The New-York packet (New York [N.Y.]), 1788-01-18 00:00:00

The New-York Packet.
TROS TYRIUSQUE NOBIS NULLO DISCRIMINE AGETUR. Virg.
F R I D A Y, J A N U A R Y 18, 1788.
[N o 768.]
Nailing Manufactory. JACOB FOSTER,
No. 22, Cherry-street, BEGS leave to inform his friends and the public in general, that he carries on the NAILING MANUFACTORY, in all its various branches, from a tack to a twelve inch spike; where city and country merchants, shopkeepers, ship and boat builders, joiners and house carpenters can be supplied on short notice with any quantity.
Furthermore, he would inform the merchants, who would wish to contract for any ship work or smith work to send abroad, that he will contract with them on reasonable terms for the same. Please to apply as aforesaid. 19
To the People of America.
AMONGST the numerous publications that have issued from the press, on the subject of Federal Government, none have attracted the public attention more than that entitled the FEDERALIST, under the signature of PUBLIUS:—The justness of the reasoning, the force of the arguments, and the beauty of the language, which distinguish this performance, have justly recommended it to general applause.
To attain a competent knowledge of the advantages to be derived from adopting the proposed Federal Constitution, is no doubt the sincere wish of every true friend to his country:—This performance being entirely free from party spirit and personal invective, is therefore well calculated to accomplish so desirable an end.
The avidity with which this writer's pieces have been sought after by politicians and persons of every description, and the particular attention the different Printers throughout the United States have shown them by regular insertions in their papers, are conclusive proofs of the superior excellence of this elegant political production. The manner in which the author treats and discusses the controverted parts of the Constitution, displays much information, patriotism and candor, and can hardly fail of meeting with a favorable reception from the opposers, as well as the advocates of the new system of government.
Under this persuasion the publishers flatter themselves with the countenance and support of the Citizens of America, to a publication evidently written to promote their welfare, happiness and prosperity.
In the Press and speedily will be published,
The FEDERALIST, A collection of Essays, written in favor of the new Constitution, By a Citizen of New York.
Corrected by the Author with additions and alterations
CONDITIONS.
This work will be printed on a fine paper and good Type, in one handsome volume duodecimo.
The number of pages the Volume will contain, cannot rightly be ascertained, as the Author has not yet done publishing, but the Printers engage to deliver them to subscribers at the very reasonable rate of five shillings for 200 pages, five shillings, if 250, and all above gratis.—The numbers already published will make more than 200 pages, and the author does not seem to be nigh a close.
To render this work more complete, will be added, without any additional expense,
PHILO-PUBLIUS, and the ARTICLES of the CONVENTION, as agreed upon at Philadelphia, September 17th, 1787.
A few Copies will be printed on superfine royal writing paper, price ten shillings.
** No money required till delivery.
SUBSCRIPTIONS are taken in by J. M c Lean, and Co. No. 41, Hanover-Square, by the several Booksellers in the city, and by all others intrusted with proposals.
New-York, January 1, 1788.
To be SOLD,
A HOUSE and LOT, No. 11, Little Dock-street, being a capital stand for business, on which is a good dwelling-house with a back kitchen and store-house in the yard.
For terms apply to the subscriber on the premises. 55
WM. M c KINLY.
N. B. One half of the purchase money to be paid down, and the other at no limited time, just as it may suit the purchaser.
BLANK BOOKS.
LEDGERS, journals, waste books, invoice books, letter books, well bound and lettered; imperial, royal, medium or fool's cap paper.
Also, receipt books, memorandum books, pocket books, and a great variety of stationary, amongst which are several thousand
Best HOLLAND QUILLS, which will be sold at moderate prices, by S. LOUDON.
BLANKS,
Sold at this Office.
3213 6
Benjamin Halsted,
GOLD and SILVER-SMITH, RESPECTFULLY acknowledges the favours of his friends and customers, and hereby informs them and the public in general, that he carries on his business as usual, at No. 18, Maiden-lane, where all orders will be duly acknowledged and faithfully executed on the shortest notice.
N. B. He sells silver tea spoons for one shilling per doz. 4 17 or 18
ALL Persons who are indebted to the estate of the late Jane Blanche, or Elizabeth Beau, or either of them, either by bond, note, or book debt, are desired to make payment to George Dominick, one of the executors to said estate, on or before the first day of March next, as all accounts which are not paid by that time will be put into the hands of an attorney, and all those who have any demands against the estate of the said Jane Blanche, or Elizabeth Beau or either of them, are desired to bring in their accounts.
GEORGE DOMINICK, } Executors. WILLIAM USTICK, } New-York, 14th December, 1787. 58
Parchment Manufactory.
WEST and BULGER, WISH to inform the citizens of New-York, that they have erected a Parchment Manufactory No. 5, Frankfort-street, near the Brick Presbyterian Church, where the gentlemen of the law, and stationers, can be supplied on the lowest terms, and engaged as good as any imported—They have for the greater convenience of their friends, appointed Mr. Frederick Jay, corner of Wall and Queen-streets, to sell for them on commission. They also flatter themselves that the above gentlemen will give them all the encouragement worthy the undertaking, it being the first ever established in this city; and it is a well known fact that vast sums have been transported from this State, for that single article.
N. B. They also make Drawing, Writing and Binding Vellums. 44
Daniel Dunbar
Has for Sale, at his Lumber-Yard at Burling-ship and on the North and East rivers, a large and general assortment of LUMBER, &c. which he will sell on the most reasonable terms, viz.
MASTS and booms from 4 to 28 inches, squared oak and yellow pine timber, dock logs, red cedar posts, a few shingles, large, common and spoon blade oars from ten to thirty feet long, made and unmade handspikes, hay in bundles, &c. &c.
A L S O,
A large and general assortment of DRY GOODS, wholesale and retail, at No. 175, Queen-street, between Beckman-street and Peck-ship.
First month, 7th, 1788. 65 18M
NOTICE is hereby given, according to the form of an act of the Legislature of the late colony of New-York, entitled, "An act for the more effectual registry of mortgages, and for securing the purchasers of mortgaged estates," passed the 19th day of March, in the year of our Lord, 1774; that on the sixth day of March next ensuing the date hereof, at 12 o'clock in the forenoon of the same day, will be sold at Public Auction, upon the premises, the fee simple of all that certain messuage or dwelling house and lot of ground, situated and being in the north ward of the city of New-York, on the northerly side of a certain street called and known by the name of Little Queen-street; bounded southerly in front on said street, easterly on the house and ground now or late of Thomas Marston, northerly in the rear on the ground now or late of John Livingston and others, and westerly on the New-Dutch Church yard; the said dwelling house and lot of ground, containing in breadth in front and rear, twenty-three feet and an half, and in length, on each side, ninety-fix feet, together with the houses, edifices and buildings thereon erected and being, and all gardens, yards, wells, back sides, ways, paths, passages, easements, profits, commodities, advantages, emoluments, hereditaments and appurtenances to the said dwelling house and lot of ground belonging, or in any wise appertaining,—which sale will be made in virtue of a mortgage of the said premises, by indentures of lease and release, bearing date the twenty-first and twenty second days of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five (with a power to sell therein contained) from William Bryant, of the city of New-York, Doctor of physics, to Alexander Leslie, late of the city of New-York aforesaid peruke maker, assigned to the subscribers, who will thereupon execute deeds of conveyance to the purchaser, pursuant to the power in the said mortgage and the act aforesaid.
