human institutions. We are happy also in the conviction, that the citizens of our free independent Republic can, without being driven to the necessity of forming themselves into societies or parties (proper at certain times for subjects of monarchical and despotic governments , where the correction of abuses or change of public men cannot otherwise be brought about) approve and aid those whose valor, virtue and patriotism, contributed to procure and continue to preserve to us the blessings of Peace, Liberty and Independence , and can by constitutional modes too, discountenance or punish their public servants of a contrary description, and change the whole system of government, when they judge it proper to do so.
We are more particularly averse at this time to the appearance of party distinctions, which too often end in civil dissensions, being deeply affected by the horrid massacres and devastations recently experienced by our insular friends, with whom we sincerely sympathize on the melancholy occasion. We deprecate the like dreadful calamities, which will inevitably deluge our common country, should party differences sever the fraternal band and dissolve the Union—that barrier which alone can save us from the miseries of civil discord, and its certain consequence—foreign domination. It is Union alone that can continue to us the peace and honors of an Independent, and the happiness of a Republican Government.
We are, with great respect, Your Fellow-Citizens.
FROM THE FEDERAL GAZETTE.
MR. BROWN.
Perhaps it will be useful to your fellow citizens, to be informed of the following section of a Treaty between France and England, you are therefore requested to publish it in your paper.
16th Article of the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between his Britannic Majesty and the most Christian King, signed at Versailles the 26th September, 1785.
It shall not be lawful for any privateers, not being subjects of either crown, who have commissions from any other Prince or State, in enmity with either nation, to arm their ships in the ports of either of the said two kingdoms, to sell what they have taken, or in any other manner whatever to exchange the same; neither shall they be allowed even to purchase victuals, except such as shall be necessary for their going to the nearest port of that Prince from whom they have obtained commissions.
THE EDITOR
MOST earnestly requests those of his distant Subscribers who are in arrears for the Gazette, to make payment as soon as possible.—Those persons who have received subscription money on his account are desired to remit the same. The arrearages for the Gazette have accumulated to a serious amount—Serious, as they are the only resource to discharge very serious engagements incurred in the prosecution of this expensive publication. Philadelphia, June 26.

CONTINUATION OF Foreign Intelligence, BY THE BRITISH PACKET.
National Convention of France, MAY 23.
RIOTS IN THE CONVENTION. M. BUZOY informed on the necessity of free deliberation. The galleries, he said, were filled with blood-thirsty women, intent on murder; and much art was used in order to keep honest and respectable citizens out of them.
A tumult now ensued in the galleries; but the Convention having at length decreed, that the delinquents should be sent to prison, a momentary calm was restored.
M. Vergniaud observed that it was impossible the republic could stand without a constitution. Having moved to punish the men and women who had been in the galleries, a violent uproar took place, in the course of which the last speaker was accused by M. Duhamel of being one of Dumourier's accomplices, and by M. David of being an assassin.
On this the Convention passed a decree reprimanding the latter as a calumniator.
Vergniaud—"The royal tigers leagued against France, and Pitt, Cobourg and Dumourier, wished for nothing better than that these sort of debates should be permitted. It is they who wish to perpetuate our anarchy, and render their victories more easy. Those riotous men are the assassins employed by foreign powers, the agents of Pitt and Cobourg, the accomplices of Dumourier; they will not suffer us to form our constitution, or repair our finances for the support of the war. These men prevent us every day from discussing a single question. [Murmurs, and a cry for the order of the day] Citizens, you have formidable enemies to overcome; Despotism attacks the Republic from without, and Anarchy within. We cannot ourselves contend with the first—our brave battalions are employed in that charge; but we will combat with the last, body to body. It is our duty. Our battalions shed their blood in fighting tyrants—let us shed ours in vanquishing anarchy.
"I move that an extraordinary convocation of the sections be summoned for to-morrow night, and that this day's proceedings be sent to them; that an additional guard should be demanded of them for supporting the regularity and defending the members of the Convention."
Referred to the committee of legislation.
MAY 23.
Plots against the CONVENTION.
Deputies from the section of Fraternity appeared at the bar, in order to denounce certain plots formed against the liberty and the lives of their representatives.
