National gazette. (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 1792-03-29 00:00:00

National Gazette.
By P. FRENEAU: Published MONDAYS and THURSDAYS, at THREE DOLLARS per annum.
VOL. I.
THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1792.
NUMB. 44.
AUTHENTIC.
SECOND CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES.
At the first Session, begun and held at the city of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania on Monday the twenty-fourth of October, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one.
An ACT to provide for the settlement of the Claims of WIDOWS and ORPHANS barred by the limitations heretofore established and to regulate the Claims to INVALID PENSIONS.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the operation of the resolutions of the late Congress of the United States, passed on the second day of November, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, and the twenty-third day of July, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, so far as they have been barred, or may be construed to bar the claims of the widow or orphans of any officer of the late army, to the seven years half-pay of such officer, shall, from and after the passing this act, be suspended for and during the term of two years.
And be it further enacted, That any commissioned officer, not having received the commutation of half pay, and any non-commissioned officer, soldier or seaman, disabled in the actual service of the United States, during the late war, by wounds or other known cause, who did not desert from the said service, shall be entitled to be placed on the pension list of the United States, during life or the continuance of such disability, and shall also be allowed such farther sum for the arrears of pension, from the time of such disability, not exceeding the rate of the annual allowance, in consequence of his disability, as the circuit court of the district, in which they respectively reside, may think just. Provided, That in every such case, the rules and regulations following shall be complied with; that is to say:—First. Every applicant shall attend the court in person, except where it shall be certified by two magistrates that he is unable to do so, and shall produce to the circuit court, the following proofs, to wit:—A certificate from the commanding officer of the ship, regiment, corps or company, in which he served, setting forth his disability, and that he was thus disabled while in the service of the United States; or the affidavits of two credible witnesses to the same effect.—The affidavits of three reputable freeholders of the city, town, or county, in which he resides, ascertaining of their own knowledge, the mode of life, employment, labor, or means of support of such applicant, for the last twelve months.—Secondly. The circuit court, upon receipt of the proofs aforesaid, shall forthwith proceed to examine into the nature of the wound, or other cause of disability of such applicant, and having ascertained the degree thereof, shall certify the same, and transmit the result of their enquiry, in case, in their opinion, the applicant should be put on the pension-list, to the Secretary at War, together with their opinion in writing, what proportion of the monthly pay of such applicant will be equivalent to the degree of disability ascertained in manner aforesaid.
And be it further enacted, That the clerk of the district court, in each district, shall publish this act in such manner as the judge of the district court shall think effectual to give general information thereof to the people of the district, and shall give like information of the times and places of holding the circuit courts in such district. And in districts wherein a circuit court is not directed by law to be holden, the judge of the district court shall be, and he hereby is authorized to exercise all the
powers given by this act to the respective circuit courts. And it shall be the duty of the judges of the circuit courts respectively, during the term of two years from the passing of this act, to remain at the places where the said courts shall be holden, five days at the least, from the time of opening the sessions thereof, that persons, disabled as aforesaid, may have full opportunity to make their application for the relief proposed by this act.
And be it further enacted, That the Secretary at War, upon receipt of the proofs, certificate and opinion aforesaid, shall cause the same to be duly filed in his office, and place the name of such applicant on the pension list of the United States, in conformity thereto: Provided always, That in any case, where the said Secretary shall have cause to suspect imposition or mistake, he shall have power to withhold the name of such applicant from the pension list, and make report of the same to Congress, at their next session.
And be it further enacted, That all non-commissioned officers, soldiers and seamen, disabled in the actual service of the United States, during the late war, whose disability and rate of allowance have been ascertained, pursuant to the regulations prescribed by the late Congress, and have not applied to be placed on the pension list, until after the time, limited by the act of Congress for that purpose, was expired, shall now be placed on the pension list, and be entitled to demand and receive their respective pensions, according to the allowances ascertained as aforesaid, any thing in this act, or any act of the late Congress, to the contrary, notwithstanding.
And be it further enacted, That from and after the passing of this act, no sale, transfer or mortgage of the whole or any part of the pension or arrearages of pension, payable to any non-commissioned officer, soldier or seamen, before the same shall become due, shall be valid. And every person, claiming such pension or arrearages of pension, or any part thereof, under power of attorney or substitution, shall, before the same is paid, make oath or affirmation before some justice of the peace of the place where the same is payable, that such power or substitution is not given by reason of any transfer of such pension, or arrearages of pension, and any person, who shall swear or affirm falsely in the premises, and be thereof convicted, shall suffer, as for wilful and corrupt perjury.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
JOHN ADAMS, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate.
Approved, March the twenty-third, 1792.
G. WASHINGTON, President of the United States.
LONDON, Jan. 24.
Political review of affairs abroad.
Besides the very critical state of France, which forms at present the great object of attention to every speculative politician in Europe, some affairs seem rising in the north, which, unless speedily settled to the content of the different parties concerned, may bring with them ample matter for serious discussion.
The King of Sweden, brave as his ancestor the great Gustavus, and undaunted as him, who was afterwards styled the "Alexander of the North," [Charles XII] by his manœuvring, has happily brought his affairs to that pass, that like another (in some people's eyes) degraded prince, he has been obliged to call together the states of his kingdom. Whether the issue may be as dangerous as that of France, or whether the monarch, idolized by his subjects for his valour, shall meet in them
all the support he wishes, remains at present a question impossible to be determined. But when one's own house is in danger of catching fire, it does not seem very wise to be running a thousand miles, to extinguish or rather blow up the flames in a neighbour's; and where innovations have been made by a monarch in a constitution, when the affair of that monarch come to be distressed, it requires more qualities than bravery, to keep all quiet. In the case of the Algerines, we see how easy it was to kindle a flame, where there was need. By the same practical manœuvres one might be kindled in any kingdom. When the last war broke out between Russia and Sweden, how many persons became immediately discontented and threw off all allegiance to their sovereign.
Russia having now no competitor for the throne in Prince Potemkin, the Great Duke will certainly, rightfully and peaceably succeed to the crown of that mighty empire. His own good qualities merit it; and his talents for making those happy over whom he may rule, render him a worthy successor to the immortal Catharine. There is no one who knows the magnanimity and munificence of the last mentioned Princess, that would wish her days to be shortened one moment. But come the time when it may, it will not be the worse for Old England. The Great Duke bears the British much good will; and his ministers will not be wanting to uphold him in it.
Poland, which but a short time since, presented so pacific an appearance, seems at present as if some clouds were gathering in her hemisphere. Two or three of her nobles delighted more with the power of aristocracy, than the franchises lately granted to the people, have seceded and protested against the new constitution; and if they can meet with support in any neighbouring powers, are doubtless ready to throw every thing in confusion, of those from whom they might have looked for aid. Prussia and Vienna have already testified their consent in the proposed successor to the monarch, and the enlargement of the privileges of the people.
Russia, indeed, withholds her assent; and where a great power supposes her influence diminished, it is too much the Machiavelian doctrine of the times, to oppose all innovations in the former theatre of her influence. Thus Poland, with all the good intentions in the world, may find fresh troubles arise from the senseless opposition of a few discontented citizens, to the wise measures of her diet, and the very liberal designs of her excellent sovereign.
RUSSIA and SWEDEN.
The treaty of mutual guarantee and defensive alliance lately concluded between the Empress of Russia and the King of Sweden, for the protection of their European dominions, is to continue for eight years.
Should he be attacked by any hostile power, the Empress engages to assist him, as soon as possible after the requisition, with 22,000 infantry and 3000 cavalry, to serve wherever he may have occasion for them. The troops to be ready in one, two, three, or at most four months, fully equipped with arms, provisions, &c. she is also to furnish eleven ships of the line and three frigates; the first mounting from 60 to 70, the latter 30 guns each.