WILLIAM DAVIS, JAMES STRACHAN, JAMES MACKENZIE,
By their Attorney, Charles Smith. 2 27 6m
To be SOLD,
Or exchanged for property in or near this city; A FARM containing about two hundred acres, a new grist-mill, a new large barn, a large commodious dwelling house, a new ditto smaller, with several out buildings; situated within three miles of Peek's-Kill, and one mile and a half from Lavinus's landing, on a public road where business in a store may be carried on extensively, and all sorts of grain purchased. For particulars enquire of GEORGE DOUGLAS, jun. merchant, in New-York, or to PETER CORNE, on the premises. 59 8
By order of the Honorable Richard Morris, Esq. Chief Justice of the State of New-York.
NOTICE is hereby given to David Greame, George Jackson, Arthur Forreil, Richard Willis, the Rev. Thomas Dampier, John Elwes, and Richard Willis aforesaid, in trust for Mary the wife of William Croffes, John Elwes in his own right, Patrick Crawford and Gilbert Meason, executors of James Crawford, deceased; Hutchinson Mure, Robert Mure, and Richard Atkinson, joint partners, John Duvall, William Robertson, Neal Ward, Mary Sleach, Lucy Sleach, William Berry, Peter Hasenclever and Charles Croffes, late partners with Andrew Seaton (who is become bankrupt) under the file or firm of Hasenclever, Seaton and Croffes; also the said Andrew Seaton, the said William Robertson, Miles Nightengale, and the said Richard Willis, as assignees of the estate and effects of the said Andrew Seaton, under the said commission of bankruptcy, and the said Peter Hasenclever in his own right, now or late associated in a company generally known by the name, firm and description of the American Iron Company, or the Ringwood Company, absent debtors, and to all others whom it doth or may concern; that upon application and due proof made to the said Chief Justice, pursuant to a statute of the Legislature of the State of New-York, entitled, "An act for relief against absconding and absent debtors," passed the 4th of April, 1786, he the said Chief Justice hath issued his warrant to the Sheriff of the county of Westchester, commanding him to attach, seize, take, and safely keep, all the estate as well real as personal of the said American Iron Company, or Ringwood Company, composed of the said several persons as aforesaid, absent debtors of what kind or nature soever, and every or any part or parcel thereof in whatever part of his bailiwick they can be found with all evidences, books of accounts, vouchers, and papers relating thereto: And that unless they the said several persons composing the said American Iron Company, or Ringwood Company as aforesaid, shall return and discharge their debts within twelve months after the publication of this notice, all their estate, real and personal, will be sold for the payment and satisfaction of their creditors.—Dated at the city of New-York, the tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord, 1787. 2 31
PUBLIC notice is hereby given, pursuant to an act of the Governor, the Council and the General Assembly of the late colony, now State of New-York, passed the nineteenth day of March, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-four, entitled, "An act for the more effectual registry of mortgages, and securing the purchasers of mortgaged estates;" that on Friday the fourth day of April next, will be sold at the merchants coffee-house in the city of New-York, to the highest bidder, the fee simple of all that certain farm or tract of land, which Joseph Harris, late of Dutchess county, formerly possessed, lying within the said county of Dutchess, in the patent commonly known by the name of the Nine-Partners, being bounded as follows; beginning at a black oak tree, it being the northeast corner of Job Meeks's farm, the northwest corner of Jeremiah Conklen's farm, and the southeast corner of the said Joseph Harris's farm, from thence the line runs north thirteen degrees, west to the farm now or late in the occupation of Richard Gray, being the south line of the Little Nine-Partners, from thence the line runs west on the south line of the said Little Nine-Partners, to the northwest corner of said farm, and the northwest corner of Amenia Precinct, from thence south thirteen degrees east to a walnut sapling, it being the northwest corner of the farm, now or late of Moses Harris, from thence east to the first mentioned bounds; containing eight hundred and 63 acres & 20 rods of land or thereabouts, with the buildings, rights, members, hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders thereof; which sale will be made by virtue of a mortgage of the said premises, by indenture of lease and release, bearing date the twenty-first and twenty-second days of November, which was in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four, for securing the payment of one thousand pounds (with a power of sale therein contained) from Brinton Paine of Dutchess county, Esq. to Augustus Van Cortlandt. Deeds of conveyance after the sale will be executed to the purchaser pursuant to the said power by AUGUSTUS VAN CORTLANDT. Sept. the 24th 1787. 2 35 1m
HILL and OGDEN,
No. 41, Great Dock-street, have just imported by the Grace, from Amsterdam, and for sale on very reasonable terms, for cash, notes at short payments, pot-ashes, flax-feed, bar iron, wheat or flour, an assortment of the following articles, viz.
TICKLENBURGS, oz-aburgs, German dowlas, Russia diaper, platillas, Britannias, cotton and linen checks, sheetings of excellent quality, white flemish linen, German stripes and checks, lawns, calicoes, writing paper, &c. They have likewise for sale, coatings, Yorkshire cloths, calimancoes, durants, flannels, Irish linens, &c.
Also, Improved Franklin STOVES, cast in the Air-furnace at Newark, which, besides being exceedingly neat, are constructed to give more heat into the room, a remedy for smoky chimneys, and more secure from fire than any other. Also, pot-ash kettles, forge hammers and anvils refined from bog ore, pig metal, and approved by many years experience.
N. B. Orders are received by them for every kind of hollow ware and iron castings, made at said Air-furnace, and will be executed with dispatch and superior neatness. 47
To be Sold at Private Sale,
A FARM containing 23 acres of upland and meadow, upwards of 50 young grafted apple trees, besides other fruit-trees, a dwelling-house and barn; lying in Newtown bounds, in Queens County, on Long-Island, commodiously situated for a gentleman's country seat, adjoining the East-river, opposite the lower end of Blackwell's Island and Turtle-bay. For further particulars apply to the subscriber on the premises. JOHN PARSELL. December 26, 1787. 1 62 3m
PUBLIC notice is hereby given, pursuant to an act of the Governor, the Council and General Assembly of the late colony now State of New-York, passed the 19th day of March 1774, entitled, "An act for the more effectual registry of mortgages and for securing the purchasers of mortgaged estates" that on the eleventh day of March next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, will be sold at the Merchant's Coffee-house, in the city of New-York, to the highest bidder, the fee simple of all those two certain messuages or tenements and lot of land, situated, lying and being in the city of New-York, on the northeast side of Fly-market-street, and running from the land of Jacobus Lefferts, 35 feet and 2 inches, in front to land now or late of George Polliott, thence running northeasterly along the said land now or late of the said George Polliott, 73 feet and 1 inch; thence southeasterly along the land of Richard Norwood, 6 feet and 8 inches; thence northeasterly along the land of the said Richard Norwood, 13 feet and 4 inches, to Fletcher-street; thence southeasterly on the said Fletcher-street, 31 feet and 1 inch, and thence southeasterly on the land of the said Jacobus Lefferts, 86 feet and 2 inches to the place of beginning, with the buildings, rights, members, hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging, or in any wise appertaining. And the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders thereof, which sale will be made by virtue of a mortgage of the said premises, by indenture of lease and release, bearing date the second and third days of November, which was in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, for securing the payment of one thousand pounds and the interest thereof, with a power of sale therein contained, from John Byrne, of the city of New-York, merchant, to John Glover of the said city merchant. Deeds of conveyance for the said premises, after the sale will be executed to the purchaser, pursuant to the said power, by JOHN GLOVER. New-York, September 22, 1787. 2 31
TO BE SOLD,
THE remainder of a lease yet unexpired, of that valuable Brew-house, Malt house, Dwelling-house &c. late in the possession Samuel Atlee on the banks of Hudson's river, in Greenwich-street, together with the apparatus necessary to carry on the brewing business very extensively. If the purchaser is inclined, the fee of these buildings with 24 lots of ground on which they stand will be sold, and the terms made easy; the advantageous situation in which those buildings stand, is too well known to need any encomium. For terms, apply at No. 39, Hanover-square. Jan. 3. 64
Anderson's Scotts Pills.