They began by reading the following extract from their register:
The commissioners charged by the general assembly of the section to examine into the proofs of plots formed against the public safety, report that the revolutionary committee of their section have declared to them that in the assembly held on Sunday and Monday last, at the mayor's house, it had been agitated to make another 10th of August business, which should be followed by another like the 3d of September: that on the day appointed 22 members of the Convention should have their throats cut, and be afterwards thrown into the Seine, and it should be reported that they had emigrated. The mayor had opposed these measures; and said, if such questions were agitated, he would adjourn the sitting.
"Legislators (adds the deputation) in the name of France, and out of respect to yourselves, do not suffer such conspiracies to pass any longer unpunished. Rely on the energy of good citizens. If your measures are timid, the factious will grow more bold. You yourselves will be destroyed."
"We will take no new oath, but we will be answerable to you, our representatives." [Applauded]
Several members moved that the mayor of Paris be ordered to the bar.
Marat accused Dufrique Valaze of a plot; but the other produced some papers alluded to, by which it appeared, that Marat's suspicions were founded on circular letters, requiring a full attendance of the members of the Convention.
MAY 24.
MEASURES OF GENERAL SAFETY.
In consequence of the report from the extraordinary committee of twelve, the Convention decreed as follows:
Art. 1. The National Convention places the public property, the representatives of the nation, and the city of Paris, under the protection of all good citizens.
II. Every citizen of Paris shall immediately repair to the place of general meeting belonging to his department.
III. The captains shall take an account of all the armed men in their companies, as well as of all absentees.
IV. The guard of the National Convention shall be reinforced by two men from each company—no citizen can employ a deputy unless he is a public functionary, employed in the public departments, or sick, which must be properly authenticated.
V. Every citizen shall at all times be ready to act when called on.
VI. Until some general commandant is named over the armed force of Paris, the oldest officer shall do his duty.
VII. The sittings of the several sections shall not be permitted after ten o'clock at night.
VIII. No stranger shall be admitted to the deliberations of any of the sections to which he does not belong.
IX. When any of the sections wish to confer with each other, it shall only be done after showing a proper authority from the president for it.
X. The National Convention charges the committee of twelve to consider of some immediate plan for the preservation of public tranquility.
XI. The present decree shall be immediately proclaimed through every section.
On Monday, May 13, Condorcet observed, that it was in vain to dissemble any longer the dangers of the republic, the fall of which was threatened by an union of fanaticism and aristocracy. The nation had demanded a constitution, as the sole remedy of these evils; and an efficacious one it promised to be. But this was not all, and he therefore should propose to his colleagues, not immediately to name successors, but to fix an epoch when, provided their constitutional labours should not be as yet terminated, the nation might proceed to the choice of new mandatories, and be satisfied that the powers of the present ones were not to be perpetual.
He should therefore propose, in the form of a decree,
1, That, provided the primary assemblies should not before that time be convoked, to accept or refuse the constitution which is to be presented to the people, they are and remain convoked for the first of the ensuing November to elect a new convention.
2, The new convention shall be elected in the same forms, and conformably to the regulations prescribed by the act of the legislative body dated 18 August 1792.
3, Should a new convention be then necessary it shall meet on the 15th of Dec. next.
Gen. Santerre appeared at the bar, and made this address:
"We are ready to set out for La Vendée; and to-morrow and the ensuing days 12 or 14 thousand men will set out. We have 80 guns, and abundance of ammunition."
"To make our successes more certain I propose to you to decree,
1st. "To all the battalions of volunteers who are not inscribed, an experienced officer shall be annexed.
2dly. "All the citizens of Paris who have serviceable muskets, shall deliver them to those who are to set out. The war minister shall recompense them by muskets to be repaired for that purpose.
3dly. "Santerre is authorised to communicate to two members of the committee of public safety, the means he has devised for the activity of the service of the artillery.
4thly. "The war minister shall have at his disposal six hundred thousand livres for the repair of the muskets, and five hundred thousand for the execution of the preceding article."
The general concluded by suggesting, that, "After the counter-revolutionists shall have been subdued, an hundred thousand men may readily make a descent on England, there to proclaim an appeal to the English People on the present war."
Referred to the committee of public safety.
Choudieu, a deputy, in a letter from Angers dated the 11th inst. stated, that since the taking of Thouars by the insurgents, no further progress had been made by them. Had they instantly advanced, the city of Samur must have fallen into their hands, for the panic was general, and had even communicated itself to the battalion of Rosental.
