National gazette. (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 1792-01-19 00:00:00

National Gazette.
By PHILIP FRENEAU.
VOL. I.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1792.
NUMB. 24.
AUTHENTIC.
RETURN of the whole Number of PERSONS within the several Districts of the UNITED STATES, according to "An Act providing for the enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States."
(Concluded.)
KENTUCKY.
   COUNTIES. Free white males of 16 years and upwards, including heads of families. Free white males under 16 years. Free white females, including heads of families. All other free persons. Slaves. Total.     15154 17057 28922 114 12430 73677  
NORTH-CAROLINA.
   Chowan 641 559 1182 41 2588 5011   Perquimons 885 923 1717 37 1878 5440   Pasquotank 951 1034 1810 70 1623 5497   Camden 727 758 1480 30 1038 4033   Currituck 1017 1024 1960 115 1103 5219   Gates 790 775 1515 93 2219 5392   Hertford 812 823 1533 210 2442 5828   Bertie 1762 1841 3514 348 5141 12606   Tyrell 807 959 1777 35 1166 4744   Craven 1709 1538 3227 837 3658 10469   Jones 736 794 1541 70 1681 4822   Johnston 1039 1119 2083 64 1329 5634   Dobbs 1162 1293 2478 45 1915 6893   Wayne 1064 1219 2256 37 1557 6133   Pitt 1461 1507 2915 25 2367 8275   Beaufort 951 926 1824 129 1632 5462   Hytie 795 718 1522 87 1240 4120   Cartirett 718 707 1502 92 723 3732   Newhanover 834 695 1497 67 3738 6831   Brunswick 380 398 779 3 1511 3071   Bladen 837 830 1683 58 1676 5084   Duplin 1035 1187 2054 3 1333 5662   Onslow 828 939 1788 84 1748 5387   Cumberland 1791 1557 3059 83 2181 8671   Moore 849 968 1570 12 371 3770   Richmond 1096 1205 2116 55 583 5055   Robeson 1131 1141 2244 277 533 5326   Samson 1145 1284 2316 140 1183 6065   Anson 1034 1183 2047 41 828 5133   Halifax 1835 1778 3403 443 6506 13905   Northampton 1334 1273 2503 462 4409 9981   Warren 1070 1319 2220 63 4720 9397   Franklin 1089 1400 2316 37 2717 7559   Nash 1143 1426 2627 188 2009 7393   Edgecomb 1659 1879 3495 70 3152 10255   Martin 1064 1009 2022 96 1839 6080   Orange 2433 2709 4913 101 2060 12216   Granville 1581 1873 3050 315 4163 10982   Caswell 1801 2110 3377 72 2736 10060   Wake 1772 2089 3688 180 2463 10192   Chatham 1756 2160 3664 9 1632 9221   Randolph 1582 1952 3266 24 452 7276   Rowan 3288 3837 6864 97 1742 15828   Mecklenburg 2378 2573 4771 70 1603 11395   Iredell 1118 1217 2239 3 858 5435   Montgomery 967 1121 1798 5 834 4725   Guilford 1607 1799 3242 27 516 7191   Rockingham 1173 1413 2491 10 1100 6187   Surry 1531 1762 3183 17 693 7191   Stokes 1846 2104 3778 13 787 8528   Burke 1716 2111 3685 11 595 8118   Wilks 1614 2252 3726 2 549 8143   Rutherford 1584 2145 3463 2 614 7808   Lincoln 2058 2294 3937 935 9224   Total 69988 77506 140710 4975 100571 393751  
GEORGIA.
   Camden 81 44 96 14 70 305   Glyn 70 36 87 5 215 413   Liberty 426 264 613 27 1025 5355   Chatham 846 480 1130 112 8201 10769   Effingham 627 336 711 750 2424   Richmond 1894 1925 3343 39 4116 11317   Burke 1808 1841 3415 11 2392 9467   Washington 947 1024 1885 2 604 4552   Wilks 5152 6740 12160 180 7268 31500   Franklin 225 243 417 156 1041   Greene 1027 1111 1882 8 1377 5405   Total 13103 14044 25739 358 29264 82518  
Schedule of the whole number of persons in the territory of the United States, south of the river Ohio.
   COUNTIES. Free white males of 21 years and upwards. Free white males under 21 years. Free white females including heads of families. All other persons. Slaves. Total.     Washington 1009 1792 2524 12 535 5872   Sullivan 806 1242 1995 107 297 4447   Greene 193 2374 3580 40 454 7741   Hawkins 104 1970 2921 68 807 6970   South of Fr. 681 1082 1627 61 163 3619   Broad 635 855 1288 18 659 3459   Davidson 404 582 854 8 348 2196   Sumner 235 381 576 42 154 1387   Tennessee   Total 3271 10271 15565 361 3417 35691  
FOR THE NATIONAL GAZETTE.
Continuation of the Memorial upon the best means of improving the Commerce and Manufactures of the United States.
BUT the inventing of machines and instruments is only a small part of the means necessary to facilitate the progress of manufactures. The manufacture of linen in particular might be incredibly advanced by a careful investigation of the best method for cultivating flax and hemp and knowing how to whiten the thread without injuring its quality in point of strength and pliability.
Good weavers are a great object in every manufacturing country, but scarce-ly ever meet with the encouragement necessary to induce them to pursue their work in the best manner. This tends to diminish the number of able workmen and introduces an inferior sort; a defect in the manufacturing economy that it is the business of the Legislature of every manufacturing country to remedy, if the endeavours of patriotic citizens should be found insufficient.
In respect to commerce, it is evident that it embraces and includes the prosperity of every country, and, in some way or other, interests every citizen, be his actual occupation what it may. The associated companies I have mentioned, in the foregoing part of this essay, pay a strict attention to domestic as well as foreign commerce; Their animadversions on this subject are eminently useful, and obviate many intricate discussions which the mere merchant would otherwise be inevitably engaged in, to the great prejudice of his immediate calling and concerns. The business of a merchant is too complicated as well as too interesting to the world in general, that men of this description should have anything else to divert their attention.
What would be inconvenient and difficult to them, however, is easy to the scientific bodies I have mentioned, who study the theory of things, and consider it as a part of their duty to publish to the nation and to the world, whatever can be of public service, or can facilitate the various operations of industry—and in this view also they are of the greatest direct utility to maritime commerce, which again includes the advantage of interior commerce.
It is not uncommon in France for artists professing the same trade, to unite and establish a manufacturing body: And some very considerable societies, on this plan, have arrived to permanent stability in a very short time.
The unparalleled success of the association in Brittany was the cause of many other societies being soon after formed in different parts of France.
In July, 1760, the King granted letters patent to a company of Gentlemen in Lorraine, whose object was, "to make such researches as should tend to the general benefit of the public."
It were to be wished that among all
the economical societies that have been set on foot, there was only one that would take the pains to collect and place in a striking point of view such new and interesting discoveries and ideas as lay scattered up and down in the various books that are every day published in different nations, especially in those which treat upon manufactures and commerce. All new discoveries in every branch of science cannot be detailed with too much exactness. From such helps we should at all times be enabled to trace the outlet, progress and probable future advancement of every art. How much useless labour might be prevented by such a work, and how much time saved, that for want of this, is often spent to no purpose. It is not often that men of inventive faculties commit an account of their discoveries to writing, principally from a want of the necessary assistance to put their ideas in a proper dress, which assistance such a society as that last mentioned is always ready to afford them, and, indeed, are bound to consider as the principal object of their establishment.