A fresh supply just received, and to be sold at the Book-store of S. Loudon, No. 5, Water-street. Also, Genuine Hærlam Oil in large and small bottles. 56
To be LET,
And immediate possession given, THE whole or part of a house, furnished or unfurnished, in an agreeable situation. Enquire at No. 61, King-street. 57
Theodosius Fowler & Co.
At their Office, No. 164, Water-Street, Buy, sell and negotiate all kinds of Continental, Connecticut and New-York Securities. 97
FOR SALE, By Robert Johnston,
No. 14, Water-Street, in the house formerly occupied by Col. Samuel Ogden; a large and general assortment of IRON CASTINGS, among which are the following, viz.
IRON hollow ware of all sizes, potash kettles cast with bottom down, clock and window weights, griddles, tea kettles large and small, bake pans, do. cart, waggon, coach, phaeton and chair boxes, 56, 28, 14 and 7lb. weights, finished with rings; mortars and pestles, sad irons, Franklin stoves large and small, Rittenhouse do. ten and six plate do. close stoves with pipes, Sharp's new invented stoves grates, Canada stoves close cast for large rooms, cabooses for ships of different patterns, fire places with jambs compleat, back plates of every dimension, Hibernia, Mount Hope, New Mine, Andover pig metal; gudgeons and mill irons, refined and bloomer bar iron, nail and spike rods, iron hoops, horse shoes, sheet iron, 2d. 12d. 10d. & 8d. nails, Crowley's and blistered steel.—Cash or country produce will be taken in payment, and large allowance made to those who buy to sell again.
All orders for wrought or cast iron, will be duly attended to, and forwarded agreeable to pattern at the shortest notice. 41

THE last paper having concluded the observations which were meant to introduce a candid survey of the plan of government reported by the Convention, we now proceed to the execution of that part of our undertaking. The first question that offers itself is, whether the general form and aspect of the government be strictly republican? It is evident that no other form would be reconcilable with the genius of the people of America; with the fundamental principles of the revolution; or with that honorable determination, which animates every votary of freedom, to rest all our political experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government. If the plan of the Convention therefore be found to depart from the republican character, its advocates must abandon it as no longer defensible.
What then are the distinctive characters of the republican form? Were an answer to this question to be sought, not by recurring to principles, but in the application of the term by political writers, to the constitutions of different States, no satisfactory one would ever be found. Holland, in which no particle of the supreme authority is derived from the people, has passed almost universally under the denomination of a republic. The same title has been bestowed on Venice, where absolute power over the great body of the people, is exercised in the most absolute manner, by a small body of hereditary nobles. Poland, which is a mixture of aristocracy and of monarchy in their worst forms, has been dignified with the same appellation. The government of England, which has one republican branch only, combined with a hereditary aristocracy and monarchy, has with equal impropriety been frequently placed on the list of republics. These examples, which are nearly as dissimilar to each other as to a genuine republic, shew the extreme inaccuracy with which the term has been used in political disquisitions.
If we resort for a criterion, to the different principles on which different forms of government are established, we may define a republic to be, or at least, may bestow that name on a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people; and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure, for a limited period, or during good behavior. It is essential to such a government, that it be derived from the great body of the society, not from an inconsiderable proportion, or a favored class of it; otherwise a handful of tyrannical nobles, exercising their oppressions by a delegation of their powers, might aspire to the rank of republicans, and claim for their government the honorable title of republic. It is sufficient for such a government, that the persons administering it be appointed, either directly or indirectly, by the people; and that they hold their appointments by either of the tenures just specified; otherwise every government in the United States, as well as every other popular government that has been or can be well organized or well executed, would be degraded from the republican character. According to the Constitution of every State in the Union, some or other of the officers of government are appointed indirectly only by the people. According to most of them the chief magistrate himself is so appointed. And according to one, this mode of appointment is extended to one of the co-ordinate branches of the Legislature. According to all the Constitutions also, the tenure of the highest offices is extended to a definite period, and in many instances, both within the legislative and executive departments, to a period of years. According to the provisions of most of the constitutions, again, as well as according to the most respectable and received opinions on the subject, the members of the judiciary department are to retain their offices by the firm tenure of good behavior.
On comparing the Constitution planned by the Convention, with the standard here fixed, we perceive at once that it is in the most rigid sense conformable to it. The House of Representatives, like that of one branch at least of all the State Legislatures, is elected immediately by the great body of the people. The Senate, like the present Congress, and the Senate of Maryland, derives its appointment indirectly from the people. The President is indirectly derived from the choice of the people, according to the example in most of the States. Even the judges, with all other officers of the Union, will, as in the several States, be the choice, though a remote choice, of the people themselves. The duration of the appointments is equally conformable to the republican standard, and to the model of the State Constitutions. The House of Representatives is periodically elective as in all the States; and for the period of two years as in the State of South-Carolina. The Senate is elective for the period of six years; which is but one year more than the period of the Senate of Maryland; and but two more than of the Senates of New-York and Virginia. The President is to continue in office for the period of four years; as in New-York and Delaware, the chief magistrate is elected for three years, and in South-Carolina for two years. In the other States the election is annual. In several of the States however, no constitutional provision is made for the impeachment of the chief magistrate. And in Delaware and Virginia, he is not impeachable till out of office. The President of the United States is impeachable at any time during the continuance in office. The tenure by which the Judges are to hold their places, is, as it unquestionably ought to be, that of good behavior. The tenure of the ministerial offices generally will be a subject of legal regulation, conformably to the reason of the case, and the example of the State Constitutions.
Could any further proof be required of the republican completion of this system, the most decisive one might be found in its absolute prohibition of titles of nobility, both under the federal and the State governments; and in its express guarantee of the republican form to each of the latter.
But it was not sufficient, say the adversaries of the proposed Constitution, for the Convention to adhere to the republican form. They ought, with equal care, to have preferred the federal form, which regards the Union as a confederacy of sovereign States; instead of which, they have framed a national government, which regards the Union as a consolidation of the States. And it is asked by what authority this bold and radical innovation was
undertaken. The handle which has been made of this objection requires, that it should be examined with some precision.
Without enquiring into the accuracy of the distinction on which the objection is founded, it will be necessary to a just estimate of its force, first to ascertain the real character of the government in question; secondly, to enquire how far the Convention were authorized to propose such a government; and thirdly, how far the duty they owed to their country, could supply any defect of regular authority.
First. In order to ascertain the real character of the government it may be considered in relation to the foundation on which it is to be established; to the sources from which its ordinary powers are to be drawn; to the operation of those powers; to the extent of them; and to the authority by which future changes in the government are to be introduced.
On examining the first relation, it appears on one hand that the Constitution is to be founded on the assent and ratification of the people of America, given by deputies elected for the special purpose; but on the other hand that this assent and ratification is to be given by the people, not as individuals composing one entire nation; but as composing the distinct and independent States to which they respectively belong. It is to be the assent and ratification of the several States, derived from the supreme authority in each State, the authority of the people themselves. The act therefore establishing the Constitution, will not be a national but a federal act.