Barrere announced that the executive council, conformable to the wish of the soldiers of the northern army, had appointed over them General Custine. Houchard was to have the provisional command of the armies of the Rhine and Moselle.
MAY 25.
A decree was passed relative to an exchange of prisoners.
Leguins demanded to be heard—"It is high time the Convention should purge the Republic of the remnants of Royalty which reside among them. Four Representatives of the people are worth all the Kings in Christendom. I therefore move, that the prisoners in the Temple be offered in exchange for the four Convention Deputies. Hostages will not give force to our arms; it is courage alone which can make us triumph."
Roux opposed the motion. "It dishonours the courage of our Colleagues, who would willingly bleed in the service of their country."
After some debate the Convention passed to the Order of the Day.
Pele denounced the Minister of War.
Geniffieux demanded a more vigorous and extensive decree on this subject: "All the Ministers (said he), except h m for the Home Department, refuse to obey the orders of the Convention. I move for the removal of all the Ministers."
Marat said, that the proposition of Geniffieux had no other view than to get himself elected to the President's Chair. All the misfortunes of the Republic originate from this cause—that every man of abilities is bribed by foreign gold. He here paid some compliments to his own party, and said, they are all incorruptible men, who disdain gold—the whole Executive Council are the accomplices of Dumourier.
The investigation of the charges against the Ministry was referred to the Committee of Public Safety.
A Deputation from the Council General of the Commons of Paris appeared at the bar. It declared, that the imminent danger of the country had made the Council consider it to be their duty to declare itself permanent. It demanded, that the charge of plots against the lives of the National Deputies should be signed, and delivered to the Revolutionary Tribunal, so that the culpable or calumniators, should be amenable to the laws. It was demanded that the sentence of Herbert, a Member of the Commons, now in the Abbey prison, should be immediate, so that he might be acquitted or condemned.
The President replied, "Justice shall be speedily administered, but I declare that if the city of Paris attempts any violence against any one of its representatives, the destruction of the city will follow,—and the Seine be purpled with blood."
The reply produced an obvious sensation.
HAGUE, May 20.
The chiefs of the counter-revolutionists keep all the volunteers and send the peasants to their homes—the latter swear to maintain the Christian religion, after which they receive a discharge in the following terms:—"I—permit—to retire, upon having taken the oath to remain true to Louis the XVIII, to the French monarchy, and never to carry arms against the Christian religion."
MONS, May 27.
The head quarters of the Prince of Saxe-Cobourg are at Schourg and Jalain. Those of the Duke of York are at Famars; and General Count de Clairfayt, who has the Prussians with him, has established his head quarters at Hasnon and Aubry. Valenciennes is not only entirely blockaded, but our advanced posts are nearly on the glacis of Quesnoy.
The preparatory works for the siege of Valenciennes are pursued with the greatest activity. The bombardment will commence about the close of the week, and the city will be reduced to ashes, provided the garrison should not have the good sense to capitulate sooner.
The wound of Col. Mark is not dangerous.
The tomb of General Dampierre is in the midst of the camp of Famars.
It has three fronts with the following inscriptions—On the side of Mons, "He detested traitors: he loved his country." On the side of Valenciennes, "His virtues assure to him immortality;" and on the side of Paris, "Soldiers of liberty, French republicans, he was to you a rare example of valor and civism."
The suburbs of Valenciennes are on fire; that of Marli is altogether consumed.
COBLENTZ, May 25.
General Bourdonville and his four fellow prisoners arrived here last night from Maestricht, and were immediately lodged in the prisons of the fortress of Ehrenbrietstein.
BRUSSELS, May 31.
Our government seems no longer disposed to afford an asylum to the French officers who deserted with Dumourier; and it has ordered Gen. Valence to depart the Low Countries immediately. He must be by this time in London. He is one of those wretched friends to the French Revolution, who have put on the mask of hypocrisy in consequence of the Austrian successes. Creature of the Duke of Orleans, he has abandoned him; subject of Louis XVI, and loaded with his favor, he has borne arms for the protection of that unfortunate monarch's assassins, and left them but when he thought their affairs desperate. Dumourier is arrived to pursue the same course. This political Proteus, this unprincipled and immoral man, is without doubt going with his friend to increase the party of the Republico-constitutional Smith, ci-devant Perigord, who makes constitutions in London, and still follows his profession of stock-jobbing. Your government must needs be very patient thus to protect these turbulent and dangerous men, who have ruined their own country for the sole pleasure of making a noise and satiating their lust of gold.