The King, in his turn, engages to supply the Empress, when called upon, with 8000 foot, and 2000 horse, six ships of the line, and two frigates, carrying the same metal as those of the Empress.
FEB. 6. The return of the killed and wounded of his Majesty's troops during the siege of Bangalore from the 5th to the 22d. of March, and at the battle of Seringapatam on the 15th of May, 1791, is, according to Lord Cornwallis's
statement, as follows. Two Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 1 sergeant, 1 drummer, 54 rank and file killed—1 Lieutenant Colonel, 3 Captains, 8 Lieutenants, 3 Ensigns, 6 sergeants, 6 drummers, 211 rank and file wounded—7 rank and file missing.
The increase to the revenue from duties on malt alone, last year produced the sum of three hundred thousand pounds.
Yesterday the petition of the London buckle trade was presented to the Queen at the drawing room, by the four members for the city, and very graciously received. From St. James's, the members accompanied by a deputation of the trade, proceeded to Carlton house, where his Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales received a petition on the like occasion, and most graciously assured them, that he would do every thing in his power to promote the manufactures of this country.
Mrs. Jordan, the celebrated actress has surrendered to the Duke of Clarence, for three thousand guineas down, and a thousand per annum, during his life. Report says, after considering more maturely on the matter, he wished to be off the bargain. Upon this the fair syren sent him the bottom of a Play-Bill on which was written, No money return'd after the curtain is drawn up.
From the enormous price of sugar and some other West-India commodities, it is ascertained, that the merchants and planters of Jamaica and other British Islands in that quarter will be enabled to pay off the whole of their debt to the mother country, that has been accumulating for many years past.
BRUSSELS, Jan. 16.
The Bishop of Treves, has fulfilled what was required of him, conformable to the rights of nations, that is, he has complied with the letter of the law, though perhaps not with its spirit. The French required that he should dissipate the armed assemblies of the refugees; he has in consequence made two regulations; the latter is more complete than the former: It forbids all military exercises, all recruiting, the entry of all kinds of ammunition, arms and artillery; cantonments are forbid in the city of Treves, and four leagues around it. It orders also, that the emigrants shall not travel nor take the air in large bodies, and declares, that all deserters, if apprehended, shall be conducted out of the country.
The bishop, by means of these regulations, insists that he infringes no law nor treaty, and that the refugees in his estates cannot be considered but as peaceable travellers and sojourners; whereas in fact the only alteration that has taken place is, the exercises are discontinued, and that every man is ordered when he goes out to leave his arms at his lodgings.
The aristocrats are not discouraged; they say, that these measures are no more than prudent till the arrival of their friends whom they expect very shortly from Austria, Prussia, as well as from Sweden and Russia, when the season will permit. Though Frederick William signed the treaty of Pilnitz, it is apprehended that there are but small hopes of succour from that quarter.
Monsieur is said to approve highly the project of Mons. de Breteuil, for the establishment of two houses of parliament, as in England.
The mission of Mons. de St. Croix, is said to be effecting an agreement between the King and Princes, and the negotiations for that purpose advance fast.
** The Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the Excise Act, for sale at this Office.
Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on a National Bank.

PHILADELPHIA.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SATURDAY, March 24.
An engrossed "bill, for ascertaining the bounds of a tract of land purchased by J. C. Simms," was read a third time, passed, and sent to the Senate for their concurrence.
An engrossed "bill for finishing a lighthouse on Bald-Head, at the mouth of Cape Fear-river, in the state of N. Carolina," was also read a third time, passed, and sent to the Senate for their concurrence, - the blank, for the sum appropriated, being filled with four thousand dollars.
A "bill (from the Senate) to alter the times of holding the Circuit Courts in certain districts of the United States, and for other purposes," was read a second time, and ordered for commitment on Monday next.
In committee of the whole House (Mr. Seney in the chair) the "bill supplemental to the act for making further and more effectual provision for the protection of the United States," was considered and amended.
The House adopted the amendment, and passed the bill, as follows:
"Be it enacted, &c. That it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint such number of brigadier generals, as may be conducive to the good of the public service: Provided the whole number appointed, or to be appointed, shall not exceed four."
A memorial from sundry merchants of the city of Philadelphia, importers of dry goods, petitioning against an encrease of the import duties, and praying that a longer term may be allowed for the payment of the duties, - was referred to the committee of the whole on the Secretary's report of ways and means.
A "bill to extend the time heretofore granted for the payment of the duties on certain teas imported after the 3d day of March, 1791" - was twice read and ordered for commitment on Wednesday next.
The House again resolved itself into a committee of the whole - [Mr. Seney in the chair] - on the bill, sent from the Senate, to establish a mint and regulate the coins of the United States; and having made one amendment, rose and reported the bill, as amended.
The House immediately proceeding to consider the report of the committee, and having amended the amendment, on the question for adopting it as amended, a division was called for; and
The question being first taken on striking out a clause directing the gold and silver coins to be impressed on one side with a "Representation of the head of the President of the United States for the time being, with an inscription expressing the initial or first letter of his Christian or first name, and first name, and his sur-name at length, the succession of the Presidency numerically, and the year of the coinage," - it passed in the affirmative - yeas 26, nays 22.
Yeas - Messrs. Baldwin, Clark, Fitzsimons, Giles, Gregg, Heister, Key, Kitchell, Kittera, Laurence, Lee, Macon, Madison, Moore, Niles, Page, Seney, J. Smith, Sterrett, Sumpner, Tredwell, Tucker, Venable, White, Williamson, Willis.
Nays - Messrs. Barnwell, Benfon, Boudinot, S. Bourne, B. Bourne, Brown, Gilman, Goodhue, Hartley, Hillhouse, Huger, Jacobs, Learned, Livermore, Schoonmaker, Sedgwick, W. Smith, Sturges, Sylvester, Thatcher, Wadsworth, Ward.
The question was then taken on substituting an emblematic figure of liberty, with an inscription of the word 'LIBERTY,' - and passed also in the affirmative; yeas 42, nays 6.
Yeas - Messrs. Baldwin, Barnwell, B. Bourne, Brown, Clark, Fitzsimons, Giles, Gilman, Goodhue, Gregg, Hartley, Heister, Hillhouse, Huger, Jacobs, Key, Kitchell, Kittera, Laurence, Lee, Madison, Macon, Moore, Niles, Page, Schoonmaker, Sedgwick, Seney, J. Smith, W. Smith, Sterrett, Sturges, Sumpner, Sylvester, Tredwell, Tucker, Venable, Wadsworth, Ward, White, Williamson, Willis.
Nays - Messrs. Benfon, Boudinot, S. Bourne, Learned, Livermore, Thatcher.
The bill was then ordered for a third reading on Monday next.
The chief objection to having the coins marked with the head of the President for the time being, was, that it favors too much of monarchy, and would ill become the majesty of an independent people enjoying a free republican government, thus to idolize the features of an individual; and would besides be holding out an additional temptation to ambitious men, whose pride might be flattered by the prospect of having their faces consigned to immortality, in gold and silver.
Those gentlemen, on the other hand, who coincided in opinion with the Senate, thought it by no means derogatory to a republic, to have their money stamped with
the likeness of their chief magistrate: - that by agreeing with the Senate, they would give our President, as well as our coin, a greater degree of respectability in foreign countries, and would pay him a compliment which could not give umbrage to any citizen of the United States.