That it will be a federal and not a national act, as these terms are understood by the objectors, the act of the people as forming so many independent States, not as forming one aggregate nation, is obvious from this single consideration that it is to result neither from the decision of a majority of the people of the Union, nor from that of a majority of the States. It must result from the unanimous assent of the several States that are parties to it, differing no otherwise from their ordinary assent than in its being expressed, not by the legislative authority, but by that of the people themselves. Were the people regarded in this transaction as forming one nation, the will of the majority of the whole people of the United States, would bind the minority; in the same manner as the majority in each State must bind the minority; and the will of the majority must be determined either by a comparison of the individual votes; or by considering the will of a majority of the States, as evidence of the will of a majority of the people of the United States. Neither of these rules has been adopted. Each State in ratifying the Constitution, is considered as a sovereign body independent of all others, and only to be bound by its own voluntary act. In this relation then the new Constitution will, if established, be a federal and not a national Constitution.
The next relation is to the sources from which the ordinary powers of government are to be derived. The House of Representatives will derive its powers from the people of America, and the people will be represented in the same proportion, and on the same principle, as they are in the Legislature of a particular State. So far the government is national not federal . The Senate on the other hand will derive its powers from the States, as political and co-equal societies; and these will be represented on the principle of equality in the Senate, as they now are in the existing Congress. So far the government is federal , not national . The executive power will be derived from a very compound source. The immediate election of the President is to be made by the States in their political characters. The votes allotted to them, are in a compound ratio, which considers them partly as distinct and co-equal societies; partly as unequal members of the same society. The eventual election, again is to be made by that branch of the Legislature which consists of the national representatives; but in this particular act, they are to be thrown into the form of individual delegations from so many distinct and co-equal bodies politic. From this aspect of the government, it appears to be of a mixed character, presenting at least as many federal as national features.
The difference between a federal and a national Government as it relates to the operation of the Government is supposed to consist in this, that in the former, the powers operate on the political bodies composing the confederacy, in their political capacities; in the latter, on the individual citizens, composing the nation, in their individual capacities. On trying the Constitution by this criterion, it falls under the national , not the federal character; though perhaps not so completely, as has been understood. In several cases and particularly in the trial of controversies to which States may be parties, they must be viewed and proceeded against in their collective and political capacities only. So far the national countenance of the Government on this side seems to be distinguished by a few Federal features. But this blemish is perhaps unavoidable in any plan; and the operation of the Government on the people in their individual capacities, in its ordinary and most essential proceedings, may on the whole designate it in this relation a national Government.
But if the Government be national with regard to the operation of its powers, it changes its aspect again when we contemplate it in relation to the extent of its powers. The idea of the national Government involves in it, not only an authority over the individual citizens; but an indefinite supremacy over all persons and things, so far as they are objects of lawful Government. Among a people consolidated into one nation, this supremacy is completely vested in the national Legislature. Among communities united for particular purposes, it is vested partly in the general, and partly in the municipal Legislatures. In the former case, all local authorities are subordinate to the supreme; and may be controlled, directed or abolished by it at pleasure. In the latter the local or municipal authorities, from distinct and independent portions of the supremacy, no more subject within their respective spheres to the general authority, than the general authority is subject to them, within its own sphere. In this relation then the proposed Government cannot be deemed a national one; since its jurisdiction extends to certain enumerated objects only, and leaves to the several States a residuary and inviolable sovereignty over all other objects. It is true that in controversies relating to the boundary between the two jurisdictions, the tribunal which is ultimately to decide, is to be established under the general Government. But this does not change the principle of the case. The decision is to be impartially made, according to the rules of the Constitution;
and all the usual and most effectual precautions are taken to secure this impartiality. Some such tribunal is clearly essential to prevent an appeal to the sword, and a dissolution of the compact; and that it ought to be established under the general, rather than under the local Governments; or to speak more properly, that it could be safely established under the first alone, is a position not likely to be combated.
If we try the Constitution by its last relation, to the authority by which amendments are to be made, we find it neither wholly national , nor wholly federal . Were it wholly national , the supreme and ultimate authority would reside in the people of the Union; and this authority would be competent at all times, like that of a majority of every national society, to alter or abolish its established Government. Were it wholly federal on the other hand, the concurrence of each State in the Union would be essential to every alteration that would be binding on all. The mode provided by the plan of the Convention is not founded on either of these principles. In requiring more than a majority, and particularly, in computing the proportion by States , not by citizens , it departs from the national , and advances towards the federal character: In rendering the concurrence of less than the whole number of States sufficient, it loses again the federal , and partakes of the national character.
The proposed Constitution therefore is in strictness neither a national nor a federal Constitution; but a composition of both. In its foundation, it is federal not national ; in the sources from which the ordinary powers of the Government are drawn, it is partly federal , and partly national : In the operation of these powers, it is national , not federal : In the extent of them again, it is federal , not national : And finally, in the authoritative mode of introducing amendments, it is neither wholly federal , nor wholly national .
PUBLIUS.
THE second point to be examined is, whether the Convention were authorized to frame and propose this mixed Constitution.
The powers of the Convention ought in strictness to be determined, by an inspection of the commissions given to the members by their respective constituents. As all of these however had reference, either to the recommendation from the meeting at Annapolis in September, 1786, or to that from Congress in February, 1787, it will be sufficient to recur to these particular acts.
The act from Annapolis recommends the appointment of commissioners to take into consideration the situation of the United States, to devise such further provisions as shall appear to them necessary to render the Constitution of the Federal Government adequate to the exigencies of the Union; and to report such an act for that purpose, to the United States in Congress assembled, as when agreed to by them, and afterwards confirmed by the Legislature of every State, will effectually provide for the same.
The recommendatory act of Congress is in the words following: 'Whereas there is provision in the articles of confederation and perpetual Union, for making alterations therein, by the assent of a Congress of the United States, and of the Legislatures of the several States: And whereas experience hath evinced, that there are defects in the present confederation, as a mean to remedy which, several of the States, and particularly the State of New-York, by express instructions to their delegates in Congress, have suggested a Convention for the purposes expressed in the following resolution; and such Convention appearing to be the most probable mean of establishing in these States, a firm national government.'
Resolved, That in the opinion of Congress, it is expedient, that on the 2d Monday in May next, a Convention of delegates, who shall have been appointed by the several States, be held at Philadelphia for the sole and express purpose of revising the articles of confederation, and reporting to Congress and the several Legislatures, such alterations and provisions therein, as shall, when agreed to in Congress, and confirmed by the States, render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of the Union.'
From these two acts it appears, 1st. that the object of the Convention was to establish in these States, a firm national government; 2d. that this Government was to be such as would be adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of the Union; 3d. that these purposes were to be effected by alterations and provisions in the articles of confederation, as it is expressed in the act of Congress, or by such further provisions as should appear necessary, as it stands in the recommendatory act from Annapolis; 4th. that the alterations and provisions were to be reported to Congress, and to the States, in order to be agreed to by the former, and confirmed by the latter.
From a comparison and fair construction of these several modes of expression, is to be deduced the authority, under which the Convention acted. They were to frame a national government , adequate to the exigencies of government and of the Union, and to reduce the articles of confederation into such form as to accomplish these purposes.
There are two rules of construction dictated by plain reason, as well as founded on legal axioms. The one is, that every part of the expression ought, if possible, to be allowed some meaning, and be made to conspire to some common end. The other is, that where the several parts cannot be made to coincide, the less important should give way to the more important part; the means should be sacrificed to the end, rather than the end to the means.