Such exact descriptions of the various essays of art, would tend greatly to accelerate the future progress of inventive genius, by affording a perfect knowledge of the particular point of perfection to which any art is at any time advanced, from whence the speculatist might, as it were, take a new departure, instead of spending, perhaps, a whole life in tracing out those rudiments, which had been previously discovered, tho' unknown to him, for want of authentic information.
(To be continued.)
PHILADELPHIA.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, January 13.
A bill sent from the Senate for the encouragement and regulation of the bank and other cod fisheries, was read a first and second time, ordered to be printed and referred to a committee of the whole on Monday the 23d inst.
A message was received from the Senate, notifying that they had passed a bill, establishing a mint and regulating the coins of the United States, to which they request the concurrence of this house. The bill was twice read, and made the order of the day for Thursday next.
The message from the President and the papers accompanying it, relative to the state of the frontiers, were referred to a committee of the whole house on Monday next.
The house then took up for consideration the amendments proposed by the Senate, to the "bill for extending the time limited for settling the accounts between the United States and the individual states:" and concurred in them.
The committee to whom was referred the petition of R. Lloyd, reported, as their opinion, that it would be inexpedient to enter into a discussion of the grounds of his claim; and recommended that he should have leave to withdraw his petition.
Mr. White presented a memorial from sundry inhabitants of Frederic County, in the state of Virginia, complaining of the disadvantages under which they labour, from certain parts of the excise law—Referred to the secretary of the treasury for information.
The report of the select committee on the petition of B. Lincoln, C. Griffin, & Col. Humphreys, commissioners for treating with the southern Indians, was taken up for consideration; and a committee appointed to bring in a bill granting to the said commissioners the sum of — dollars for their extra expenses in going to and returning from the treaty.

The house then resolved itself into a committee of the whole, (Mr. W. Smith in the chair) and proceeded to the consideration of a bill to ascertain and regulate the claims to half pay and to invalid pensions; and having gone through the same, rose and reported it with sundry amendments.
Adjourned.
MONDAY, Jan. 16.
A petition was read from Daniel de Beuneville, praying compensation for services as a surgeon in the army of the United States, during the late war.—Which was referred to the Secretary at War, to examine and report thereon.
Mr. Bourne, of Massachusetts, from the joint committee for inrolled bills, reported, that the committee had examined an inrolled bill entitled, "an act to extend the time limited for settling the accounts of the United States with the individual states," and had found the same to be truly inrolled.
Ordered that the clerk of the House carry the same to the Senate.
The House then resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the confidential communication from the President, and the papers relative to the situation of the western frontier—which being private, the galleries were cleared.
TUESDAY, Jan. 17.
A bill was read the first time, for the re-imbusement of travelling expences, incurred by the commissioners in 1789, for treating of peace with the Creek Indians at Augusta, in Georgia.
A memorial was read from Christopher Marshall, junior, and Charles Marshall, of Philadelphia, praying to be encouraged in their manufactory of Glauber's salts, sal ammoniac, &c. by imposing an additional duty on the first of those articles, when imported from Europe.—Ordered to lie on the table.
A number of petitions were read, praying compensations for services rendered, &c. which were referred to the Secretary at war.
Mr. Dayton laid on the table a resolution to the following effect: That the President of the United States be requested to cause to be laid before the House copies of the official communications, which have taken place between the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania and the Secretary at war, in relation to an actual invasion of their territories, or imminent danger thereof, and the raising of troops within, or under the direction of the said state."
The House then resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the communications from the President respecting the state of the western frontier. The galleries were consequently shut.
LONDON, Nov. 2.
The obstinacy of the French Princes, who instead of returning to their country in order to enjoy the liberal provision made for them by the National Assembly, still choose to be humble dependants on the munificence of foreign courts, rather than imitate the conduct of their royal brother, gives us great reason to conjecture that they are yet in expectation of some exertions being made in their favor. Were their hopes of entering France at the head of an army, as their adherents have long boasted, entirely vanished, they would certainly not be so imprudent as to continue in a state of exile, when, by taking advantage of the act of amnesty passed in their favor, they might recover ease and independence, and be honored and esteemed among their fellow-citizens.
This circumstance alone, were there no other, must incline us to think that the report of a confederation, entered into by the German princes and other powers, to restore the ancient government of France, is not entirely void of foundation. The great defection of French officers, which has taken place since the king accepted the constitution, seems to be a corroborating proof of the justness of this idea; but as the pretence of assisting Lewis XVI, is now entirely done away, it is probable that the enemies of France will make the Claims of the German princes , respecting Alsace, a handle for carrying their designs into execution. To give a greater colour of justice to their proceedings, a general congress of ministers from
most of the powers in Europe, will perhaps be assembled; and should negotiation prove abortive, recourse will be had to hostile measures. But, as winter now rapidly advances, the French have little to fear this season from those who may wish to disturb their repose. In the mean time, their constitution will be acquiring fresh strength and vigour; such plans will, no doubt, be adopted by the new National Assembly as will add to its weight and influence; proper care will be taken to guard the frontiers of the kingdom, and to augment its resources; the difficulties which the confederates must encounter will thus every day be increasing; and before the period arrives for taking the field, such circumstances may occur as will render their scheme either highly dangerous, or altogether impracticable.
The emperor, who ought to be the principal support of it, if he is not infatuated by intemperate zeal, must foresee the consequence likely to arise from his entering warmly into any plan of this kind; and we cannot conceive with what face he can openly attack a country whose new national flag he has already publicly acknowledged.
The King of Sweden and the Empress of Russia, it is said, are very much disposed to support a counter revolution in France. This is not at all surprising. The former, by the late revolution in that country, has lost a considerable subsidy; and the latter reigns over perhaps more slaves than all the other sovereigns of Europe. It is the interest of the one, therefore to endeavour to recover what he has lost, and of the other to retain what she already possesses. If the spirit of liberty, the focus of which seems at present to be in France, should continue to increase, it may reach even the remote regions of the Russian Empire. The people in many parts there are sold like black cattle. This undoubtedly is a shameful degradation, which the proprietors of land there with as little to see abolished as the West-India planters do the slave-trade, and which government countenances to answer its own purposes.
FREDERICK-TOWN, Jan. 7.
On Thursday last arrived in this town from Fort Washington, Major Gaither, who left that place on the 27th of November, this gentleman informs—that Major Zeigler, with a party of men had come in, after escorting a quantity of provisions to Fort Jefferson; where he left Col. Darke, Col. Gibson, and Capt. Darke, (three wounded officers) the two former in a fair way of recovery—the latter, from the nature of his wound, which could not be kept from bleeding, was thought to be in a bad situation; that Major Hamtramck had been tried by a court marshal—acquitted—and gone, with a party of men, to Post St. Vincent's to take the command of that place:—Major Gaither further says—that on the 11th ultimo, he met, in the wilderness, a family, consisting of 20 persons, from North Carolina, who acquainted him, that they had just parted with 11 Cherokee Indians, who treated them in a friendly, peaceable manner—exchanged venison for bread—and declared, on leaving of them, that their nation was warmly attached to the United States of America.