Our present chief magistrate (it was answered) has indeed a just title to every mark of respect; nor would any objection be made to stamping his image, as the mark of respectability, on our coins, provided his features were forever to be retained. But the framers of the bill intended no such compliment; on the contrary, they had expressly provided, that his head should, in the common course of events, make room in a short time, for that of - no body knows whom - a Nero perhaps, a Caligula, or a Heliogabalus.
Mr. S. Bourne, from the committee of enrollment, presented the Representation bill duly enrolled, and Mr. Speaker signed the same. Adjourned.
MONDAY, March 26.
Mr. Giles laid on the table the following resolution, declaring at the same time, that it was far from his intention to criminate or reflect upon the character of any person concerned: -
"Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to institute an enquiry into the causes of the late defeat of the army under the command of Major General St. Clair; and also into the causes of the detentions or delays, which attended the money, cloathing, provisions, and military stores for the use of the said army; and into such other causes, as may in any manner have been productive of the said defeat."
The "bill (from the Senate) establishing a mint, and regulating the coins of the United States," was read a third time, and passed, with the amendments, substituting an emblematical figure of LIBERTY, as the device on one side of the gold and silver coins.
On the passage of the bill, the yeas were 32, nays 22.
Yeas - Messrs. Ames, Ashe, Baldwin, Barnwell, Benfon, Boudinot, S. Bourne, B. Bourne, Brown, Gerry, Gilman, Goodhue, Hartley, Heister, Huger, Key, Kittera, Laurence, Learned, Livermore, Mercer, Muhlenberg, Page, Sedgwick, W. Smith, Sterrett, Sturges, Sylvester, Vining, Wadsworth, Ward, Williamson.
Nays - Messrs. Clarke, Findley, Giles, Gordon, Grove, Hillhouse, Jacobs, Kitchell, Lee, Macon, Madison, Moore, Niles, Parker, Schoonmaker, Seney, J. Smith, Sumpner, Thatcher, Tredwell, Venable, White.
The bill and the amendments were then sent to the Senate, and, in some time after,
A message from the Senate was delivered by Mr. Secretary Otis, notifying that they had considered the said amendment, and disagreed to it.
The House proceeding to consider the said message,
A motion was made to recede from the amendment.
Hereupon ensued a debate of considerable length, in which the advocates of the President's Head used a variety of arguments, some of a serious nature, others altogether ludicrous; and took much pains to convince gentlemen of opposite sentiments, that the point in dispute was a mere bagatelle, and hardly worth contending about: - whilst, on the other hand, it was strenuously maintained, that, trifling as the matter might be in appearance, it was nevertheless worthy of serious attention, being an insidious attack on Republicanism, calculated to sap the principles of the people, and gradually to reconcile them to monarchy.
On the question for receding, the Yeas 24, the Nays 32.
YEAS - Messrs. Ames, Barnwell, Benfon, Boudinot, S. Bourne, B. Bourne, Fitzsimons, Gerry, Gilman, Goodhue, Hartley, Huger, Hillhouse, Jacobs, Kittera, Learned, Livermore, Sedgwick, W. Smith, Sturges, Sylvester, Thatcher, Wadsworth, Ward - 24.
NAYS - Messrs. Ashe, Baldwin, Brown, Clarke, Giles, Gordon, Gregg, Griffin, Grove, Heister, Key, Kitchell, Lee, Macon, Madison, Mercer, Moore, Murray, Niles, Page, Parker, Seney, J. Smith, I. Smith, Steele, Sumpner, Tredwell, Tucker, Venable, Vining, White, Williamson - 32.
A motion being then made, that the House should adhere to their amendment, the question was carried in the affirmative.
Mr. Secretary Otis informed the House that the Senate had agreed to the proposed amendment to the Bill respecting the Brigadier Generals.
The committee of enrollment reported, that they had this day presented the Representation Bill to the President of the United States, for his approbation.
Pursuant to the order of the day, the House again resolved itself into a committee of the whole, (Mr. Seney in the chair) on the report of the select committee, on the Memorial of the Directors of the Ohio Company; and after some debate, the committee rose, and reported sundry resolutions,
one of which was rejected by the House, and the others adopted, as follows:
"Resolved, That a title ought to be made to the Ohio Company, for so much of the lands in their contracts, as they have actually paid for: -"
"That in addition to the above quantity of land, there be also granted to the said Company 214,935 acres (being the proportion, they were, by a resolve of Congress, authorised to pay in army rights) upon their delivering to the Secretary of the Treasury, army rights sufficient for the purpose: -"
"That there be also granted to the said Company, in addition to the aforementioned tracts, 100,000 acres, to make good 1000 lots of 100 acres each, appropriated by the Company as bounties to such as might become settlers within the said purchase; upon condition nevertheless, that the said company shall make good such bounties as well to future settlers, as to those already settled: -"
"That a title be made to the said company, for the remainder of the said 150,000 acres contracted for, upon their paying into the treasury of the United States, a sum not exceeding *** Cents per acre for the same, with interest from the passing of an act for that purpose,"
A select committee was appointed to bring in a bill or bills, in conformity to these resolutions. Adjourned.
The following resolutions were proposed by Mr. Fitzsimons on Thursday last:
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee,
1st THAT the term for receiving on loan, that part of the domestic debt of the United States which yet remains unsubscribed, be extended to the first day of September next, on the same terms as was provided by the act making provision for the public debt of the United States.
2d. That provision ought to be made for payment of the interest on the unsubscribed part of the domestic debt of the United States, to the first day of January, 1793, on like terms as was provided by the act aforesaid.
3d. That the holders of loan-office certificates, issued between the first day of September, 1777, and first day of March, 1778, be entitled to receive interest thereon, at the same rate as other non-subscribing creditors of the United States without being obliged to exchange such certificates.
4th. That the term for receiving on loan part of the debt of the individual states, assumed by the United States, yet unsubscribed, be extended to the first day of September next, on the same terms as provided by the act making provision for the public debt.
5th. That a subscription for a farther loan in the debts of the individual states, be opened and continued to the first day of September next, not to exceed in the whole millions of dollars, in the proportions following, that is to say:
 In the debt of New Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Rhode Island,  Connecticut,  New York,  New Jersey,  Virginia,  North Carolina,  South Carolina,  Georgia. 
Provided, That the interest on such loan shall not be payable before the --- day of ---: And provided, That when the sum, to be assumed for any state, shall not be subscribed by the holders of any of the evidences in which the same is made receivable, the state shall not be entitled to receive interest on the residue.
6th. That the subscriptions to the aforesaid loans in state debt, be payable in such certificates, bills, notes, and evidences of debt whatsoever, as shall have been issued by the respective states and by the several commissioners of loans of the United States, on account of the excesses of the sums subscribed in certain states beyond the sums heretofore allowed for such states. Provided, That no such certificates, bills, notes or evidences of debts of the respective states shall be receivable upon the said loan which, from the tenor thereof, from any public record, act or document, shall appear or can be ascertained to have been issued for purposes irrelative to compensations and expenditures for services or supplies towards the prosecution of the late war and the defence of the United States, or of some part thereof during the same; but this shall not be construed to exclude any certificate, bill, note or evidence of debt which shall have been issued in lieu or on account of any other certificate, bill, note or evidence of debt which was itself issued, in relation to such compensations and expenditures.
7th. That the debt due to certain foreign officers, the interest whereon is payable at the house of Grand, in Paris, be discharged out of any monies obtained on loan, by the President of the United States, in virtue of the act making provision for the public debt; - which may now be unappropriated.