Suppose then that the expressions defining the authority of the Convention, were irreconcilable at variance with each other; that a national and adequate government could not possibly, in the judgment of the Convention, be effected by alterations and provisions in the articles of confederation, which part of the definition ought to have been embraced, and which rejected? Which was the more important, which the less important part? Which the end, which the means? Let the most scrupulous expositors of delegated powers: Let the most inveterate objectors against those exercised by the Convention, answer these questions. Let them declare, whether it was of most importance to the happiness of the people of America, that the arti-
cles of confederation should be disregarded, and an adequate government be provided, and the Union preserved; or that an adequate government should be omitted, and the articles of confederation preserved. Let them declare, whether the preservation of these articles was the end for securing which a reform of the government was to be introduced as the means; or whether the establishment of a government, adequate to the national happiness, was the end at which these articles themselves originally aimed, and to which they ought, as insufficient means, to have been sacrificed.
But it is necessary to suppose that these expressions are absolutely irreconcilable to each other; that no alterations or provisions in the articles of the confederation, could possibly mould them into a national and adequate government; into such a government as has been proposed by the Convention?
No stress it is presumed will in this case be laid on the title , a change of that could never be deemed an exercise of ungranted power. Alterations in the body of the instrument, are expressly authorized. New provisions therein are also expressly authorized. Here then is a power to change the title; to insert new articles; to alter old ones. Must it of necessity be admitted that this power is infringed, so long as a part of the old articles remain? Those who maintain the affirmative, ought at least to mark the boundary between authorized and usurped innovations, between that degree of change, which lies within the compass of alterations and further provisions; and that which amounts to a transmutation of the government. Will it be said that the alterations ought not to have touched the substance of the confederation? The States would never have appointed a Convention with so much solemnity, nor described its objects with so much latitude, if some substantial reform had not been in contemplation. Will it be said that the fundamental principles of the confederation were not within the purview of the Convention, and ought not to have been varied? I ask what are these principles? do they require that in the establishment of the Constitution, the States should be regarded as distinct and independent sovereigns? They are so regarded by the Constitution proposed. Do they require that the members of the government should derive their appointment from the Legislatures, not from the people of the State? One branch of the new government is to be appointed by these Legislatures; and under the confederation the delegates to Congress may all be appointed immediately by the people, and in two States* are actually so appointed. Do they require that the powers of the Government should act on the States, and not immediately on individuals? In some instances, as has been shown, the powers of the new Government will act on the States in their collective characters. In some instances also those of the existing Government act immediately on individuals? In cases of capture, of piracy, of the post-office, of coins, weights and measures, of trade with the Indians, of claims under grants of land by different States, and above all, in the case of trials by Courts-martial in the army and navy, by which death may be inflicted without the intervention of a jury, or even of a civil Magistrate; in all these cases the powers of the confederation operate immediately on the persons and interests of individual citizens. Do these fundamental principles require particularly, that no tax should be levied without the intermediate agency of the States? The confederation itself authorizes a direct tax to a certain extent on the post-office. The power of coinage has been so construed by Congress, as to levy a tribute immediately from that source also. But pretermitted these instances, was it not an acknowledged object of the Convention, and the universal expectation of the people, that the regulation of trade should be submitted to the general government in such a form as would render it an immediate source of general revenue? Had not Congress repeatedly recommended this measure as not inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the confederation? Had not every State but one, had not New-York herself, so far complied with the plan of Congress, as to recognize the principle of the innovation? Do these principles in fine require that the powers of the general government should be limited, and that beyond this limit, the States should be left in possession of their sovereignty and independence? We have seen that in the new government as in the old, the general powers are limited, and that the States in all unenumerated cases, are left in the enjoyment of their sovereign and independent jurisdiction.
The truth is, that the great principles of the Constitution propounded by the Convention, may be considered less as absolutely new, than as the expansion of principles which are found in the articles of Confederation. The misfortune under the latter system has been, that these principles are so feeble and confined as to justify all the charges of inefficiency which have been urged against it; and to require a degree of enlargement which gives to the new system, the aspect of an entire transformation of the old.
In one particular it is admitted that the Convention have departed from the tenor of their commission. Instead of reporting a plan requiring the confirmation of the Legislatures of all the States, they have reported a plan which is to be confirmed by the people, and may be carried into effect by nine States only. It is worthy of remark, that this objection, though the most plausible, has been the least urged in the publications which have swarmed against the Convention. The forbearance can only have proceeded from an irresistible conviction of the absurdity of subjecting the fate of 12 States, to the perverseness or corruption of a thirteenth; from the example of inflexible opposition given by a majority of 1-6th of the people of America, to a measure approved and called for by the voice of twelve States comprising 39-60ths of the people; an example still fresh in the memory and indignation of every citizen who has felt for the wounded honor and prosperity of his country. As this objection, therefore, has been in a manner waved by those who have criticised the powers of the Convention, I dismiss it without further observation.
The third point to be enquired into is, how far considerations of duty arising out of the case itself, could have supplied any defect of regular authority.
In the preceding enquiries, the powers of the Convention have been analysed and tried with the same rigour, and by the same rules, as if they had been real and final powers, for the establishment of a Constitution for the United States. We have seen, in what manner they have borne the trial, e-
* Connecticut and Rhode-Island.

ven on that supposition. It is time now to recollect, that the powers were merely advisory and recommendatory; that they were so meant by the States, and so understood by the Convention; and that the latter have accordingly planned and proposed a Constitution, which is to be of no more consequence than the paper on which it is written, unless it be stamped with the approbation of those to whom it is addressed. This reflection places the subject in a point of view altogether different, and will enable us to judge with propriety of the course taken by the Convention.
Let us view the ground on which the Convention stood. It may be collected from their proceedings, that they were deeply and unanimously impressed with the crisis which had led their country almost with one voice to make so singular and solemn an experiment, for correcting the errors of a system by which this crisis had been produced; that they were no less deeply and unanimously convinced, that such a reform as they have proposed, was absolutely necessary to effect the purposes of their appointment. It could not be unknown to them, that the hopes and expectations of the great body of citizens, throughout this great empire, were turned with the keenest anxiety, to the event of their deliberations. They had every reason to believe that the contrary sentiments agitated the minds and bosoms of every external and internal foe to the liberty and prosperity of the United States. They had seen in the origin and progress of the experiment, the alacrity with which the proposition made by a single State (Virginia) towards a partial amendment of the confederation, had been attended to and promoted. They had seen the liberty assumed by a very few deputies, from a very few States, convened at Annapolis, of recommending a great and critical object, wholly foreign to their commission, not only justified by the public opinion, but actually carried into effect, by twelve out of the thirteen States. They had seen in a variety of instances, assumptions by Congress, not only of recommendatory, but of operative powers; warranted in the public estimation, by occasions and objects infinitely less urgent than those by which their conduct was to be governed. They must have reflected, that in all great changes of established governments, forms ought to give way to substance; that a rigid adherence in such cases to the former, would render nominal and nugatory, the transcendent and precious right of the people to 'abolish or alter their governments as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness;' since it is impossible for the people spontaneously and universally, to move in concert towards their object; and it is therefore essential, that such changes be instituted by some informal and unauthorized propositions, made by some patriotic and respectable citizen or number of citizens. They must have recollected that it was by this irregular and assumed privilege of propounding to the people plans for their safety and happiness, that the States were first united against the danger with which they were threatened by their antient government; that Committees and Congresses, were formed for concentrating their efforts, and defending their rights; and that Conventions were elected in the several States, for establishing the constitutions under which they are now governed; nor could it have been forgotten that no little ill-timed scruples, no zeal for adhering to ordinary forms, were anywhere seen, except in those who wished to indulge under these masks, their secret enmity to the substance contended for. They must have borne in mind, that as the plan to be framed and proposed, was to be submitted to the people themselves, the disapprobation of this supreme authority would destroy it for ever; its approbation blot out all antecedent errors and irregularities. It might even have occurred to them, that where a disposition to cavil prevailed, their neglect to execute the degree of power vested in them, and still more their recommendation of any measure whatever not warranted by their commission, would not less excite animadversion, than a recommendation at once of a measure fully commensurate to the national exigencies.