LONDON, June 4.
Lord Hood, with the last division of the fleet for the Mediterranean, sailed from England the latter end of May.
Admiral Lord Hood having failed with a large fleet to reinforce the ships already in the Mediterranean, we are informed a descent is to be attempted on the island of Corsica, where the celebrated Paschal Paoli is at the head of a body of the inhabitants to co-operate in measures for securing the conquest of the country—Should it prove successful,
General Paoli, it is said, will be appointed Vice-Roy.
General Dumourier is hourly expected in England. His friend Valence is at Bath.
By the capture of Tobago, the Marquis de Bouille is restored to his large property in that island, and which the National Convention had deprived him of.
The circumstances of General Dampierre's death, on the 8th ult. are thus related to us by an officer who was on the spot, but is since arrived in England.
Dampierre himself was not in the engagement with the allied armies, when he was killed. The General hearing that the British Guards had advanced to the assistance of the Prussians, had a desire to see how his troops would meet the English for the first time in a general engagement. He accordingly was riding down a hill, accompanied by some of his staff-officers, when he was espied by some of our troops, who knew him to be some person of rank by his retinue. A cannon ball was aimed at him, which knocked him off his horse, and he died in consequence.
Mr. Pitt was in the chair at the Dinner given by the Elder Brethren of the Trinity House on Monday. Amongst the many excellent toasts drank upon that occasion, the following, given by the Chairman, was received with the most heartfelt and reiterated acclamation:
"May we ever keep from our Hearts, French Principles & French Daggers!"
Immediately on the acquittal of the French General Miranda, the populace placed on his head a Civic Crown, and carried him triumphantly to his Hotel, in the suburb St. Germain—a striking proof that the Jacobins, his accusers and persecutors, have now little influence left at Paris.
The combined army is not only in possession of the strong camp of Famars, surrounded by immense redoubts, but of several villages round Valenciennes, of which city and fortress they have a fine view from the high ground which they occupy.
JUNE 8.
It is understood to be the wish of Mr. Fox's friends, to raise a sum sufficient to enable them to purchase for that gentleman an annuity of 2000l. for life—to discharge his debts, which are somewhere about 10,000l.—and to pay him one year's annuity in advance. Mr. Coke, Mr. Lambton, and Mr. Wharton give 3000l. each—34,000l. had been paid on Thursday morning, and there were names for very large sums to be produced immediately.
NANTZ.—The absurd reports and statements respecting the surrender of this place, and the slaughter made there by the Royalists, are contradicted by the recent arrival of Mr. Goodall, who has brought to the admiralty intelligence from Nantz of so late a date as the 3d inst. thirteen days later than the pretended capture. The city was not then even invested, nor was there a Royalist army in the neighborhood. The island at the mouth of the Loire, of which the Royalists had possession for four or five weeks, has been retaken by the troops of the convention, who have also had some other successes in that neighborhood.
The Dutch mail, arrived this morning, contains nothing interesting; their accounts from France inform us, that the principal body of the insurgent army has been completely defeated by the army of the Convention.
Latest Foreign Advices.
By an arrival at Portsmouth, (N.H.) English papers are received to the 10th June—two days later than those by the Packet.
LONDON, June 10.
The French force, in their camp of Famars, consisted of 30,000 men, as strongly entrenched as it is well possible to suppose an army to be.
CAMP, near Valenciennes,
June 2.
From the Village of St. Sauveur we can approach within 300 yards

of Valenciennes.—The enemy seem busy in repairing the works, &c. On that side I believe the principal attack will be made, as the ground is very favorable. On the left is a height, which in a great measure commands the Horn-work, which is likewise commanded and enfiladed, from the east side of Mount Anfin.
We break ground to-night, and I have seen the first working party, under the command of Lord Charles Fitzroy, march off.—The Duke of York commands the siege. Ferraris, the celebrated Austrian Engineer, conducts it. Moncrieff will I hope, have a good deal to say, as he has that bustle and activity which is too often wanting in the Germans. From the situation of the place, which is commanded on every side, and from every appearance, I do not think it will be a tedious business.