His Excellency Gen. St. Clair, it is supposed is now on his way to the seat of government—orders had been given to Gen. Scott, (a few days previous to the departure of Major Gaither) to procure a sufficient number of men to escort him through the wilderness.
When men fight against men, it is some consolation to the unfortunate soldier who may fall into the hands of his adversary, when he reflects, that a degree of christian treatment will be extended towards him—and that the only punishment he can receive will be nothing more (perhaps for a season) than the loss of his liberty. Had this pleasant idea been realized in the late defeat of our brave, but little army, we should have been spared the disagreeable task of informing the Public, that several wounded soldiers who had been, unavoidably, left on the field, were taken by the Indians—thrown into a large fire, and burnt to death! This intelligence was communicated to the Printer by the officer mentioned in the above paragraphs, and may be relied on.
PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 19, 1792.
Proposals are published in New-York for the establishment of a second bank in that city, which it is apprehended will tend much to the advancement of commerce, agriculture, and manufactures, throughout the state. Among the reasons given for the necessity of this second bank-establishment, are the two following.— The capital of the old bank is not sufficiently extensive for increasing the wealth and commerce of the city—the capital stock thereof sells at a most enormous advance, without any just cause, the corporation possessing no exclusive charter. —The original capital stock of the proposed bank is to consist of one million of dollars, divided into two thousand shares, each share being five hundred dollars—Subscriptions payable in gold and silver, two hundred dollars on every share, on the third Monday in January; one hundred and fifty on the third Monday in May; and the remaining one hundred and fifty dollars on the third Monday of September next. It is said, upwards of fifteen hundred shares were subscribed in a few hours.
An English paper of the 24th of October mentions that "one of the first acts of Col. Simcoe's administration in Canada will be, to deliver up the British posts situated on the east of the river St. Lawrence, and to the south of Nova-Scotia, according to certain articles in the treaty of peace with America."
There is every reason to believe that the extract of a letter from Edenton, in our paper of last Thursday, mentioning a second flight of the king of France, and his safe arrival in Prussia, is entirely void of foundation.
The Corporation of the city of Albany have resolved to convey to trustees, a part of the public square in that city, for the purpose of erecting a College thereon, and a subscription is opened for receiving donations to carry the design into execution.
A late London paper has the following paragraph: "The American funds are now much sought after, and have risen within the two last months from 92 to 120 per cent. The Dutch have sold out very large sums from our funds to purchase those of America."
The public are cautioned against receiving Fifty Dollar Bills of the bank of North America, without a strict examination, as some bills of five dollars have been altered to fifty; the original sum appearing to have been extracted by a liquid, and fifty dollars put in the place with a pen. The imposition may be easily discovered from the back of the bill, the altered place appearing of a yellow cast.
The situation of the French emigrants at Scio-to is thought not to be at this time, the most eligible. It is hoped, however (says a publication of yesterday) that the conduct of these settlers among their Indian neighbors will procure them safety. If the natives, however exasperated, do but know them as harmless strangers, it is not probable, upon those principles of natural justice which predominate even in a savage breast, that they would wish to consider them as enemies.
Late accounts from Hispaniola inform us that about the time of the destruction of Port-au-Prince the mulattoes seized on the strong fort of Port Louis, three leagues from Aux-Cayes, on Jacquel, and some other places. Considerable bodies of these people were also within four miles of Port-au-Prince. The western quarter of the island must therefore be considered as in possession of the mulattoes, who are superior in number, in arms, perhaps in property and activity, to the whites. No destruction of property had been committed by them; nor was there any union between them and the negro insurgents. Their demand is, an equal participation of privileges with the whites. An embargo was laid upon all vessels in the harbor of Port-au-Prince about the 25th of November last.
The trade of a country (says a late Hartford paper) naturally runs to the head of navigable waters; and although, in an infant settlement, a commercial town may arise at the mouth of a river, yet when the interior parts of a country are peopled, such town will certainly decay, unless supported by a foreign or forced trade. Newport is such a town. New-London and New-Haven are partly in that situation; tho' New-London, by the river trade, will be kept in a thriving state; and New-Haven, never having had the trade of the river, may not decay. The city of New-York, by its connection with other states, will not decay; but Albany is destined to be its rival in business. The vast population to the northward, eastward and westward of that city, will some time or other force the trade, which is to supply these inhabitants, to the head of navigation. The stupid dulness of the Dutch will retard, instead of accelerating this event; but enterprising men are fast crowding into Albany, and they have convinced the world that a sea vessel can go to that city. The settlements at Lansingburgh and Troy, on the east side of the Hudson, will divide the business; but business will certainly increase at the head of navigation.
In some parts of this state (says a Boston paper) heart-burnings have been created because the commonwealth have chanced to draw two or three of the late highest prizes; but if the Grumbletonians consider the number of tickets unfold, they would have grumbled worse, had not some measure of success attended the risk.
The rage for lottery adventure is expiring, and it is expected, the class of Charlestown lottery which will commence drawing as soon as the semi-annual prizes are published, will be "the last words and dying speech" of lotteries in this commonwealth.
The court of Spain have it in contemplation to establish a colony in Trinidad, which is admired as an earthly paradise, containing all the luxuries and conveniences of life. It is situated in the Atlantic or American ocean, separated from the province of New Andalusia, in Terra Firma, by a narrow strait, called Bucco del Drago . In the year 1498 it was discovered by Columbus; in 1595 taken by Sir Walter Raleigh; in 1676 taken by the French, who exported from the inhabitants 89,000 pieces of eight to save their houses. It has for more than a century remained in the possession of the Spaniards.
The workmen, in digging into the foundations of the bastille at Paris, have lately discovered another subterraneous dungeon, at an amazing depth. Universal curiosity was of course excited.
Several dead bodies were found there, become skeletons by time, and the damps of the place. Nothing certain is yet known, as to whose remains they are, though conjecture naturally is at work upon the occurrence.
They are exposed to public view, and immense crowds are running to inspect them.
Accounts from Warsaw mention, that the elector of Saxony has consented to accept the succession to the crown of Poland.
The Dutch (says a late English paper) have continued selling out of our funds for some time, especially bank stock; and more transfers have been made in one day than ever were known before in so short a space of time.
CHARTERS.
IN Europe, charters of liberty have been granted by power. America has set the example and France has followed it, of charters of power granted by liberty. This revolution in the practice of the world, may, with an honest praise, be pronounced the most triumphant epoch of its history, and the most consoling preface of its happiness. We look back, already, with astonishment, at the daring outrages committed by despotism, on the reason and the rights of man; We look forward with joy, to the period, when it shall be despoiled of all its usurpations, and bound for ever in the chains, with which it had loaded its miserable victims.
In proportion to the value of this revolution; in proportion to the importance of instruments, every word of which decides a question between power and liberty; in proportion to the solemnity of acts, proclaiming the will, and authenticated by the seal of the people, the only earthly source of authority, ought to be the vigilance with which they are guarded by every citizen in private life, and the circumspection with which they are executed by every citizen in public trust.
As compacts, charters of government are superior in obligation to all others, because they give effect to all others. As trusts, none can be more sacred, because they are bound on the conscience by the religious sanctions of an oath. As metes and bounds of government, they transcend all other land-marks, because every public usurpation is an encroachment on the private right, not of one, but of all.
The citizens of the United States have peculiar motives to support the energy of their constitutional charters.
Having originated the experiment, their merit will be estimated by its success.