8th. That the interest on so much of the domestic debt as has been or may be purchased for the United States, or as shall be paid into the treasury, and so much of the sum appropriated for the payment of the interest on the foreign and domestic debt as shall be over and above what may be sufficient for the payment of such interest, shall be appropriated in the first place, to the purchase of the part of the public debt, which bears an interest of 3 per cent. per ann. And the part of the said debt, the interest whereof is deferred until the said fund, with such additions as may be made to it, shall amount to two per centum of the public debt, bearing a present interest of six per cent. per ann. until the whole shall be redeemed. And thenceforth to be applied to the purchase or redemption of whatever part of the public debt may remain undischarged, until the whole shall be extinguished. The said funds to be applied to the purposes aforesaid, by the commissioners hereafter mentioned, under the approbation of the President of the United States.
9th. That --- be commissioners for the purposes aforesaid; and that a precise account of all the debts redeemed, and of all purchases by them made, be laid before the legislature within --- months after its first meeting in every year.
For the NATIONAL GAZETTE.
PROPERTY.
THIS term in its particular application means "that dominion which one man claims and exercises over the external things of the world, in exclusion of every other individual."
In its larger and juster meaning, it embraces everything to which a man may attach a value, and have a right; and which leaves to every one else the like advantage.
In the former sense, a man's land, or merchandise, or money is called his property.
In the latter sense, a man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them.
He has a property of peculiar value in his religious opinions, and in the profession and practice dictated by them.
He has a property very dear to him in the safety and liberty of his person.
He has an equal property in the free use of his faculties and free choice of the objects on which to employ them.
In a word, as a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be equally said to have a property in his rights.
Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions.
Where there is an excess of liberty, the effect is the same, tho' from an opposite cause.
Government is instituted to protect property of every sort; as well that which lies in the various rights of individuals, as that which the term particularly expresses. This being the end of government, that alone is a just government, which impartially secures to every man, whatever is his own.
According to this standard of merit, the praise of affording a just security to property, should be sparingly bestowed on a government which, however scrupulously guarding the possessions of individuals, does not protect them in the enjoyment and communication of their opinions, in which they have an equal, and in the estimation of some, a more valuable property.
More sparingly should this praise be allowed to a government, where a man's religious rights are violated by penalties, or fettered by tests, or taxed by a hierarchy. Conscience is the most sacred of all property; other property depending in part on positive law, the exercise of that, being a natural and unalienable right. To guard a man's house as his castle, to pay public and enforce private debts with the most exact faith, can give no title to invade a man's conscience which is more sacred than his castle, or to withhold from it that debt of protection, for which the public faith is pledged, by the very nature and original conditions of the social pact.
That is not a just government, nor is property secure under it, where the property which a man has in his personal safety and personal liberty, is violated by arbitrary seizures of one class of citizens for the service of the rest. A magistrate issuing his warrants to a press gang, would be in his proper functions in Turkey or Indostan, under appellations proverbial of the most compleat despotism.
That is not a just government, nor is property secure under it, where arbitrary restrictions, exemptions, and monopolies deny to part of its citizens that free use of their faculties, and free choice of their occupations, which not only constitute their property in the general sense of the word; but are the means of acquiring property strictly so called. What must be the spirit of legislation where a manufacturer of linen cloth is forbidden to bury his own child in a linen shroud, in order to favour his

neighbour who manufactures woollen cloth; where the manufacturer and wearer of woollen cloth are again forbidden the economical use of buttons of that material, in favor of the manufacturer of buttons of other materials!
A just security to property is not afforded by that government, under which unequal taxes oppress one species of property and reward another species: where arbitrary taxes invade the domestic sanctuaries of the rich, and excessive taxes grind the faces of the poor; where the keeness and competitions of want are deemed an insufficient spur to labor, and taxes are again applied, by an unfeeling policy, as another spur; in violation of that sacred property, which Heaven, in decreeing man to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow, kindly referred to him, in the small repose that could be spared from the supply of his necessities.
If there be a government then which prides itself in maintaining the inviolability of property; which provides that none shall be taken directly even for public use without indemnification to the owner, and yet directly violates the property which individuals have in their opinions, their religion, their persons, and their faculties; nay more, which indirectly violates their property, in their actual possessions, in the labor that acquires their daily subsistence, and in the hallowed remnant of time which ought to relieve their fatigues and soothe their cares, the influence will have been anticipated, that such a government is not a pattern for the United States.
If the United States mean to obtain or deserve the full praise due to wise and just governments, they will equally respect the rights of property, and the property in rights: they will rival the government that most sacredly guards the former; and by repelling its example in violating the latter, will make themselves a pattern to that and all other governments.
March 27.
PHILADELPHIA.
MARCH 29, 1792.
We have authority to assure the public that a loan of three millions of guilders for account of the United States, has been effected at four per cent interest, in the city of Amsterdam.
The Grand Jury of the county of Chatham, Georgia, have formally returned thanks to the Hon. James Jackson, Esquire, for his patriotic exertions in bringing to view certain mal-practices at a late election in the lower district of that state, for a representative to Congress.
A meeting of the New-York merchants and dealers in stocks was held at Corre's Hotel, in that city, on the 21st instant, when they came to a resolution, that after the 21st of April next, they will not attend any sale of stocks at public auction.
A treaty of commerce has been concluded between the Turks and the kingdom of Poland, in which the Poles are allowed the free navigation of the Black Sea.
The ravages and havoc of the insurgents in St. Domingo, have raised sugar to such an enormous price in France, that mobs throughout Paris have been the consequence; who, at least, make this the ostensible cause of their riots. Through the exertions of the national guards and civil authority of the city, little mischief had been done when the last accounts came away.
The apportionment (as the Senate are pleased to call it) by which the representation is to be randomized out among the several states, is pretty much like the apportionment of a basket of hickory nuts among a parcel of school-boys— by scramble —in which the strongest are sure to get more than their own share.
M. Prissot de Warville, a literary Frenchman, has published at Paris a fine eulogium of the old English republicans. If he had recurred to historic facts, he would not have been so profuse in their praises. Dalrymple, a learned Scots historian, in his historical memoirs of Great Britain, has incontrovertibly proved that the famous republican Sidney (to mention no more) was in the pay of the Cardinal Richelieu, to foment disturbances in England, to the prejudice of the monarchy.
On Friday last arrived in this port, in fifteen days from Cape Francois, the French ship of war La Moselle , Monsieur Ferrarie, commander—she is to load with flour and return immediately.
The most recent French prints say, that the Emperor does not appear at all sanguine in favor of the emigrants from France, whom he has strictly prohibited from assembling in armed bodies in any part of his dominions. They have been obliged to quit Coblenz, and every other part of the electorate of Treves, not from any ill will of the elector to their cause, but out of fear of feeling the resentment of France. The elector of Mentz has treated them in the same manner. The prince of Conde, with a body of 2500 adherents took refuge at or
near Strasburg, but the cardinal de Rohan, to whom the place belongs, found himself under a necessity of giving orders to disperse them.
A bill is now pending before the legislature of the state of New-York for establishing two companies; one for opening a lock navigation from the highest unimproved navigable part of Hudson's river to lake Ontario and the Seneca lake, the other from the highest navigable part of Hudson's river to lake Champlain. The capital stock of each company is proposed to consist of one thousand shares of twenty-five dollars each.
The debts of the present duke of Orleans (first prince of the blood, in France) are said to be immense; and the number of his creditors is fixed at two thousand eight hundred and eleven: On a late occasion his creditors demanded an interview with the duke, to which he assented, and agreed to meet them in a body. In former meetings they had constantly made it a point to take off their hats when the duke approached. At the last mentioned, upon motion of the principal creditor, they refused to do him that honor, but as he came into the room, sat down universally chapeau a la tête .