Conde holds out, and will do so while it has provisions, being totally unattackable, from the extensive inundations, and is besides one of the best and most regular fortifications in France.
The garrison of Valenciennes is supposed to be about 4 or 5000, and is said to be very badly supplied with munition de guerre.—They have killed a great number of horses, the carcasses of which we can perceive round the Glacis; a proof they do not abound in forage.
If like Uncle Toby, you have a mind to carry on the siege along with us, you will probably find a plan of the town in the memoires of Turenne, or Luxembourg, by one of whom, I think, it was last taken, and I do not believe the works have been much added to since.
The enemy have just begun to fire on the working party. They are also cannonading the Austrians on Mount Anfin, who are likewise at work. As they have not discovered, and I hope will not till the men are under cover.
June 4.
We have had two parties out, but without any loss. Since writing my last, I have examined the heights of Anfin, and the wood on the left of the French, through which Clairfayt attacked them. They had fortified themselves so strongly, and thrown so many obstacles in the way, that on his first attack he was beat back, and, at last, succeeded no farther than in getting possession of the wood. The entrenchments on the hill were abandoned by the enemy on the morning of the 24th ult. after the other part of the army had made their retreat through Valenciennes. Had he succeeded at first, it appears highly probable that the whole army would have been shut up in that town; and doubtless that was the great object of the day. At present, they are reported to be between Bouchain and Cambrai.
Cobourg has crossed the Scheldt, and his camp, I am told, extends almost to the first of these places. The Hanoverians occupy the Camp of Famars with the greater part of their troops. On this side the Ronelle are three battalions of Hanoverian grenadiers, with their left at Prefau; two regiments of their cavalry, and one regiment of Hungarian infantry. The second British brigade on the left of Areu; the Guards on the right of it: then two Austrian battalions, extending nearly to Onaing. In front of them the Esterhazy Hussars, and then in the village of St. Sauveur, which covers the right of the whole position, two companies of Croats, and two free battalions, (viz. O'Donnel and Melechowski) whose out-posts extend almost to the Glacis of the Horn-work. Clairfayt invests all the other side of the town, each wing extending to the Scheldt, and Mount Anfin, nearly in the centre. With the assistance of Ferrari's map, this will give you an idea of the manner in which the place is invested, and nothing can be more complete.
Of miscellaneous articles, great numbers are of course in circulation—the following, however, is certain: In the baggage taken by the 11th dragoons, was a portmanteau of an officer, in which was found an unfinished letter, which among o-
ther things, he states, that ever since the desertion of Dumouier, the discipline of the army was growing daily worse; that at Famars all was confusion and insubordination; that the troops of the line were heartily sick of the cause, and suspected, and hated the others; and that their loss from the 8th to the 12th of May had not been less than 8000 men.
Custine is said to be at Lille, and we imagine will endeavour to break the Cordon in that quarter. For my part, I do not see that it is of much consequence, if we can keep the navigation of the Scheldt open of which there can be but little doubt.
The utmost harmony prevails between us and the Austrian troops; they seem to look upon us with much partiality, and consider us as their old and natural friends. When you consider what has been done before the season in which a campaign generally opens, I do not think you can accuse them of delay; at the same time it is evident that the rapidity of their success has put out of their power to reap every possible advantage from it. Great reinforcements of men, artillery and horses, are on the road, and part of them near at hand.
Adieu, for this time—I am in perfect health, and so in general is the army.
I have just time to add, that Colonel Perryn is this moment returned from Bouchain, which place is completely invested, —Quefnoi is in the same situation, so that we have at present no less than four fortified places within the line. The French are between Cambrai and Douay, in small numbers Custine is with them. Once more adieu.
FROM THE (BOSTON) MERCURY.