The complicated form of their political system, arising from the partition of government between the states and the union, and from the separations and subdivisions of the several departments in each, requires a more than common reverence for the authority which is to preserve order thro' the whole.
Being republicans, they must be anxious to establish the efficacy of popular charters, in defending liberty against power, and power against licentiousness: and in keeping every portion of power within its proper limits; by this means discomfiting the partisans of anti-republican contrivances for the purpose.
All power has been traced up to opinion. The stability of all governments and security of all rights may be traced to the same source. The most arbitrary government is controuled where the public opinion is fixed. The despot of Constantinople dares not lay a new tax, because every slave thinks he ought not. The most systematic governments are turned by the slightest impulse from their regular path, when the public opinion no longer holds them in it. We see at this moment the executive magistrate of Great-Britain, exercising under the authority of the representatives of the people, a legislative power over the West-India commerce.
How devoutly is it to be wished, then, that the public opinion of the United States should be enlightened; that it should attach itself to their governments as delineated in the great charters, derived not from the usurped power of kings, but from the legitimate authority of the people; and that it should guarantee, with a holy zeal, these political scriptures from every attempt to add to or diminish from them. Liberty and order will never be perfectly safe, until a trespass on the constitutional provisions for either, shall be felt with the same keenness that resents an invasion of the dearest rights; until every citizen shall be an ARGUS to espy, and an ÆGEON to avenge, the unhallowed deed. Jan. 18.

Extract of a letter from Princeton, New Jersey, January 9, 1792.
"Amidst the variety of topics which every day brings into conversation, none has engaged the political circles in this town more than the late unfortunate defeat of our western forces under General St. Clair. The event of this expedition was predicted by many respectable characters, whose habits of life have given them opportunities of forming correct opinions on military matters. However, the extirpation of the savages was anticipated by the unreflecting and inexperienced, these initiated veterans saw things in a different light, and their apprehensions, from the raw state of our new-raised troops, as well as their total ignorance of the Indian method of warfare, have been but too literally verified. This second misfortune has shown us that all attempts to reduce the savages must inevitably fail. We are generally of opinion that the money expended in offensive operations—in carrying hostilities to the villages of that fugitive race of people, who emigrate from place to place as convenience directs, would be much more eligible applied towards the extinction of the heavy load of debt incurred by a just and necessary war—a war to emancipate us from the shackles of that power whose claims of dependency and vassalage were not more inequitable than ours with respect to the Indians of the western territory."
"This contest appears unwarrantable as well on the principle of justice as of policy—The first may be instantly decided by recurring to the idea of primary possession, by which the first occupants are considered as legitimate proprietors of the soil, and all attempts to dispossess them must be pronounced indefensible. As to the policy of this territorial war, a variety of unanswerable reasons present themselves. A young empire, just emerging into existence, embarrassed with debts, a federal government, scarcely established, suspended on the slender thread of opinion—shows the evident necessity of an undivided attention to the acts of peace. However pacific the aspect of the political expanse may now appear, it is not improbable that a perseverance in the present system of public measures with regard to the west, may occasion a considerable ferment, if not disaffection."
"The ready, the virtuous, the magnanimous acquiescence of our citizens in the present impositions on commerce, originated in an idea that the monies so raised would be expended frugally and with care."
"The Indian war—a war thought unnecessary, inequitable and impolitic, is therefore objectionable, and hence it is inferred that the enormous sums annually expended on so unjustifiable a business, is mere prodigality."
"To satisfy the public mind, and to retrieve the declining reputation of our councils, it appears to be indispensably requisite that the military system should be totally reformed; all idea of conquest or expulsion should be rejected as fallacious, and such measures pursued, as may give tranquility to the frontiers, and restore the public confidence. The money now wasted in one year, for raising troops to be butchered in the western forests, would be more than sufficient to quiet the Indian tribes for twenty. You may perhaps think my solicitude too great, and my apprehensions bordering on the chimerical, but I assure you I feel the full force of an honest conviction. I unequivocally assert the necessity of some speedy change in public measures—and do not hesitate to avow it as my decided opinion, that unless an alteration of the present system soon takes place, a partial revolution of a certain office will be the consequence."
NOBILITY.
The downfall of Nobility in France has operated like an early frost towards killing the germ of it in America. The human mind, in these advanced ages of the world, from its habits of education, has assumed an imitative cast, and is generally content to take every thing upon trust. Where millions of men unite in supporting any one opinion, however absurd or false, enough are to be found, upon no better authority, to persuade themselves it is right. The idea of the necessity of a nobility for preserving decorum in, and giving eclat to, a nation, has been so assiduously propagated through the world, and the minds of men have been so dazzled by the tinsel splendor of courts, as to be almost universally reconciled to the investing some particular citizens with certain titular badges of distinction and high sounding appellations, the original growth of some enslaved soil; and which, contemptible as they were, must have been at first borrowed from some pitiful hereditary proprietor of territory to adorn men, whose virtuous or valorous actions would only have constituted their true merit, and who were therefore superior to all titles, as far as they implied an addition of worth or real dignity.
IN all great undertakings there ought to be some near proportion between the means prepared and the object to be attained. Where inadequate means happen to be attended with success, the honor and eclat are indeed great, thro' a prejudice common to mankind, who on these occasions are always inclined to transfer the credit due to fortune to the heroism or the wisdom of the individual. In the warfare of the antient Romans, want of success was a crime of the deepest dye; and I recollect that Cicero in enumerating the virtues proper for a great military commander positively mentions good fortune as one of the indispensable qualities to form such a character. Successful rashness will ever meet with its friends and admirers, as the unfortunate man who acts only from the dictates of prudence and mature reflection will nevertheless find himself slighted and neglected. At the first settlement of the island of Bermuda, the colonists, who had gone out under governor Tucker, soon found
themselves in a situation little better than absolute confinement on a barren rock. As a ship only visited the island once a year, and was prohibited from taking off any of the colonists, two of them formed the desperate resolution of returning to England in the governor's fishing boat; having amassed a small quantity of provisions and stolen a compass, they embarked, and arrived safe within one or two days sail of Gibraltar. Here they met with a pirate, from the coast of Barbary, who instead of distressing, rewarded these desperate men with a new store of provisions (which were now exhausted) and offered to take them on board, and land them on the continent. The fellows refused this offer, and soon after came safe into the road of Plymouth. For this extraordinary adventure, instead of being punished for their desertion of the governor, they were received with open arms by their countrymen; and, if my memory serves me, were pensioned by the court.—The conduct of King John of Portugal, on a similar occasion, was somewhat different. Some of his discontented officers at Goa, in the East Indies, wishing to make a speedy remonstrance to the king on some abuses in the government of that island, embarked privately for Portugal in a boat of eight tons. They arrived safe at Lisbon, after having suffered every thing that human beings could be supposed to suffer in such a situation. The king ordered them to be taken care of in one of the royal hospitals, but in token of his disapprobation even of successful rashness, ordered the barque to be hauled up and publicly burnt by the hands of the common executioner.
In ancient history, despair is continually found to be one of the ingredients in constituting their most renowned military characters. Coolness and judgment is passed over with cold applause, while the madness of an Alexander has claimed the rapturous praises of a thousand pens. Charles—the 12th. of Sweden, wished to form his character upon that extraordinary pattern and to descend to posterity emblazoned with the same sanguinary colours. Unfortunately for him, the hey-day of quixotism was in his time already past, and his memory is not much regarded.