The Indian chiefs, now in this capital, have made their visit hither (it is said) in consequence of an invitation by Col. Pickering, Superintendent of Indian affairs, on behalf of the President of the United States. The object of this visit is said to be a confirmation of former treaties, and the promotion of peace and a good understanding between the whites and the Indian tribes of the five nations.—The chiefs are of the following tribes. 1. Senecas , six warriors.—2. Snipe tribe , eight warriors.—3. Wolf tribe , seven warriors.—4. Beaver tribe , eight warriors. 5. Cayugas , two warriors.—6. Onondagos , six warriors.—7. Oneidas , eight warriors.—8. Tuscaroras , three warriors.—9. Stockbridge , (branch of the Wolf tribe) one warrior.—In the whole, 49, under the direction of Doctor Samuel Kirkland, Indian missionary.
The state of New-York seems more intent than ever upon opening their northern and north-western navigation to communicate with lakes Champlain, Ontario, Seneca, &c. by means of the Hudson. The western company are to begin their works at Schenectady upon the Mohawk river. The northern navigation is to commence at Troy, six miles above Albany, the extremity of the present sloop navigation; and the channel of the Hudson to Lansingburgh is to be deepened at least two feet. The canals are to be calculated to carry boats drawing two feet and an half water, which is equal to about ten tons burthen in boats of the flat model.—From the geographical statements that have been made, every natural advantage seems to be in favor of New-York; and the projectors entertain no doubt of their success in extending their inland navigation to lake Superior, provided the public attention can be turned to promote the improvements necessary, and establish the funds, that must give life and energy to the undertaking.
The French frigate, La Moselle , that arrived here on Friday last (commanded by captain Ferrarie, lieutenant in the navy of France) left the Cape the 6th of March. Six thousand troops had then arrived, but these were judged insufficient to recover the island speedily. The national civil commissioners had sent an urgent demand to France for fourteen thousand more, which, in addition to the 6,000 already arrived it was thought would be fully sufficient to reduce the revolted to instant submission.
A letter from Fort-Washington, of Feb. 15, mentions the imprudent execution of several officers and soldiers from Fort-Jefferson, during which, although the distance they rambl'd did not exceed half a mile, their retreat was cut off by a party of Indians. They all, however, got back, except two (Mr. Shaylor and commissary Mason) who were killed and scalped. Capt. Shaylor was wounded in the back with an arrow.
The legislature of the state of Pennsylvania resolved, on Saturday last, to close their session on Monday, the second day of April.
Official accounts have been received of Col. Wilkinson's expedition to bury the dead, on the field of action with the Indians the 4th of Nov. last. The Col. marched from Fort-Washington Jan. 25, with two companies of the second regiment and 130 volunteer militia cavalry. On the 30th they reached Fort-Jefferson, near 70 miles distant, having been much impeded by snow two feet deep. On Feb. 3d they left Fort-Jefferson: the path proving intolerably bad, the infantry were soon after ordered to return to Fort-Washington, and the Col. with the volunteer cavalry proceeded on, and arrived at the place of action the next day at ten o'clock, 29 miles. The snow was here better than a foot and a half deep on a level. All the cannon carriages, except three, were unfit for service; one of which a four pounder continued mounted; this was the only one that could be discovered, the rest having probably been either buried, carried off, or thrown into a creek hard by, which was frozen over: the damaged carriages, and four pounder, a howitz, and some iron, were carried to Fort-Jefferson on sleds; to which place the party returned on the 5th.—Not a tree (say these accounts) or a bush, or scarcely a twig, could be found on the left, between the lines of the army, which had not been marked by a ball.
The proposition that the debates of the Senate of the United States should be public, was negatived in the Senate, on Monday last, by a majority of nine.
On Monday last the Chiefs and Warriors of the Five Nations assembled at the state-house, and were welcomed to the city of Philadelphia, in an address delivered by the Governor.—Three of the Chiefs made a general acknowledgment for the cordial reception which they had experienced, but postponed their formal answer till another opportunity. The room in which they assembled, was mentioned as the ancient council chamber in which their ancestors, and our's, had often met to brighten the chain of friendship; and this circumstance, together with the presence of a great part of the beauty of the city, had an evident effect upon the feelings of the Indians, and seemed, particularly, to embarrass the elocution of the Farmer's Brother. The following is a copy of the Governor's address.
CHIEFS and WARRIORS of the Five Nations! Brothers!
I am happy in receiving your visit; and, as Governor of the state of Pennsylvania, in giving you a cordial welcome to this city.
Nothing contributes more to strengthen and preserve the friendship of nations, as well as of individuals, than a free and constant intercourse; and I hope, that the good understanding, which has hitherto subsisted between your nations and Pennsylvania, will, by such means, be rendered as beneficial and as lasting as the sun.
Brothers! My pleasure in seeing you here is greatly increased, by comparing the confidence and attachment, which are shewn in your visit, with the unhappy spirit of discord, by which some western Indians are actuated.
Brothers! In this very house your fathers and the governors of Pennsylvania have often assembled, to express their regard for each other, and to brighten the chain of friendship.
Brothers! It must be pleasing to us to imitate so good an example; while, as inhabitants of the same country, it will always be our interest to preserve inviolate those bonds of faith and honor, by which our ancestors were united.
Brothers! You know that the people of Pennsylvania consider war as an enemy to the happiness of the human race, and peace as a source of various blessings. You will, therefore, believe, that we sincerely deplore the calamities which are felt by both the parties engaged in the present conflict; and are desirous to behold every cause of hostility and resentment done away.
Brothers! You are come to listen to the councils of the great Father of the union; let the truths which he will unfold make a deep impression on your minds, and induce you to believe that the citizens of the United States are strongly disposed to promote the happiness of all their Indian brethren.
Brothers! Once more I bid you welcome: The President, whose province it is to negotiate and conclude treaties, has directed his officers to provide for your accommodation, comfort, and support, while you remain among us; but I shall, likewise, be happy to testify my esteem for your nations, by every mark of attention, which it is in my power to bestow.
Brothers! I know the kindness with which you treat the strangers that visit your country; and it is my sincere wish, that, when you return to your families, you may be able to assure them, that virtues of friendship and hospitality are also practiced by the citizens of Pennsylvania.
(From a New-York paper) To the Holders of engagements under the Signature of the Subscriber.
New-York Prison, March 24, 1792. IT is with regret that the subscriber finds himself disappointed in bringing forward to his creditors, on this day, such specific propositions for the ultimate redemption of his debts, as he had once reason to expect.
At a meeting of a number of gentlemen (all of whom filed themselves his friends, amongst whom some were really so) it was thought advisable to postpone the publication of the plan he had in view, till it was supported by them in such a manner as they conceived most likely to ensure success.
But (the causes of such change it is not necessary to detail) the malice of open enemies and the insidious insinuations of pretended friends, have chilled the first glow of benevolence; and left to the subscriber the guardianship of his own fame, and that of the interest of all his creditors. A sacred trust! which the subscriber pledges himself to discharge with fidelity and honor.
In this view it is proposed by him as follows:
1st. That he will within nine months, computed from the present date (or sooner, if possible) make a settlement of all his concerns, point out the sources and amount of his losses, and constitute an adequate fund for the ultimate redemption of the principal and legal interest of all his debts.
2d. That this fund shall be so formed as not to place it within his own reach, to divert it from the objects of its destination.
3d. That he will make prompt arrangements for the reimbursement in the first instance, of all advances made by distressed widows, or orphans, mechanics and tradesmen, to whom any considerable delay would operate as ruin.
4th. That till the above objects are effected the walls of a prison shall secure that confidence which, he feels, might have been placed in his honor.