A CORRESPONDENT observes, that the measure of calling together the General Court, in the midst of harvest time, however inconvenient it may be to the members, is an act which goes beyond all the former exertions of patriotism, which have been displayed by the supreme executive officer of the State, through his long and laborious life. That the Governor of Massachusetts should be roused from his peaceful slumbers in the chair of State, by the service of a bill in equity, is an offence so atrocious as calls for the whole force of the Legislature to avenge the injury. That the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should be compelled to comply with the laws of justice and equity as much as a single citizen, would be a principle so directly repugnant to the sovereignty of the State, that no sort of inconvenience or expense can be an object in comparison with that of resisting such an usurpation.—Does not every body know that sovereignty consists in doing injustice with impunity? Has it not in all ages been one of the darling prerogatives of royal sovereignty, and is not republican sovereignty entitled to the right of doing wrong without answering for it, as much as any crowned villain that ever existed? Considered in every point of view, the calling upon a sovereign Commonwealth to do justice, and to be equitable towards a single individual, the summoning of five hundred thousand men, to deal fairly with one, and worse than all, the indignity offered to the Majesty of the Commonwealth, by serving a legal process upon its servant, is an act of such audacious absurdity, and of such alarming tendency, that nothing less than the wisdom of the legislature, invigorated by the indignant resentment of the chief magistrate, can be competent to avert the impending calamity.
It has indeed been said that the personal affront, must necessarily be the only motive upon which the General Court are called together, at a period when the presence of the worthy agricultural members is so necessary to their own farms. Because as far as respects the interest of the State itself, the question involved in this transaction, has already during two successive sessions been before the Legislature, and they have thought proper to postpone the consideration of the subject until their next Winter Session. But it is very easy to discover whether there is not a sophism, lurking under the plausible suggestion. The truth is that the personal irritation of the executive officer can at most be considered only as a stimulus to rouse the Legislative body from their apparent torpid indifference, upon this momentous affair, and if they have thought the general question whether the State will be amenable to justice? Deserving of their future consideration, when the wounded Representative of the dignity of the state brings the consequences of the obnoxious principle of compulsory justice, so closely home to ourselves, they will readily precipitate the deliberation.
Messrs. Printers,
YOU are requested to inform the public through the channel of your paper, that the few French citizens, who were suspected of being interested in the privateer, lately fitted out of this port, have used their influence with their Consul and the commander to have him return into the harbour upon the report, which were ready, but could not sail for fear of being taken: Accordingly the Captain, out of regard for the citizens of this town, returned last night into the harbour, until those vessels are failed. One of the suspected.
Philadelphia, August 7.
AMBUSCADE and BOSTON FRIGATES.
An account of the action between those vessels, by a Spectator on board the latter.
On Thursday the 1st of August, at 2 A. M. the Boston discovered a sail on the weather bow; she immediately beat to arms, and every thing was prepared for action. The Captain of the Boston knowing himself near the fleet, concluded to stand to the southward as long as it was dark, that at daylight he might see if any more ships were in sight. At about 5 o'clock, finding no other ship in sight, set sail to head-reach the Ambuscade, so as to fetch her on the other tack. In about 20 minutes they tacked ship again, but could not fetch the Ambuscade. As soon as the Boston came abreast, she bore down. Captain Courtney expecting the enemy were going to rake him, wore ship and met him in the opposite tack. The Boston then hauled down her French colours which she had wore in her former manœuvrings, and hoisting her English colours, fired a broadside without hailing the other ship. The Ambuscade returned the fire, carried away the Boston's cross jack yard, and passed by. The Boston then tacked again and came under the Ambuscade's lee quarter, when the engagement was very smart. In the early part of the action the 1st and 2d lieutenants were wounded. About the middle part the Captain was killed, as was the lieutenant of marines; and about the same time the main top mast was shot away. The Ambuscade was the whole of this time dropping astern, to get on the Boston's weather quarter; and as soon as she had got this situation had greatly the advantage, and shortly after cut the stays, sails and rigging of the Boston in such a manner, that they had very little command of their ship.
The 1st lieutenant (who had been wounded before) came on deck and took command: he immediately bore away, making what sail he could, and having a fair wind, let all his steering sails on his foremast. The Ambuscade gave chase, which she continued about 2 hours, but finding she could not overtake the Boston, spoke a brig which she appeared to have captured. The Boston has received much damage in her hull, and sprung her mizen mast, damaged her fore and mizen yard, and most part of her standing and running rigging cut to pieces. One of her main deck guns was also dismounted, and by the surgeon's account there were 10 men killed and 24 wounded; among the former were Captain Courtney, the lieutenant and corporal of marines; among the latter, 3 lieutenants and 1 midshipman.
As some persons have disputed the challenge sent by Capt. Courtney to Citizen Bompard, I think proper to certify that it is a matter of fact.