Had the Convention under all these impressions, and in the midst of all these considerations, instead of exciting a manly confidence in their country, by whose confidence they had been so peculiarly distinguished, and of pointing out a system capable in their judgment of securing its happiness, taken the cold and sullen resolution of disappointing its ardent hopes of sacrificing substance to forms, of committing the dearest interests of their country to the uncertainties of delay, and the hazard of events; let me ask the man, who can raise his mind to one elevated conception; who can awaken in his bosom, one patriotic emotion, what judgment ought to have been pronounced by the impartial world, by the friends of mankind, by every virtuous citizen, on the conduct and character of this assembly, or if there be a man whose propensity to condemn, is susceptible of no controul, let me then ask what sentence he has in reserve for the twelve States, who usurped the power of sending deputies to the Convention, a body utterly unknown to their constitutions; for Congress, who recommended the appointment of this body, equally unknown to the confederation; and for the State of New-York in particular, who first urged and then complied with this unauthorized interposition.
But that the objectors may be disarmed of every pretext, it shall be granted for a moment, that the Convention were neither authorised by their commission, nor justified by circumstances, in proposing a Constitution for their country: Does it follow that the Constitution ought for that reason alone to be rejected? If according to the noble precept it be lawful to accept good advice even from an enemy, shall we let the ignoble example of refusing such advice even when it is offered by our friends? The prudent enquiry in all cases, ought surely to be not so much from whom the advice comes, as whether the advice be good.
The sum of what has been here advanced and proved, is that the charge against the Convention of exceeding their powers, except in one instance little urged by the objectors, has no foundation to support it; that if they had exceeded their powers, they were not only warranted but required, as the confidential servants of their country, by the circumstances in which they were placed, to exercise the liberty which they assumed, and that finally, if they had violated both their powers, and their obligations in proposing a Constitution, this ought nevertheless to be embraced, if it be calculated to accomplish the views and happiness of the people of America. How far this character is due to the Constitution, is the subject under investigation.
P U B L I U S.
* Declaration of Independence.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 9. A correspondent has informed us, that no motion or question was ever proposed in the Federal Convention upon the subject of a bill of rights. Mr. Gerry's and Mr. Mason's ideas of the necessity of such an appendage to a free government were picked up from the Centinels, &c. after the rising of the Convention. Instead of a motion from Mr. Mason for a bill of rights, our correspondent informs us, that he both moved for and advocated the aristocratic proposition, that pecuniary qualifications should be required in the holders of offices, and that the qualification for one of them (and that not the highest) should be sixteen thousand dollars .
New-York, January 18.
The following unhappy accident happened yesterday afternoon, in Front-street, near the Old-slip. A number of persons being employed in erecting a frame for a house, it unfortunately fell and wounded several of them; one of whom had his arm broken, and the skull of another is materially fractured, that his life is despaired of—the others were more or less injured. It is said, that this accident was occasioned by a neglect to pin the lower tenons of the posts, and thus to secure the tottering fabric until a firmer mode of support could have been effected.
A French frigate of 40 guns, is at the Hook; from whence, and her name, we are not informed. Extract of a letter of a late date, from the illustrious President of the late Federal Convention, to his friend in Frederickburgh, Virginia—extracted from Mr. Green's Virginia Herald.
"I thank you for your kind congratulation on my safe return from the Convention, and am pleased that the proceedings of it have met your approbation.—My decided opinion of the matter is, that there is no alternative between the adoption of it and anarchy. If one State (however important it may conceive itself to be) or a minority of them should suppose they can dictate a Constitution to the Union (unless they have the power of applying the ultima ratio to good effect) they will find themselves deceived. All the opposition to it, that I have yet seen is, I must confess, addressed more to the passions than to reason; and clear I am, if another Federal Convention is attempted, that the sentiments of the members will be more discordant, or less accommodating than the last. In fine, they will agree upon no general plan. General Government is now suspended by a thread; I might go further and say it is really at an end; and what will be the consequence of a fruitless attempt to amend the one which is offered, before it is tried, or of the delay from the attempt, does not in my judgment, need the gift of prophecy to predict."
"I am not a blind admirer (for I saw the imperfections of the Constitution, I aided in the birth of, before it was handed to the public); but I am fully persuaded it is the best that can be obtained at this time; that it is free from many of the imperfections with which it is charged; and that it or disunion is before us to choose from. If the first is our election, when the defects of it are experienced, a constitutional door is opened for amendments, and may be adopted in a peaceable manner, without tumult or disorder."
"There are men," says the Roman Satyrist, who can view without astonishment the sun, stars, and stately variations of the seasons.—They regard the vicissitudes of the world with ease and unconcern, knowing them to be governed by regular and certain laws, under the direction of a wise and benevolent superintendant. One year passeth away and another cometh; and thus we glide down the stream of time, until we launch forth into the boundless ocean of eternity.—To a comprehensive philosophical mind, the return of the seasons, and the flight of time, can work no idle fears, no alarming apprehensions. The whole of our existence is comparatively so short, that it scarce deserves the name; and man is so small a part of the works of God, that it ought to eradicate every idea of pride and consequence out of his nature. It is sufficient for us that we are continually under the care and direction of the greatest and best of Beings; and let it be our supreme felicity, that we are dependent on him; for his everlasting existence is the solid basis and support of every being in the wide extended universe; and
we cannot go, Where universal love invites not around. Extract of a letter from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, dated December 20.
'It is with pleasure I inform you that the people here continue to be warmly federal. The new constitution has the advantage of all great truths. The more it is examined, the more it is admired.'
'The inhabitants of our town, on the morning of the day their deputies in Convention were to return, fired a morning gun, and at twelve o'clock thirteen rounds were fired out of a piece of artillery belonging to the State. From that time until night all the bells in the town were ringing. I never have been a witness of so much respect being paid by the people to their delegates, or of more general joy upon any occasion.'
In the Political Society lately instituted at Richmond in Virginia, the federal constitution was the subject of a public debate. After three evenings spent in discussing it, the Yeas in favor of it were 128, the Nays were only 15. The members of the Society consist of the principal characters in Virginia. The chief speaker against the government was Patrick Henry, Esquire—the principal speaker in favor of it was Mr. Nicholas. It is expected there will be the same majority in favor of the government in the State convention.'
Last Thursday, January 9th, the Convention of the State of Massachusetts assembled at the State-house in Boston, and proceeded to the choice of a President, when his Excellency John Hancock, Esq. was chosen. The Hon. William Cushing, Esq. was elected Vice President, and George Richards Minor, Esq. Secretary.