5th. That, trusting to time and a conscience void of intended injury for justification, he at present leaves to his enemies the cruel triumph of sporting over his afflictions, and to a generous people who may still be mindful of his public and private services, the protection of a virtuous wife and innocent family.
Wm. DUER.
For the NATIONAL GAZETTE.
WE were advised upon the commencement of the present government, that the Vice-President had adopted a rule of conduct for himself, in the discharge of the duties of his office, highly deserving the station he fills, and the nature of the trust reposed in him by the public. That in cases where the Senate should be equally divided, upon a bill which had passed the House of Representatives, he would vote for the bill. This determination was thought wise and just, because upon the permanent scale of the government it would be equal, one while favorable to one interest, and another to some other. And the peculiarity of his office, being the servant of the union, suggested the necessity of some rule, for otherwise his feelings might occasionally bias his judgment, and in the conflict of contending interests, make him degenerate into the representative of some state, and thus eventually become the mere creature of a party.
The public would be gratified by information from that honorable gentleman, whether such rule was ever adopted, and if so, upon what principle he justifies its violation, or the representation bill; for by the proceedings of the Senate which have been published, it appears that upon several divisions on that interesting question, he invariably departed from it, voting upon all occasions against the House of Representatives. As 'tis of importance that the conduct of an officer in this high station, should appear irreproachable before the public, it is hoped such explanation may be given, as will satisfy even the most scrupulous, of the purity of his motives.
Whatever objections may have been heretofore entertained against his political principles, yet none have been urged against his morals. The public have therefore followed themselves under the belief, that although he might in the fervor of his heart with a government of a different stamp, from that which binds together in the bonds of peace, the freemen of America, he would notwithstanding faithfully execute the portion which had been allotted him, of the duties of the present one.
March 28.
VALERIUS.
For the NATIONAL GAZETTE.
Occasioned by the Debate of this day, in the House of Representatives, on the Amendment proposed by Mr. Key to the Bill, for establishing a Mint, which originated in the Senate.
CAN wits or serious fages say, Why Congress should refuse that Head A place upon their coin this day, O'er which the world hath laurels spread?
Yes; Liberty, celestial Maid, By whom its right to crown was given, The eager hands of Congress laid; And claim'd that place, as sent by heav'n.
"Shall WASHINGTON my fav'rite Child, "Be rank'd 'mongst haughty kings, the cry'd;" "Of manners pure, affections mild, "For wild ambition be decry'd?"
"Or shall each vile successor share "That honor which you think his due? "Or granting this were right, who dare "This path of monarchies pursue?"
"Because a sycophantic race "Worship'd in every form their kings; "And on their coins to their disgrace, "Plac'd them if wise, or silly things;
"Because (for this you have been told) "Their lands, their lives were not their own, "Of course their silver and their gold "Were his who sat upon their throne.
"Shall sons of this enlighten'd land, "Neglecting thus their sacred right, "As if not yet they understand "Why heaven has favo'd them in fight,
"Thus madly mimick thoughtless tools? "Let busts, let monuments arise "To Washington! not like those fools "On coins he'll slay; I'll bear him 'bove the
"fices. "My image place upon each piece;" "His, and his virtues in your breast;" "There you'll excell 'en Rome and Greece," "By all my fav'rite sons carest.
Phila. March 26.
*** In our paper of the 22d inst. in the piece signed Lucius , in the second column of the third page, line 54 for regulating read equalizing .

RECEIPT to make an ECHO Writer.
TWO bushels of meal * and three gallons of water, (Rain-water or river is held to be best) The guts of a swine just warm from the slaughter, And a pumpkin boil'd up with a gallon of yeast.
Six quarts of strong hogs, that stinks from the still, A jill of molasses, and twichell three pints, With malice and scandal—as much as you will— And a quantum of bear's-grease, to supple the joints :
Old Midas's ears, and the sweatings of brats, The tongue of a goose, and the huff of an onion, The liquor that chills in the hoof of an ass, Some verses, slight-handed from Pope or from Bunyan :—
Work these up together, and let them ferment, In the space of a day the farrago will rise ; Eight more snuff claps, and the eighth being spent,
On the ninth the spruce puppy will open his eyes.
He'll then be completed for epic or lyric , To plunder from Butler, and call it his own, To scribble on dunces some dull panegyric, Or whine out his poems in sorrowful tone :
He'll then be completed, to publish his jokers, To furbish up psalms, or to cobble damn'd stuff, In poems call'd ecchos , with pitiful croakings, To snuffle out lies, and expire in a snuff.
March 27. Probatum est. * Indian-corn-meal is here meant.
For the NATIONAL GAZETTE.
MR. FRENEAU,
A SHORT piece of philosophical disquisition extracted from the manuscript of a late traveller, appeared in your paper of the 22d instant, on which I wish to make a few remarks of a philosophical kind. It is, no doubt, the province of philosophy to ascertain facts, and to make inductions from them. The inductions, however, must not only be fairly made, but shown to be unavoidable and supported by actual experiment, before they can claim to be considered in any other light than that of hypothesis or conjecture, which in regard to the operations of nature is almost always erroneous. Now, the author of the extract in question, appears to me to have made some inductions from the facts which the author mentions, I am not disposed to deny. But in assigning a space of time for the purpose, he expresses, in my apprehension, as crude and unphilosophical a thought, as can easily be imagined. It is a well known and indisputable fact, that all eminencies, composed of earth, are subject to a constant diminution by the washing of rains, by the disposition of the atmosphere itself to disunite the parts which are thus brought into a constrained situation, and by their uniform tendency, when thus disunited, to take their place nearer to the centre of the earth. So true is this, that all moles and banks of earth, however covered with clods, or held together by the fibrous roots of vegetable substances, are seen, in the course of a few years, to diminish very considerably, and to spread themselves into a sort of plain; and the author of these remarks has had it in his power to ascertain, beyond a doubt, that the height of a natural hill, the soil of which was not loosened by cultivation, was, in a period of about forty years, diminished half a foot, though its base was about three miles in circumference. Now if, as the author of the extract supposes, the pyramids which he saw, had been constructed two hundred centuries ago, and at that time had been, not eighty, but more than an hundred and sixty feet in height; and supposing them to have diminished one tenth of an inch annually, which is, I believe, nearly ten times less than the truth, they would have been entirely reduced to a level before this time; and he would have come much too late for the pleasure of beholding them.
And as the conjecture is certainly incapable of defence, so there does not appear to be the least necessity for it, in order to account for the white substance that he discovered. Every change which is necessary to the production of this substance may as well take place in a hundredth part of the time that he mentions, as in the whole. Neither have we any reason to suppose that bodies are perpetually or eternally altering, or that after a considerable space of time, they do not resolve themselves into that state in which they will permanently remain. It is at least certain, from the numerous occasions which there have been to dig up the repositories of the dead, that the very effect which he mentions has been produced in a succession of years, of no great extent: So that if the author of this conjecture had mentioned two centuries, instead of two hundred, he would probably have come much nearer to the truth.