The Ambuscade returned to New-York on Saturday morning, with the loss of 8 men killed and about 30 wounded, in the above engagement.
The New-York papers inform us, that the masts of the Ambuscade were so wounded in the late engagement, that she must have a new set complete.
Tuesday evening arrived here the ship Fame, from Nantes, which place she left about the first of June.—Letters are received by her as late as the 3d.
We have seen a Paris paper of the 28th May—brought by the Fame—it contains several letters from Gen. Lamolliere, and the Commissioners, dated at Lisle—giving an account of a successful attack on the enemy in the neighborhood of that place, on the 23d.
Extract of a letter from Kingstown, (Jam.) June 23. "Yesterday failed from Bluefields, the homeward bound fleet, accompanied by a very weak convoy; this is the largest and richest fleet of merchantmen ever dispatched from this island, the vessels belonging to this town only are valued at four millions sterling. There was a meeting a few days ago of the inhabitants, to petition the Governor for the admission of provisions in American bottoms, or a famine must be the inevitable consequence, for, on the most minute investigation, there is not provisions in town for a fortnight's supply; what with the numerous inhabitants, the soldiery, navy, vast number of French prisoners, thirty odd sail of Guineamen in the harbor, and a vast number of Spanish vessels to be supplied, you will naturally conclude the consumption to be very great."
Though the following Declaration may not be worn as a visible talisman—yet the sentiments are indelibly engraved on the heart of every real friend to the happiness of our Country—and will, without doubt, operate to securing its peace and prosperity for many generations.
EXTRACT from the CHESTER TOWN GAZETTE.
"MR. PRINTER,
"I sincerely love my country, rejoice in its prosperity, and, where wisdom dictates and virtue approves, will cheerfully contribute to its welfare, by all the means within the compass of my power. While I repose in security under the shade of the Tree of Liberty, enjoy the delightful repast of its fruits, and participate the gales of general prosperity, I hope I shall not be the first to contract the benefits of its umbrage, by lopping the luxuriance of its branches, nor doom myself to merit execration, by applying the first ax to its roots. Conscious of the blessings I enjoy under the ample roof, MY COUNTRY'S CONSTITUTION, I AM LED BY A SECRET IMPULSE OF SELF-PRESERVATION TO STRENGTHEN THE PILLARS WHICH SUPPORT IT, and thus, while I divert the calamities of ruin, I perpetuate to myself the protection of this NEW and COMMODIOUS EDIFICE."
This, Sir, is my patriotism, which if not refined from the grossness of selfish motive, is not the less sincere and natural, since it proceeds from a fundamental and inextinguishable spring of human operation."
Extract of a letter from New-York, August 1. "There has been a meeting to-day in the Fields, to consider of the propriety of addressing the French Minister, who is expected here to-morrow; and it has been determined, tho' not without much opposition, to address him."
A writer in the New-York Patriotic Journal, asks the following question—Would there be an impropriety in wearing the National Ribbon during the war?—Another writer from the same mint, has honored America, by calling her the daughter of France.—It is abundantly evident that there are persons among us who wish to sink or lose the Nation of Independent Americans in that of some European power—This is one way of keeping clear of European politics and connections!—With respect to ribbons, or other public badges, their fatal effects have been realized in all ages—In the time of the Emperor Justinian, the ribbon fashion in Constantinople, destroyed of each other, seventy thousand persons in one day.
The ship Happy Return, Capt. Stevens, is arrived at Newcastle, in nine weeks from Londonderry, with 400 passengers.
The Merchants and others, inhabitants of the town of Beverly, Massachusetts, have passed sundry resolutions expressive of a full approbation of the President's Proclamation of Neutrality.
The Committee appointed to distribute relief to the distressed French Emigrants from the Cape; REPORT, That upwards of 600 have already arrived in Philadelphia from sea and from Baltimore.
That 239 have been relieved in a very temporary manner.
About 6 have been sent to the hospital under the security of the committee for board, &c.
About 80 have been lodged, under like security for board.
About 60 equally distressed with the former, but having just arrived, have not been, but will be relieved.
About 100 have had employments procured for them; but small advances for cloathing was absolutely necessary.