Mankind, as far back as we can trace them in history, and from our own knowledge have had their different stages of infancy, childhood, and vigorous youth. For their own peace and happiness on this terrestrial theatre, it is to be hoped the cool, dispassionate age of manhood is at length arrived, or at least, is not far distant, when they shall think and act more like rational beings than in the melancholy ages that have preceded us.
I shall conclude these reflections with a few lines written several years ago on some volunteer sailors, who perished in a desperate attempt to take, with an open boat and a few muskets, a guard ship of twenty guns:
Brothers, no doubt your aim was bold— And chattering rumour says Had fortune smil'd you might have claim'd Our loudest songs of praise.
For venturing on so bold a fray You join the dead-man's class, While he who had the sense to stay, Still lives to drink his glass!
A circumstantial account appeared some time ago in several of the newspapers [See National Gazette, No. 14, for an extract] of certain sanguinary transactions between the crew of the snow Eleonora, commanded by Capt. Medcalfe, and the natives of the Sandwich islands, in the South Seas.—"Capt. Medcalfe being absent (says a writer in a Providence paper of the 7th inst.) the impartial public, it is hoped, will suspend their opinion, until he shall have an opportunity to relate the particulars himself, corroborated by the testimony of one of his officers, who contradicts the account alluded to above, in several points of consequence. That some of the natives were killed is not denied, but it will appear that this was the unavoidable consequence of defending the vessel, and saving the lives of the crew."
The following is an authentic list of arrivals at the port of New-York from January 1st 1791, to January 1st 1792, viz. 120 ships and barques, 280 sloops and brigs, 1 galliot, 1 polacre, 158 Schooners, 158 sloops—total from foreign ports 718—and 1102 coasters. By comparing the preceding list with that in the Philadelphia papers during the same period, it appears that there is a balance of 151 vessels, from foreign ports, in favor of New-York, and 407 coasters.
Extract of a letter from Pittsburgh, January 5.
"We have no news from any of the garrisons since last week, except from Venango (Fort Franklin)—it is mentioned by some packhorse men that arrived here yesterday from that place. The accounts they have there of the loss of the Indians in the engagement with general St. Clair's army is said to be about 150 of the savages, and a number wounded. Unless some vigorous measures are adopted by government for the protection of the frontiers of this state, a general movement of the inhabitants will take place."
Further particulars relative to the destruction of Port-au-Prince, and the contest between the whites and mulattoes.
On the 5th November a treaty was concluded between the white people and mulattoes; and all things remained in perfect quietness till the 21st, on the morning of which the peace was solemnly ratified.—At 12 o'clock, however, the whites very imprudently undertook to execute a mulatto criminal, who was before confined under sentence of death. There were at this time about 1250 mulattoes in town; all of whom were provided with arms, for the defence of themselves and the white people, against the negroes. They were
highly offended, however, with the execution of one of their colour; and the majority of them not thoroughly understanding the propriety of the measure, seized on the first white man who came within their reach, and "hung him by the neck till he was dead." In the afternoon of the same day, at half past 4 o'clock, the whites sent a flag to the mulattoes—stating the impropriety of their conduct, and commanding them either to lay down their arms or leave the town. To this the mulattoes spiritedly replied, that they would not do either of them;—and immediately took up their arms, and paraded in a large street near the governor's house. The whites, amounting to 2200, lost no time, on their part, in making preparations to attack the mulattoes. And at five o'clock an attempt was made to surround them; which, however, proved ineffectual. A severe conflict ensued, in which from 50 to 100 whites were killed, and among them a colonel. The mulattoes fought bravely; and with the loss of a number killed, and 150 who were taken prisoners, they beat their way through the whites—took two field pieces and marched out of town. At half past five the town was secretly set on fire in two places—a timely discovery was however made, and the fire extinguished.—About two the next morning it was again set on fire in six different places, and the inhabitants were now no longer able to subdue the flames. A general conflagration took place; and almost every valuable building, excepting the king's store houses, were burnt down. Property to the amount of millions was destroyed, and those who on the 21st of November were worth two or three hundred thousand dollars, on the 22nd, were not in the possession of a single shilling. They were even fed as were all the inhabitants, with provisions drawn from the king's stores.
Immediately after the town was destroyed, the whites (on the idea that the blacks were accessory to its destruction) formed the horrid design of putting to death all the negro and mulatto women and children who remained in the town. And this design, to the eternal infamy of the perpetrators, was put immediately into execution. An indiscriminate slaughter took place; and not one who could be found during that day—whether innocent or guilty, but was instantaneously butchered, either by a bullet through the head, or a bayonet into their bowels.
LONDON, Nov. 2.
The disturbances in the Netherlands seem rather to have been quieted for a time, than entirely quelled. Symptoms of discontent begin again to appear in those provinces, and the ferment among the people rapidly increases. The terror inspired by the Imperial army, sent to overawe the adherents of Vandernoot, and reduce them to obedience, had undoubtedly a temporary effect; but the lenient measures afterwards pursued, seem to have animated the hopes of the dissident, and to have encouraged them to fresh acts of disobedience. Our readers will remember that the Emperor, when he enforced his authority vi et armis , excluded from the council of Brabant five members who had been chosen by the revolted at the same time that they expelled those who had remained faithful to their sovereign. Since that period, the states have continued to insist upon these five counsellors being restored to their former dignity, while government persists, with equal obstinacy, in refusing to comply with this request. This quarrel, which was only a pretext for coming to an open rupture, has almost ended in the manner the promoters of it wished. The time for voting the supplies having arrived, the leading men in the states, and particularly the members of the clergy and nobility, drew up, on the 10th of last month, a remonstrance in which the states agree to refuse all subsidies until government shall have given them complete satisfaction. Alarmed at this opposition, administration granted a delay of two days, in hopes that a little reflection would bring them back to their duty; but the states not only continue firm in opposing the levying of subsidies till the five counsellors are restored, but require also, that all the suppressed convents shall be re-established; and that no exceptions shall be made in the general amnesty. This last article evidently relates to Vandernoot and Vaneupen, with their principal adherents. They add to these demands, the complete re-establishment of the university of Louvain to its original condition, and the re-union of the duchies of Brabant and Limbourg. Inflammatory writings, as is generally the case on such occasions, are in the mean time published and circulated among the people; and government have just now offered a reward of two hundred ducats to any person who will discover the authors of two papers entitled, The Voice of the Brabanters , and The Belgic Manifesto anticipated. What the event may be, time alone can discover; but we may venture to predict, without the gift of prophecy, that while such is the disposition of the Emperor's subjects in the Netherlands, Leopold will not be very forward in giving countenance to any attempt that may be made against the new French constitution.