The other remarks which are contained in this extract, relative to the state of the country on both sides of the Mississippi,—to the copper mine discovered there,—to the furnace and coals which were found below the surface of the earth,—to the piece of black marble which dropped from the bank of the river,—to the spring of brine,—and to the numerous fortifications which have been observed,—allowing them all to be unquestionable
facts, do not appear to me to afford the shadow of a foundation for the induction which appears to have been the cause of making them, and which is thus particularly stated—"From these and many other similar remains of antiquity, one would be inclined to think the world much older than it has been commonly imagined. Aristotle affirmed it to be eternal; and no arguments have ever been brought to confute him." Whether the world, allowing it not to be eternal, is much older than has commonly been imagined, is a point which I shall not at present discuss. Certain it is that this author has discovered no new evidences of its extreme age; for facts, similar to those he has mentioned, have long been known, and the better of different systems, have had a fair opportunity to compare their opinions, and to reconcile the phenomena with their different theories. On these every man will judge for himself. For my own part, after giving some attention to the subject, it appears to me that natural history is wholly inexplicable, without admitting that there has been, at some pretty remote period of time, a great and general convulsion of the planet on which we live; and by which the parts which since were covered with water are now become land, and vice versa: And that, admitting this, tho' there may remain some difficulties, yet they are neither half so numerous, nor half so inexplicable, as those which occur on any other supposition: In a word, that on this plan there will be some appearances which it may not be easy fully to explain, but yet they will not be such as involve any absurdity or contradiction.
But the author of the extract evidently inclines to favor what he affirms to have been the opinion of Aristotle, and positively asserts that no arguments have ever been brought to confute him. Suffer me then, as I think, that of all opinions, this is the most irrational, to furnish one argument for its confutation, that the assertion, at any rate, may not be true hereafter. And the data on which the argument shall be founded shall be taken from the extract itself. This asserts, that substances are frequently found below the surface of the earth, and that in places where there are no vestiges of volcanoes or earthquakes; or even if these were the real cause of the subterranean situation of these substances, they are not supposed to be so by the author; but it is taken for granted by him, that they are come to their present places, by the regular operations of nature; and from this it is that he makes his inference, in regard to the earth's antiquity. If, then, the earth must be ancient for this reason; I assert that, for the same reason, it cannot be eternal.
This very idea concedes what I have already mentioned, and what I believe no one will deny, that there is in the laws of nature a constant tendency to render the earth a plain and smooth surface, by depressing the hills and filling up the cavities. But immense hills and vallies do yet appear, and therefore the earth cannot be eternal, unless we suppose, what all philosophy abhors, that the laws of nature have not always been as they now are; or that they are disposed, at certain periods, to work backwards, and cover the whole face of the earth anew with hills and holes; or, if an illustration may be admitted, to give it the natural small-pox. Nothing is more evident than that an eternal tendency to a level, however gradual in its operation, would have produced it, eternal ages since; and thus, on this hypothesis, there would not be, in all the language of the earth, if languages or people could exist, a term at present to express either hill or vale. So that, on this author's own proof of the extreme longevity of the world, we shall have, as long as mountains and vallies remain, a standing evidence that they are not eternal. But having adduced my argument, I think proper to remark, that I am fully aware that it is not novel, tho' I think it is unanswerable. It is, indeed, but one of a whole host of arguments which, notwithstanding the assertion of the author of the extract, have often been urged, and unanswerably urged, to confute the opinion which he says has never been confuted. If he is not convinced, he ought, at least, to show to much respect to the opinions of others, as to support the assertion which gainsays them with a few reasons.
As the above remarks relate to a point in which the general interests of science are somewhat concerned, I hope, Mr. Editor, you will favor them with a place in your paper; tho' I have extended them farther than I at first designed. Questions relative to the surface and structure of the earth are, at present, occupying the attention of the most enlightened philosophers of Europe, and they certainly merit the attention of all. New discoveries will no doubt be made, and truth will eventually be triumphant. But among all the facts which have hitherto been established, none has come to my knowledge which renders it improper, at present, to repeat the question, which Burnet, long since, proposed: "I would ask the Eternalists (says he) what mark is there, that they could expect or desire, of the novelty of a world, which is not found in this? Or what mark of eternity is there, that is found in this?"
With due respect, I am your's, &c. EXAMINATOR.
EAST-INDIES.
Fort St. George, Sept. 15.
On the 16th July, the army marched towards Oussore, and arriving within five miles of it, major Gowdie, with his brigade, was detached against it. The major arrived there about three under lieut. Macleod, with a flag of truce to summon the fort. At the instant an explosion was observed in the N. W. angle, and great numbers of people were seen moving off to the southward; circumstances which convinced major Gowdie that the fort was evacuated. A detachment was ordered to take possession of it, when it was found that the explosion had been occasioned by the enemy springing a mine, by which one of the finest bastions was ruined. It is a place of much strength, and had Tippoo been allowed to finish it, we should have found as much difficulty in taking it as was experienced in the taking of Bangalore. Five pieces of cannon, some artillery stores, and grain, were found in
the fort. After blowing up the bastions, the enemy had laid a plan for blowing up the whole as soon as our troops should have obtained possession of the garrison; but the man employed to put the match to the train, luckily took fright, and saved two of our battalions. Some of the village people said, that there were three European officers confined there; and that two days previous to the arrival of our troops before the fort, they were, by Tippoo's orders, put to death.
On the 17th, the whole of the army encamped before Oussore.—Capt. Welsh, of the Bengal volunteers, was ordered to take the command of the force, and major Gowdie, with his brigade, was ordered against Roya Cottah, where he arrived about ten the following morning. A Subadar, and a party of sepoys, with a flag of truce, was sent to the fort, with an offer of terms of capitulation to the garrison, who refused to give the Subadar admittance, and contrary to the law of nations, fired three shot at him, but without effect. On the 18th, orders were received from Lord Cornwallis, to get possession of the Pettah, and every preparation was accordingly made; on the next morning, just as the day began to dawn, the major ran with a six pounder up to the gate, and blew it open; and succeeded in the same way against the inner gate, when the party on the attack, rushed forward to a fort on the side of a hill, and gained the foot of it with much difficulty, by a very steep ascent of about 600 yards, in which the people were obliged to assist each other: here every moment became precious, and the major seized the opportunity: he forced two gateways and pursued the part of the enemy's garrison stationed there, nearly two hundred yards; all the while ascending the hill, by means of a rugged flight of steps, when another gateway presented itself, and it being judged too difficult for an attempt to force in, or indeed to reach it, the major ordered the troops to retire under cover of the ports that had been secured. It was at this place that the party sustained its greatest loss: Ensign Crowe, of the corps of engineers, being extremely desirous of ascertaining the exact situation of the gate-way, and its defence, did not pay a necessary attention to the orders that were given for retiring, altho' twice repeated to him: he fell a sacrifice to the impulse of a generous ardor, and expired on the spot.
On the 22d, major Gowdie, having frequently and minutely reconnoitred the fort, and satisfied himself that it might be carried, all the field-pieces of the brigade were brought to bear upon different parts of it, and two of them upon three of its gates. A reinforcement was sent from the grand army, of a battalion of sepoys under Capt. Chace, and two 12 pounders. After the demolition of the enemy's defences, a general assault was intended, a well directed fire soon answered the end proposed, the enemy fled from their works with great precipitation—a white flag was immediately hung out from the walls—the capitulation was signed at 6 o'clock in the evening, when our troops were put into full possession of the fort, &c. Our loss at Roya Cottah was one officer killed, and two private Europeans, and seven sepoys wounded. Only three hundred bullock loads of rice, some powder, and a small proportion of military stores were found in the fort.
I forgot to mention, when speaking of Oussore, that after the grand army arrived there, some of the men found kalendars, journals, &c. which marked the residence of some of the Hannibal man of war's people, particularly three of the name of Hamilton, James Wallis, and Sadak. In one of the kalendars is this remark, "This is the birth day of the unfortunate James Wallis, aged 27 years." Their irons were in the work shop, and but newly struck off.
On the 24th of July, the army was encamped near Neil Droog, about twenty miles from Kistnagurry. The place is well cultivated, and abounds with a number of good villages, but is at present depopulated, the inhabitants dreading the depredations of the Mahrattas, and our followers have fled for shelter to the Hill Forts, several of which have fallen into our hands, and were found crowded with these unfortunate people.