The sum actually expended is 1600 dollars. The committee have chiefly confined their relief to subsistence for 15 days, which is near expiring; they have procured lodgings for the greatest part on very moderate terms; they have taken pains to avoid impositions, and to give only to those really distressed.
Besides the above enumerated, the committee report, that 800 dollars has been distributed by the French Patriotic Society; their fund being exhausted, many of the objects of it must apply to the committee.
Many who had saved some small matter of property have not yet applied, but their fund being small, they must soon have recourse to the committee.
They report generally, that they have in pursuit of this duty, been witness to the greatest scene of distress that can be conceived, and cannot but recommend that the subscription be warmly promoted, under a full conviction, that notwithstanding the most rigid economy has been used, the funds expected, will be far short of what will be wanted, to complete the benevolent object of their fellow-citizens.
J. VAUGHAN, P. LEMAIGRE, J. G. WACHSMUTH.
COMMUNICATIONS.
Who are the persons that clamour in favor of a government of laws, & not of men? Answer—They are those who glory in the insults which the laws and their administrators receive at the hands of the avowed enemies of both.
Who are the persons who toast principles and not men? Answer—They are the very men who fly in the face of principles, whenever their operation contravenes their ambitious projects.
Who are the persons that say they like the Constitution of the United States, but dislike the administration of the Government? Answer, They are the very men who exerted themselves to the utmost, to prevent the adoption of the Constitution; but since that event took place, conceive that their merits have not been properly rewarded by posts of honor and profit under the Government.
Who are the men that say "the voice of the people is the voice of God," and that representation is the vital principle of republicanism? Answer—They are the very persons who have reviled, abused and insulted the President and Vice President of the United States, the majority of both Houses of Congress, the FREELY-ELECTED Representatives of the People—and this they have been continually employed in doing for more than four years past—and after repeated elections made by the sovereign people.
NEW-YORK, August 3.
Yesterday afternoon arrived the French Fleet, consisting of the L'Eole and Jupiter, 74 guns each, two Frigates and twelve other ships; they came to anchor off the Battery and fired a salute of 15 guns, which was returned from the Battery.
SHIP NEWS.
ARRIVED at the PORT of PHILADELPHIA.    Ship New-Bedford, Smith,  New-Bedford    Fame, Eldridge,  Nantz    Delaware, Art,  Charleston    Brig Fair H-b, Brown,  Oporto    Phoebe, Drinker,  Capc-Francois    Twins, Yard,  St. Croix    New Planter, Hawkins,  do.    Industry, Brewster,  St. John's    Sch. Ceres, Stevens,  Curacoa    Dolphin, Watson,  Cape-Francois    Sloop Fair American, Stevens,  St. Croix    Harmony, Stratton,  New-York    Anna, Gardner,  Nantucket    Sally, Hayes,  Guadalupe  
The French ships mentioned in our last to have arrived here, are La Precieuse, of 36 guns, and Libornant, of 32 guns—tho' misinformed, these ships were misnamed in some of Saturday's papers.
Price of Stocks as in our last.

PRICE CURRENT.
PER QUANTITY.—DOLLARS 100 CENTS each.
PHILADELPHIA, August 7.
Table with multiple columns listing various goods (e.g., Anchors, Allum, Ashes, Beer, Bread, etc.) and their corresponding prices in dollars and cents.
Table with multiple columns listing various goods (e.g., Oil, Pepper, Pimento, Rice, Salt, etc.) and their corresponding prices in dollars and cents.
American Stocks.
THE Resources of the United States of America being, in proportion to their Debt, probably superior to those of any European Government...
DECLARATION OF TRUST.
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City of Washington.
A NUMBER of Lots in this City will be offered for sale at auction, by the Commissioners...
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INSURANCE COMPANY.
PHILADELPHIA, July 11, 1793. NOTICE is hereby given to the members of the Insurance Company of North America...
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ALL orders for Insurance must be given in writing, signed by the applicant; and as minute a description of the vessel is expected...
Albany Glass-House.
The Proprietors of the Glass-Manufacture, under the Firm of M'CLALLEN, M'GREGOR and Co. beg leave to inform the public...
War Department.
August 1st, 1793. INFORMATION is hereby given to all the Military Invalids of the United States...
Stock Brokers Office.
No. 16, Wall-street, NEW-YORK. THE Subscriber intending to confine himself entirely to the PURCHASE & SALE of STOCKS...