The result of the conference at Pilnitz, in which the count d'Artois had a share, was, we are told, the formation of a triple defensive alliance between the courts of Vienna, Berlin, and Dresden, for the purpose of maintaining the safety of the contracting parties, and of preserving public tranquility. To this treaty the Germanic bodies and other powers will be invited to accede. The clauses of it were, as is said, discussed and agreed upon at Vienna by prince Kaunitz and Messrs. de Bisthoven and Jacobi; but how far it may have relation to the late revolution in France cannot, we believe, with any kind of certainty, be determined. Most of the foreigners in Europe, were their real sentiments known, are enemies, no doubt, to the new constitution of that country, which seems to hold kingly power and hereditary nobility in little estimation. If it remains fixed on a solid basis; if civil dissensions do not sap its foundations; if it sustains injury neither from private attacks at home, nor from open violence abroad; and if the people of France after their long struggle for liberty, enjoy that happiness under it, which it seems calculated to procure them, other nations will look upon it as a model worthy of being imitated. The success which has attended the exertions of the French will stimulate those who now crouch under the galling yoke of despotism to seek for the like blessings. Arbitrary power is established in by far the greater part of Europe; liberty has not yet reared her standard but in a few favoured corners of the globe; and the rights of man are trampled upon even in countries which boast of being enlightened by the lamp of science: and as much reformation is still necessary, kings may well be alarmed, and jealous of a constitution which, if copied by their subjects, must greatly lessen their pomp, and limit the prerogatives they at present enjoy. But since Louis XVI. has accepted the new constitution; since he has publicly sworn to maintain it to the utmost of his power, and to defend it from all attempts; that may be made against it; and since the most perfect harmony seems to prevail between him and his people, the other sovereigns of Europe cannot make his situation a pretence for interfering in the affairs of France, or disturbing its tranquility.
To the CITIZENS of the United States of America, Mr. PEALE begs leave to present the following respectful ADDRESS—
HAVING formed a design to establish a Museum, by a collection, arrangement and preservation of the objects of natural history, and things useful and curious—in June, 1785, he began to collect subjects, and to preserve and arrange them in the Linnæan method; his labours herein have been great, and disappointments many, especially respecting proper methods of preserving dead animals from the ravages of moths and worms; in vain he hath sought, from men, information of the effectual methods used in foreign countries: and after experiencing the most promising ways recommended in such books as he had read, they proved ineffectual to prevent depredations by the vermin of America. But in making various other experiments, he at length discovered a method of preservation, which he is persuaded will prove effectual: it has a very favorable appearance in practice; and far surpasses all others that have come to his knowledge. Nevertheless, it will be obliging in gentlemen to inform him of the best practices in Europe, or elsewhere.
The difficulties in preserving subjects being thus overcome, and the Museum having advanced to be an object of earnest attention to many individuals; with sentiments of gratitude, he thanks the friends to the Museum, who have generously added to his collection a number of precious curiosities, from many parts of the world; from Africa, from India, from China, from the islands of the great Pacific Ocean, and from the different parts of America; some whereof are the more curious, as they have been but very recently discovered, even by the great voyagers of Europe.—He respectfully requests a continuance of their favors; and the assistance of all persons who may be possessed of things curious, that they can spare, whether they be of America, or any other part of the world: all will command his grateful acknowledgements as valuable presents to himself, to the public and future generations. He is the more earnestly bent on enlarging the collection with a greater variety of beasts, birds, fishes, insects, reptiles, vegetables, minerals, shells, fossils, medals, old coins, and of utensils, cloathing, arms, dyes and colours, or materials for colouring or for physic, from among the Indian, African, or other savage people; and all particulars, although but in model or delineation, promising to be useful in advancing knowledge and the arts; in a word, all that is likely to be beneficial, curious or entertaining to the citizens of the new world.
But alas! a design so vast, and, he is bold to say, so important, is far beyond the slender abilities of an individual, whose professional industry is necessary for the support of a numerous family. Animated by the generous patronage he has already received, and by the magnitude of the object, which he fondly hopes will procure the attention of the public, he now respectfully solicits their aid to enable him to raise this tender plant until it shall grow into full maturity, and become a National Museum.
With harmony little things become great. All the splendid Museums of the great European nations have risen from the foundations laid by individuals. America has in this a conspicuous advantage over all other countries from the novelty of its vast territories. But a small number is yet known of the amazing variety of animal, vegetable, and mineral productions in our forests of 1000 miles, our inland seas, our many rivers, that roll through several states, and mingle with the ocean.
A museum stored with these treasures must indeed become one of the first in the world; the more so as the principal naturalists in Europe will be anxious to acquire our productions by an exchange of whatever is most valuable in their respective countries, and foreign colonies.
Mr. Peale means personally to solicit the assistance of gentlemen whose regard for science is well known: if there are those who would become inspectors or visitors of the Museum, their united aid and influence, he is confident would greatly promote a design that is truly worthy of American patriots and citizens of the world.
CHAS. Wm. PEALE.
Philad. Museum, Jan. 13, 1792.
PRICE OF STOCK.
   Funded Debt.     Six per cents, per £. - - 24/9.   Three per cents, - - - - 15/.   Deferred six per cents, - - - - 15/5.   Unfunded Debt.   Final settlements and other certificates, 21/6.   Indents, - - - - 14/6.   Bank Stock 1-2 Shares 113 per cent. pre-   mium.   Whole Do. 60 per cent.  
This day is Published and for sale by THOMAS LANG, No. 21, Church alley; An Essay on
COMMERCE and LUXURY.

"Men of Glass, throw no Stones."
"Ridiculum acri Fortius et melius plerumque fecat res."
MR. FRENEAU,
AS an admirer of every valuable antique, I leave you to judge of the pleasure I received by the perusal of the precious and authentic price current of Roman Catholic indulgences, which you printed in your paper of this day. I doubt not, many of your readers read it with pleasure equal to mine.—Such a delicious morcean ought to be printed in letters of gold , to shew how much Protestants have lost by their defection from the scarlet whore of Babylon with whom so much liberality prevailed, as to allow such perfect freedom in morals. I am happy to be able to favour the world with a similar price current , published by a Protestant Synod in Germany, anno 1589. It is to be found in the third edition of the 55th volume of their decrees, page 4515, which is now in the Library of Mynheer Vanderdunderblusee, at Goshen, where the curious may satisfy themselves on the subject. I am astonished it has so long escaped observation, and hope that whenever the Popish one appears in future, this one, equally genuine, may accompany it, to show that other sects have been as kind as mother Babylon .
LIST OF FINES.
 For inventing any lies, however abominable or atrocious, to blacken the Papists, 1d.  For going into a Popish church, except to burn it, or to break some of its idolatrous ornaments £. 60  For killing a Popish priest 2d.  For leaving mass, £. 90  For robbing a Popish church, 1d.  For marrying a Papist £. 10  For letting fire to a Popish church 2d.  But if the Congregation are burned in it 2 1/2  For poisoning a Popish king, 1/2d.  For publishing Popish books, £. 100  For having images in one's house £. 20  For murdering any number of Monks or Friars, under one hundred, 6d.  Above 100. 8d.  For eating pies at Christmas, or fasting in Lent. £. 80  For using the sign of the cross £. 40.  To this List of Fines is added the following Indulgence. For ravishing one or more Nuns, killing the Pope or any number of Bishops not less than 12, a plenary indulgence to go off to Heaven on full gallop.
Decret. tom. 55. p. 4515.
I hope your correspondent, who favoured you with the Pope's price current, will pay the same degree of implicit credit, to mine, that I have always done to his. This, at least, I am entitled to from him. And should any other of your readers be so unpolite as to call my veracity in question, and demand proofs, I shall only request him to set me the example. Produce the proofs of the one, and I shall prove the other.
ZWINGLIUS.
Philadelphia, Jan. 12.