"It is somewhat remarkable, that the present seems an era detrimental to the hopes of despotism; for not only the commonality of France shew a spirit of liberty, but that of Rome have been equally daring, and lately had the presumption to oppose the Pope. The case was this, that an innocent woman being unjustly accused of incontinency, was deprived of the estate justly her right, by her husband, who on his death wished to leave it to the Pope. Some forms were wanting to render the transferment perfectly legal, and the cause has been twice contested before the Pope, and lost each time! It is to be brought on a third time, and
the common people openly declare their wishes that his Holiness may again prove unsuccessful." The sloop Industry, George Morton, master, from Newbury-Port, bound to Philadelphia, laden with 350 quintals of dry codfish, 55 barrels pickled ditto, and 40 barrels oil, is lost on Barneygat shoals: The people saved, but vessel and cargo lost. She belonged to Mr. Nathaniel Tracy, of Newbury.
Arrivals since our Last.
Ship Edgar, Sarly, Bourdeaux. Four Friends, Douglass, London. Spanish Packet, Havanna. Brig Tortola Packet, Alcorn, Antigua. Betsey, Mitchell, Halifax. Schooner Maria, Maxwell, St. Thomas. Sloop Jenny, Haight, St. Eustatia. Polly Beaverly, Tippet, Alexandria, Virg. Dove, Curtis, St. Eustatia.
Society for the Relief of Distressed Debtors.
CHARITY and humanity are among the most necessary virtues in Society; and the exercise of them, the most distinguishing characteristic of a christian, and a good citizen. Amidst the vicissitudes of life no man is exempt from calamities. The wealthy who riot in plenty to-day, may by a misfortune that no prudence can prevent or elude, be numbered to-morrow among the objects of charity; and reduced to the necessity of accepting assistance from those whom they have in prosperity spurned from their tables. The laborer, who subsists on the earnings of the day, and whom one day's sickness deprives of one day's bread, is not the only person who is exposed to want, and to the necessity of sometimes living on the gratuitous provisions of a friend. It is not unfrequent to see a man step from a coach to a prison, and the possibility of such a change of circumstances, should inspire every man with a disposition to lend that assistance to his neighbor, which he himself may sometime or other want.
There are among the varieties of the human character, many individuals who appear evidently deficient in foresight, and that prudence which is necessary to make the requisite provision for futurity, and to guard against the innumerable contingencies of life. There are many good citizens, whose incessant application to labor, will not enable them to subsist themselves and their families, and at the same time, secure a small provision for their support, during a temporary failure of supplies. Such men are exposed to the accidents of disease, and want of employment—they are often reduced—and in distress they have a claim to the exercise of charity. If to people of this description we add a multitude whose indolence, intemperance, and vices of every kind, bring poverty on themselves and their families; and whose circumstances, notwithstanding their crimes, often demand some share of pity and relief; the humane disposition will find constant occasions for the exercise of the first of virtues.
In a large city like New-York, there are great numbers of persons, whose servile employments are necessary in furnishing the opulent with the conveniences and luxuries of life; who are unable to guard themselves from misfortunes, and the consequent distresses. The laws of this State having made no provision for the support of poor debtors in prison; such persons are often reduced to the alternative of starving, or subsisting on charitable donations. We pretend not to impeach the justice or the policy of such laws, but it is obvious to every reflecting mind, that it is the duty of men, who live in society, and it is the interest of men, who are liable to the same fate, to attempt to mitigate their severity, and relieve the objects of distress.
With this view, a number of gentlemen associated on the 26th of January, 1787, 'For the purpose of enquiring occasionally into the circumstances of persons confined in the gaol of this city, for debt, and rendering such relief as to them shall seem expedient,' and unanimously agreed upon the following rules and articles.
1st. That the Society be called and known by the name of the Society for the relief of distressed Debtors . 2d. That for the present, the Society shall not consist of more than twenty four members. 3d. That whenever it shall be deemed necessary by the Society to increase the number of members, or to fill up vacancies that may occasionally happen, the person proposed for admission, shall be nominated at a stated meeting of the Society, and voted for at the next stated meeting, when a majority of the members shall be present, the votes to be taken by ballot, and the admission to be with the unanimous consent of the members present. 4th. That the Society shall meet statedly on the second Friday of every month, and oftener as circumstances may require. 5th. That a President be chosen at every meeting, and that a Secretary, and Treasurer, be chosen annually. 6th. That a Committee of three members be chosen to visit the gaol; one of which, the first on the list to go out every month, and a new one chosen to fill his place,—that this Committee examine the number and condition of the persons confined in gaol for debt, and furnish them with such supplies of the necessaries and comforts of life, as they may deem expedient; and draw on the treasurer from time to time, for such sums, as may be adequate for the purpose; and that they report their proceedings to the next monthly meeting of the Society. 7th. That whenever the monthly committee of the society think it necessary, they shall be impowered, by giving one day's notice in writing, to call a special meeting of the Society. 8th. That a book be kept by the Secretary, in which the proceedings of the Society shall from time to time be entered. 9th. That it shall be the duty of every member of the Society to serve in rotation on the monthly committee; and any member, refusing or omitting to give his attendance, and his delinquency being reported to the Society by the other members of the Committee, and his excuse not being judged satisfactory, shall be considered as having relinquished his seat in the Society, and his name shall be taken from the list. Since which the Society have been enabled, by the charitable contributions of fundry persons, to afford relief to 123 debtors, who were destitute of the means of subsistence, by distributing to their necessities the following articles: 242lb. beef and pork, 8bls. 17 qts. lamp, 2826 bread, 32 cabbages,
42lb. cheese, 8 loads of wood, 24 3/4 bbls. potatoes, 6 shirts. To enable the Society to continue the benevolent purposes of their institution, and render their attempts more extensively beneficial, donations from any quarter, will be very acceptable, and employed most advantageously in relieving objects of distress. The gentlemen appointed to receive donations, are the Rev. Dr. Rogers, Dr. Kuntze, Mr. Beach, Mr. Linn, and Mr. Lawrence Embree. Published by order of the Society, JAMES COGSWELL, Sec'y.
To be Sold, at Public Vendue,
On Thursday the 14th day of February next, on the premises, if not sold before at Private Sale, The F A R M, LATELY occupied by Valentine H. Peters, Esq., deceased, of South-Hempstead, Queens County, Long-Island, containing about forty acres of land, under the highest improvement, together with a number of acres of plain land, inclosed and in good fence; there are on said place, a good large commodious dwelling-house, barn and other out-houses in good repair. Also, will be sold at the same time, two separate pieces of wood-land, lying contiguous to said place, containing about sixty acres, and a piece of salt-meadow, of about twenty acres, lying within four miles of said place. This farm is pleasantly situated in the town of Hempstead, within forty rods of two churches; it is an excellent stand for any kind of public business. The above will be sold together or separate, as may best suit the purchaser. The terms of payment will be made known on said day. Any person inclining to purchase at private sale, may know the terms by applying to HARRY PETERS, of Oyster-bay, or Wm. TREDWELL, No. 173, Water-street, New-York, Executors. January 17, 1788. 68
THE Holders of Certificates issued from the Treasury of this State, for interest, are hereby informed that they can receive payment for one fourth part of such Certificates, by applying at the Treasury Office, at any time after the first day of February next. GERARD BANCKER, Treasurer. Jan. 10, 1788. 67
PUBLIC notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a writ to me directed, issued out of the Court of Chancery for this State, I shall expose to sale, at Public Vendue, on the last Tuesday of February next, at two o'clock in the afternoon, at the house of David Thomas, in Salem, in the county of Washington; all that certain tract of Land formerly situated in the county of Albany, afterwards in the county of Charlotte, now called Washington county, on the east side of Hudson's river, being part of a large tract of land granted by letters patent under the great seal of the province of New-York, bearing date the second day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty-four, to William Cockroft and others, and which is commonly called the Provincial Patent, by the name and distinction of lot No. 24, beginning at the southeasterly corner of lot No. 38, and runs from thence north fifty-five chains and sixty-two links; thence east forty-six chains and ninety-nine links; thence south fifty-five chains and sixty-two links, and thence west forty-six chains and ninety-nine links to the place of beginning; containing two hundred and sixty-two acres, and two rods of land strict measure: And being bounded to the west by lot No. 23, to the south by lot No. 37, to the east by lot No. 25, and to the north by lot No. 17. Given under my hand this 31st day of December, in the year of our Lord 1787. H. M. COLLISTER, 67 Sheriff of Washington county.