Our army is now in possession of the following Hill Forts, viz. Anchety, Dargum, Terra, Rattah, Gurry, Codea, Durgem, and Roya Cottah.
Lord Cornwallis hopes to be able to appear before Seringapatam early in November. By the latest advices in this place, Tippoo's army was on the northern banks of the Cavery, and had been supplied from the capital with a considerable quantity of stores. The present report prevailing is, that an expedition to the eastward is intended, and that Tippoo will be there in person. A detachment to the northward, under the command of Seid Sahab, had marched, but its objects are unknown: another detachment, under Cummee-udeen-Kahn, consisting of six thousand horse, and the same number of infantry, with six guns, marched to the Gazzautty Pass some short time ago, to invade the southern provinces of Palgarcherry and Coimbatore, but he failed in his expedition.
From the WEEKLY REGISTER, Printed at NORWICH, Connecticut.
EVERY friend to this country, must be sensibly impressed with the arduous business which has been performed during this session of Congress. If any one is so stupid, as to insist on an enumeration of the important acts abovementioned, I can answer him that since the meeting of the present Congress, which is not yet quite four months, they have passed an act making appropriations for the year 1792, or in other words, providing for their own wages, and also an act to regulate post-offices and post-roads: And what mortal could expect greater exertions than these? Why, fir, the whole expenditure for performing this does not surmount an hundred thousand dollars. But this is not all, much has been said about the Indian war, and the galleries have been cleared twenty-three times, for important private communications. These private communications doubtless contain much excellent matter, such as the Cornplanter's Speech, and an exact list of the number of men butchered at the Miami villages.
Again, fir, how many fine speeches have been made upon the memorial of Catharine Greene, relative to a contract made by the late General Greene? How language was exhausted upon this subject, and how many of our sage legislators spoke affectingly of the cruel subject of the American war?—who shall supply the place of President of the United States, in case of his death or resignation, or in other words, Whether the state of Massachusetts, New-York or Virginia, shall have the next President, has been litigated with great candour and disinterested patriotism.
But the great question whether John Churchman's magnetic discoveries, deserve the attention and patronage of the national legislature, has been discussed in the most finished and elaborate manner. This subject employed the time of the first Congress, from their earliest meeting, till their dissolution, and seems yet in its infancy. Here was an excellent opportunity for the display of literary talents, and the members immortalized their names on this subject! Are not such questions highly interesting! What will become of the national funds, if Congress neglect this opportunity of informing themselves where the magnetic pole is?
Gen. Wayne and Jackson's electioneering dispute, has been entered upon and great preparations are making for its discussion—'Tis expected, this will be highly entertaining and important, equal to the cock-fighting and bull-baiting, practised in Europe.
What praises then are due to the faithful guardians of our liberties, for such singular exertions for the public good? Six dollars per day, is a pitiful compensation for such important services. Monuments ought to be erected, in perpetual remembrance of their noble deeds and placed in the New Federal City, the place designed for the display of all that is great and magnificent. Norwich, Feb. 21, 1792.
Prices Current at Philadelphia.
[Dollar equal to 100 Cents.]
 ASHES Pot per ton 90 Dols. to 100  Ashes pearl 137 — — 140  Bacon flitches, per lb. 6 1-2 cents  Bacon shoulders 6 do.  Bees wax, per lb. 25 cents to 27  Brandy, Coniac pr gl. 1 dol. 50 c.  Brandy, common, 1 dol. 26 c.  Butter, in kegs, per lb. 10 c. to 12  Coals, per bushel, 20 c. to 22  Coffee, per lb. 18 c.  Cotton, per lb. 26 c. to 40  Flax seed, per bushel, 85 c. to 90  Flour, super fine, per barrel, 5 dols. 75 c.  Common, 4 dols. 74 c.  Burr middlings, best, per bbl. 4 dols 13 c.  Meal Indian 2 dols. 67 c.  Rye 3 dols.  Ship stuff, per cwt, 1 dol. to 1 dol. 33 c.  Gin, Holland, per cafe, 4 dols.  Ginseng, per lb. 20 c. to 24  Grain, barley, per bushel, 60 c. to 63  best shelled, per lb. 3 c.  Buck-wheat, per bushel, 40 c.  Indian corn, 40 c. 44, Oats 26 c. pr. bush.  Rye 50 c. to 54, Wheat 90 to 93, pr. do.  Hams, per lb. 8 c. to 9  Hemp, imported, per ton, 120 dols. to 146 67 c.  American, per lb. 4 c. to 5  Hides, raw, per lb. 9 c. to 11  Indigo, Carolina, per lb. 40 c. to 1 dol.  Iron, bar, per ton, 82 dols. 67 c.  Castings, per cwt. 3 dols. 47 c.  Nail-rods per ton 96 dols.  Pigs, per ton, 24 dols. to 26 dols. 67 c.  Sheet, per ton, 173 dols 33 c.  Lard, hogs, per lb. 9 c. to 10  Lead, in bars, per cwt. 7 dols.  In pigs, — — 5 dols. 33 c. to 5 dols. 67 c.  Red, — — 6 dols. 40 c. to 6 dols. 67 c.  White, — — 10 dols. to 10 dols. 67 c.  Myrtle wax per lb. 18 c.  Molasses, per gal. 46 c. to 50  Pitch, per barrel, 1 dol. 73 c. to 2 dols.  Pork, Burlington, per barrel, 11 dols to 11 d. 33 c.  Lower County, do. 10 dols.  Carolina, do. 9 dols.  Rice, per 100 lb. 2 dols. 67 c.  Rofin, per barrel, 2 dols. 33 c. to 2 dols. 67 c.  Rum, Antigua, per gallon, 90 c.  Barbadoes, do. do. 77 c.  New-England, &c. 59 c.  Jamaica, 1 dol. 32 c.  Windward Island, 80 to 83 c.  Snake-Root, per lb. 20 c. to 42  Sugar, Havana, white, per lb. 17 to 18 c.  Brown, per lb. 15 c.  Muscovado, per cwt. 14 dols. to 16 dols.  Lump, per lb. 22 c.  Loaf, single refined, 25 c.  Loaf, double ditto, 36 c.  Tallow, refined, per lb. 9 c.  Tar, New-Jersey, 24 gal. to the bbl. 1 dol.  Carolina, 32 gal. 1 dol. 33 c. to 1 dol. 67 c.  Tea, Hyson, per lb. 93 c. to 1 dol. 28 c.  Hyson skin, 53 c. to 67  Souchong, 50 c. to 93  Congo, 43 c. to 50  Bohea, 34 c. to 36  Tobacco, James River, best, per cwt. 3 dols. 60 c. to 3 dols. 73 c.  Inferior, 2 dols. 67 c. to 3 dols. Old, 4 dols. 67 c.  Rappahannock, 2 dols. 50 c. to 3 dols. Coloured Maryland, 5 dl. 33 c. to 8 dl. Dark, 2 dols. 40 c.  Long leaf, 2 dols. 40 c.  Eastern Shore, 2 dols. to 2 dols. 23 c. Carolina, new, 2 dols. 7 c. to 3 dols. Carolina, old, 2 dols. 7 c. to 3 dols.  Turpentine, per barrel, 1 dol. 67 c. to 2 dols.  Wine, Madeira, per pipe, 106 dl. 67 c. to 200 dl. Lisbon, — — 96 dols. to 100  Teneriffe, per gal. 51 c. to 60  Payal, — — 44 c. 49  Port, per pipe, 106 dols. 67 c. to 120 dols 
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