[The Price Current in Thursday's paper, referred to in the foregoing, was translated from a French Gazette, entitled Le Patriote Francois, printed at Paris, October 10, 1791.—It is there quoted as an extract of a letter from James Anthony Creuze-Latouche, one of the members of the National Assembly, to the municipality and inhabitants of the district of Vienne, third edition, corrected and enlarged by the author. This is the only authority in the Editor's power for the authenticity of the Price Current. It was translated indiscriminately among other French extracts for the National Gazette, and not particularly addressed to the Editor for publication.]
WINCHESTER, December 24.
The following incidents are related to us by persons who were in the late engagement—Adjutant Burgess received two wounds, the second of which proved mortal—after the receipt of the first, he fought on with distinguished gallantry—the second unfortunately stopped his progress—faint with the loss of blood, he fell—a woman, whom we understand was particularly attached to him, flew to his relief, and in endeavoring to raise him, received a ball from the enemy, which terminated her existence.—Some time after that much
to be lamented youth, Ensign Wilson, fell, one of the savages attempted to take off his scalp, which Col. Darke perceiving, he ran up to the spot, and stabbed the miscreant through the body, with a small sword, before he had time to accomplish his diabolical purpose.
One of Piomingo's warriors, who was in the battle, is said to have killed and scalped ten of the enemy with his own hands, and was himself killed, in the act of scalping the eleventh.
GEORGE MEADE HAS FOR SALE,
At his Stores on WALNUT-STREET WHARF, FEW pipes of 3 and 4 years old bns of exchange Madeira WINE, which he will dispose of by the pipe, hogshead or quarter cask.
London market Madeira WINE, 5 and 6 years old. Old Sherry WINE of the first quality, by the hogshead or quarter cask.
Three and 4 years old Lisbon WINE, of a superior quality to what is generally imported, by the pipe, quarter cask, or larger quantity.
Cobice old Coniac BRANDY, by the pipe, tierce, or larger quantity.
A few quarter casks of first quality Hysop TEA. He has just received by the Pigeon, Lozier, master from London, a few quarter casks of old Madeira WINE—And
By the brig Mercury, capt. Stevens, from Dublin, a few boxes of Irish LINENS, low priced and well assorted: a few bales of Red and White FLANNELS, and some GLUE.
A few boxes of Spermaceti CANDLES of the first quality, and Burlington PORK of prime quality.
He has also to dispose of a quantity of dressed White Oak STAVES.
He means to keep a constant supply of First Quality Madeira and Lisbon WINES, and whoever is pleased to favor him with their custom, may be assured of being well served.
He will through the Winter and Spring, buy undressed HANDSPIKES. He is purchasing FLAXSEED and BEES-WAX, and will give the highest Price for them.
N. B. A few Hamps of excellent London PORTER and Taunton ALE, just arrived and to be disposed of.
ROBERT SMOCK, Woollen Draper & Mercer,
Has just received by the ship Pigeon, from London, and for sale at his Store, on the north east corner of Market and Third Streets, Philadelphia,
AN ELEGANT ASSORTMENT OF
SUPERFINE and super broadcloths, in almost every colour. Ladies superfine habit cloths, in the most fashionable colours.
Superfine cashmers, do.
Lio. and super elastic striped cloths.
Milled drabs and hunters cloths.
A variety of fancy waistcoatings, in silk, silk and cotton, silk moiré, cashmers printed and tamboured, and superfine striped Spanish toillnets.
Mens>Mens black sattins, florentines, and silk prunellas of superior qualities
Silk, silk and cotton, cotton and worsted hose, assorted.
Sattins and mantuas, a beautiful variety.
Superfine rattinets, with a large collection of best trimmings for cloths, &c. of every quality.
Moreens, joans spinnings, durants and calimancoes.
Hairribbons and camblets, &c.
9-8 wide superfine Marseilles quilting with borders.
Marseilles bedquilts and cotton counterpanes, 9-4 to 12-4.
Flanders bedbugs and bedtickings.
A beautiful variety of chintzes and cottons.
An elegant assortment of yard wide furniture chintzes, in beautiful colours and patterns, with a large variety of furniture cottons.
Velveteens, velvets, corduroys, thicksets, fancy cords, stockinets, royal ribbs, fattinets, hair plushes, &c. &c.
Striped and grey, twilled and plain Bath coatings.
Rose blankets assorted.
ROBERT SMOCK has also for Sale, a great Variety of GOODS of the best quality in their several kinds. He presumes it is unnecessary to be more particular in the enumeration, and that it is sufficient to say the assortment is very general and extensive, consisting of almost every article in his line of business.—Being desirous of giving entire satisfaction to those who may be pleased to favour him with their custom, as well as of meriting a continuance of those customers, whose favours he has hitherto experienced, he flatters himself the cheapness of his Goods will be the best means of effecting his wishes.
This Day are published,
S E R M O N S,
Historical and Characteristical: By WILLIAM LINN, D. D. One of the Ministers of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in the city of New-York. Sold by T. DOBSON, R. CAMPBELL, & M. CAREY. [Price Three Quarters of a Dollar.]
A few Copies of the Report of the Secretary of State on the subject of the Cod and Whale Fisheries—may be had at the office, No. 239 High-street.
PRINTED BY CHILDS AND SWAIN, AT THEIR OFFICE, NO. 239, HIGH-STREET, NEAR SIXTH-STREET, PHILADELPHIA.
MR. FRENEAU, YOUR inserting the following lines in the National Gazette, will much oblige, Your's, &c. A. R.
Addressed to a very young GIRL.
BRIGHT are thy beauties, MIRA, mild thy mind, Where sensibility and truth are join'd. Thy heart, where dignity and worth preside, Charms without art, and triumphs without pride. Ever attentive to discretion's strains, The sounds of flattery thy ear disdains; Yet thou wilt doubtless condescend to hear Applause, the tribute of a heart sincere.
Weak is the wretch; detested be his lay, Which aims from worth to lead the mind astray! No laurel e'er can flourish on his brow; Sense must his claim to glory disavow; But should false taste his head with bays adorn, Truth! by thy hand those trophies shall be torn, Proving, what every candid breast must own, That genuine praise results from these alone.
Mild was thy infancy! parental care Fondly essay'd to make thee good as fair. Nor have their efforts been employ'd in vain! Ah! Mira! still adorn the virgin train, Till higher duties shall thy care demand, And the lov'd youth shall grasp thy willing hand.
Howe'er remov'd from want's oppressive power, Learn to respect misfortune's awful hour. Down the mild stream of life, you gently glide, Protected kindly now by wind and tide. But shortly thou must quit the friendly shore, See furious waves, and hear the tempest roar. Lov'd in thy infancy, the verse attends, Which flows no lover, but a real friend. Love's brightest fires but for a moment shine, Whilst friendship is immortal and divine.
Hear me this solemn, awful truth now; The child should to parental wisdom bow, At home if justly scorn'd, who can applaud The giddy maid who thoughtless flaunts abroad? If she neglected surely she must meet Sneers in each house, and scorn in every street.
To thee, Discretion, may we ever bend, Own thee as guide, and honor thee as friend. By thee directed, Mira shall prevail, Whilst e'en superior arts and knowledge fail. And, when her hand the happy youth shall bless, May every virtue crown her with success; And reach her to reward with generous praise The friendly heart, which dictated these lays.
Philadelphia, Jan. 14, 1792.
FRANCE, Oct. 18. Continuation from our last of Mr. Brissot's remarks, in travelling through the United States.
[Translated from a late French paper.]
THE happiness or misery of every nation depends solely on their political systems. In a bad government, its defects are perpetually discovering themselves every where and in every thing. On the contrary, public happiness and personal safety always betokens a government established upon judicious principles. The effects of such a government are felt by the traveller who sleeps unmolested in the forests, and are perceptible in the modest unassuming air of the inhabitants of the country. The single circumstance of every farmer's house being well provided with glass windows convinced me that America is happy; and the neatness and elegance of their hospitals confirmed me still more in the opinion.
The following description of the public hospital at Philadelphia is a proof of the excellency of the laws, morals, and government of the United States.
Every sick, or poor man, who procures admittance to this benevolent asylum, has a bed provided for him, with plenty of covering, but no curtains: which I call an advantage. Every room receives its light from windows opposite to each other, which gives the apartments a cheerful aspect. Light is one of the first enjoyments to a man in confinement, but is always afforded very sparingly by tyrants to wretches who languish under their power or resentment. Besides admitting abundance of light, these windows promote a free circulation of air. Most of them open to a charming prospect in the fields; and as they are not very high, and without gratings, any of the persons confined, who meditated an escape, might easily effect his purpose. But this never comes into the head of any of them. A proof that the confined persons are contented, and that the government of the house is mild and lenient.
The kitchens are kept clean and neat, and not infected with that abominable scent, so common to our best kitchens in France. The dining rooms, which are upon the ground floor, are as airy and clean as the lodging rooms. In short, cleanliness and good order are observable through every department of the institution. A large garden, at the end of the court supplies the house with kitchen vegetables, and other necessaries; and here, by the way, I was very much surprised to meet with abundance of exotic plants and shrubs. This garden seems well attended to, and many persons come to walk in it for their amusement. Here, too, I saw several droves of hogs belonging to the hospital; pork, in America, being a constant dish the whole year round at the best tables.
It is with difficulty that I can describe the sensations I experienced in visiting the several apartments of this building. A hospital, however well governed or endowed, had always, in my mind, been assimilated with the idea of misery and melancholy. Here I was completely undeceived. An American hospital wore quite a different face. It was a new thing for me, to see a sick man in a place of this description, to be lodged by himself, attended in his own room, and visited by his wife, his children, his neighbors, and from time to time comforted by these endearing relations. In comparison to this institution of benevolence I considered the hospitals of Europe no other than the graves of the living, and the last abodes of hu-
man misery. In those places diseased crowds, utter strangers to each other, are indiscriminately huddled together, separated from all that is dear to them, and perhaps not a connexion in the world for whom they have a sentiment of regard.—In such a situation, what is man?—a tear detached from the tree and borne away by a torrent—a carcass of mere incumbrance to the earth, and on the eve of dissolution.
Since large cities are one of the inevitable consequences of the social state of man, and it is the lot of all large cities to have their share of vice and wretchedness, the inference is, that hospitals should be the asylums of beneficence and good usage, and not of absolute punishment. They are necessary, because in every state or country, even the most prosperous, there are thousands of wretches who have no other refuge; so many females blind, incurably deaf, and become disgusting with various infirmities, who, if abandoned to themselves, would soon perish in the streets!—Such were my ideas as I passed into the first apartment. There I saw a group of hideous figures, and in short every thing that misery and malady could collect together.—[Here the writer particularizes a number of objects, which we shall pass over.]—I saw several women holding in their arms young children, the fruits of their illegitimate amours. I could not help pitying the innocent little wretches, born under the evil star of misfortune.—Why is it (said I) that mankind even at this tender age, are condemned to be acquainted with misery!—Let us thank God, however, that there is one country in the world where illegitimacy of birth is no obstacle to the notice of the public, or to the rights of citizenship.—It was with emotions of pleasure that I saw these unfortunate mothers caressing their infants, and brushing off the flies and musketoes that disturbed them.
There were but few young children in the orphans' apartment. What few there were, however, looked well; had the appearance of being well fed, and seemed cheerful and contented. While I was looking at these little creatures, one of the directors came in from a walk, and distributed among them some cakes that he had bought.—And this, the directors of the hospitals in America (thought I) do not only pay attention to their charge, when present, but even think of them at a distance. This is, without doubt, the only country in the world where the soul of a hospital-director is not made of adamant!
Negroes and negro women are here lodged as well as the whites, and sleep in the same rooms. Among these I saw a negro woman, about thirty years old, who sat by the side of her bed, and spun with much agility. Her eyes seemed to ask a kind word or two of consolation from the master of the hospital. He accordingly said something encouraging to her, and she was overcome with gratitude.—Poor negroes, what satisfaction shall we make you for the evils we have brought, and still must bring upon your unfortunate race!
The happiness of this female negro was not, however, to compare with that of a blind young woman, who seemed agitated with the most lively emotions of joy, the moment she heard the voice of the good director. He asked her, what news? She made him some answer, in all the cheerfulness of good humour. She then began to drink her tea, sitting by a table where all the little tea furniture was neatly arranged—her tea!—Is it possible they drink tea in hospitals? said I—Our great object here, said the director, is to treat our patients with humanity, and to give them the decent conveniences without any of the luxuries of life. We give tea to such helpless persons as behave themselves with propriety; others, who save something from their labour, find themselves in such little superfluities without any expense to the institution.—But why not rather (replied I, full of my ideas of French hospitals) why not rather give them warm water, or a glass of wine, than such a luxury as tea?—My good friend (returned the director) tea is a repast of a complex nature; tea includes a considerable number of other relishing particulars; whereas, a glass of wine is a short and transient enjoyment, and no sooner tasted than done. A man is ever best pleased with a repast that includes delay.—You complain of our luxuries—but I at this moment see an old woman who is drinking tea with butter and ham, and yet is scarcely satisfied with her treat!
I took notice that in this hospital there were many more women than men; and among the latter few such ghastly figures as we see every day in and about the hospitals at Paris—figures in whose countenances are at once depicted guilt, misery and infolence. These, on the contrary, have a decent air and conduct themselves with civility.—I enquired of the director, what resources these people had for living after their discharge from the hospital?—He informed me, that industry was a never failing resource for a decent livelihood, especially for the men. With the women, he observed, it was not quite so well; that after being discharged from the hospital, it was common with them to return to their former vicious practices. To prevent this relapse, continued he, we are about establishing some little manufactures to employ the females while here, and from the proceeds thereof to raise a fund, so as to portion off each individual, upon her leaving us, to begin the world a new in some honest way of living, or, if they would prefer remaining here, to apply it to their personal advantage.
I have little doubt but this design will be carried into execution. The Quakers are both ingenious and persevering in whatever concerns the relief of the unfortunate. I afterwards discovered that the author of this benevolent design, was the very director I had conversed with. I took notice that he was esteemed and beloved—entirely taken up with useful things—and, at the same time, scarcely thirty years of age—But it has ever been characteristic of this sect to produce men of uncommon powers, and the most expanded benevolence.—[Le Patriote Francois, No. 678.]
M. GARDETTE, Dentist,
RESPECTFULLY informs the public, that he has removed from No. 88 to No. 127, Chestnut, near Fourth street, nearly opposite the Bank of the United States. Dec. 19,