BY order of the Hon. John Sloss Hobart, Esq. one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature of the State of New-York; Public Notice is hereby given, by the petitioners of Thomas Lawrence and Jacob Morris, of the city of New-York, merchants, insolvent debtors, to all the creditors of the said Thomas Lawrence & Jacob Morris, & to the creditors of either of them, that they shall cause if any they have, before the Hon. John Sloss Hobart, Esq. at his Chamber, situated in Crown-street, in the said city; by Monday the 28th day of January inst. why an assignment of the estate of the said Thomas Lawrence and Jacob Morris, should not be made, and the said Thomas Lawrence and Jacob Morris discharged agreeable to a law of this State, entitled 'An act for the relief of insolvent debtors,' passed the 13th day of April, 1786. Dated this 12th day of January, 1788. THOMAS LAWRENCE, 67 4 JACOB MORRIS.
By order of the Hon. Richard Morris, Esq. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New-York.
NOTICE is hereby given to Samuel Marsh, a surviving partner of Samuel Marsh and Giles Hudson, late of the city of London, merchants, an absent debtor, and all others whom it may concern; that on application, and due proof made to him the said Chief Justice, pursuant to the directions of the Law of the State of New-York, entitled "an act for relief against absconding and absent debtors," passed the 4th of April, 1786: He hath directed all the estate, real and personal, within the State of New-York, of the said Samuel Marsh, to be seized; and that unless the said Samuel Marsh doth discharge his debts within one year after this public notice of such seizure, all his estate, real and personal, will be sold for the payment and satisfaction of his creditors. New-York, June 22, 1787. 1af 31 1y
THIS DAY IS PUBLISHED, And to be sold by the Printers hereof, by Messrs. Berry and Rogers, Mr. R. Hodge, Mr. S. Campbell, Mr. T. Allen, and Mr. T. Greenleaf, T H E American Magazine. CONTAINING A MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTION OF Original and other valuable Essays, IN PROSE AND VERSE, AND CALCULATED BOTH FOR INSTRUCTION AND ENTERTAINMENT. For DECEMBER 1787.

POET'S CORNER.
Written at an INN on a particular occasion. TO thee, fair Freedom, I retire, From flattery, feasting, dice and din;
'Tis here with boundless power I reign, And every health which I begin Converts dull wit to bright champagne;
I fly from pomp, I fly from plate, I fly from falsehood's specious grin; Freedom I love, and form I hate, And choose my lodgings at an Inn.
Here, waiter! take my sordid ore, Which lacquies else might hope to win; It buys what courts have not in store, It buys me Freedom at an Inn.
And now once more I shape my way Through rain or shine, through thick and thin; Secure to meet, at close of day, With kind reception at an Inn.
Whoever has travell'd life's dull round, Where'er his various tour has been, May sigh to think how oft he found His warmest welcome—at an Inn.
ASSIZE OF BREAD, ESTABLISHED in Common Council, December 5th, 1787.—A loaf of inspected superfine wheat flour to weigh 2lb. 5oz. for six pence. A loaf of rye flour to weigh 1lb. 12oz. for three pence.
Francis Panton,
No. 38, WALL-STREET. Has imported in the Montgomery, Capt. Bunyan, and to be Sold on the lowest Terms for Cash.
An elegant assortment of tea and coffee urns, inlaid tea trays, waiters to suit, tea canes, a variety of patent lamps, backgammon tables, wood and ivory chess men, folding and framing chess boards, ladies and gentlemen's dressing boxes, Morocco pouches for travelling, razors and elastic diamond-powder, razor straps, table-knives in mahogany, and shagreen cases; mathematical and teeth instruments, travelling compasses, instruments for marking linen, bubbles for proving spirits, spectacles white and green, with double joints, coglers, reading glasses, cock gaffs, and elastic gaffs, ladies tortoiseshell and ivory nutting shuttles, tambour needles with handles, ladies passe buckles, gentlemen's silver and mourning buckles, pale silver and plated knee ditto, gold and gilt bracelets and wrist buckles, gold and gilt earrings, figures and blank gold cornelian seals, plated and japanned candlesticks, a variety of snuffers, plated gerandoles and crucks, fowling pieces, pistols, small swords, fencing files, sword knots, silk and Morocco sword belts, shot pouches, powder magazines and flasks, fowling nets, gun screws and scrapers, double batted gun-powder, racket and drum batture, shuttlecocks, a variety of silver and other tooth pick cases, plain silver coral, an elegant assortment of the newest fashioned ladies and gentlemen's gilt, steel and silk watch chains and strings, patent spurs, silver plated and steel ditto, folding pocket lanterns with cases, fishing rods, and best Kerby hooks, chair and horse whips, canes and silk strings, boot garters of different sorts, ladies and gentlemen's Morocco pocket-books, thread cases, silk purses, silk, cotton and worsted stockings, knit under waistcoats without a seam, silk, buckskin, Woodstock and thread gloves, double and single cotton night caps, Delefort's opiate, Hemmet's essence & dentifrice, orange flower and rose water, arquebusade and lavender water, silk, velvet and leather stocks, clothes, hat, shoe and tooth brushes, with a variety of other goods too tedious to mention.
Also, gold and silver spangles by the ounce or smaller quantity. New-York November 27, 1787. 54 16
J. SHIPPEY and Co. No. 43, Little Dock-Street, corner of Coenties-Slip, have for sale on reasonable terms for cash, JAMAICA Spirits, West-India rum, French brandy, Holland Geneva in large and small cases, Madeira, Lisbon and Teneriffe wines, Batavia arrack in bottles, bohea tea, chocolate, black pepper, indigo, linseed oil in casks, wool cards, flutes and pencils, Holland pots and kettles, American do. Indian kettles, waggon boxes, share moulds, iron axes, grindstones, Sweeds and American bar iron and cart tire, Holland gun powder, snuff in bladders, corn fans, white-wash brushes, boenders, long and short corks, coarse and fine salt, hops. Also, 200 barrels kiln dried Indian meal. 45
Notice is hereby given, by the petitioning creditors of John Youngs, junior, of Southold, in the county of Suffolk, an insolvent debtor, to all the creditors of the said John Youngs, jun. that they shew cause, if any they have, before John Hulbert, Esq. one of the Judges of the Inferior or Court of Common Pleas, in said county, at the County-hall, on Tuesday the twelfth day of February next, at one o'clock, P. M. why an assignment of the estate of the said insolvent should not be made, and he discharged according to an act of the Legislature, entitled "An act for the relief of insolvent debtors," passed the 13th of April, 1786. JOHN YOUNGS, jun.
Petitioning Creditors. Nathaniel Youngs, John Corbin, jun. January 3, 1788. 1 66 3
PASTE-BOARD
Sold by the Printers.
At a Court of Probates of the State of New-York, held at the Probate Office, in the city of New-York, on the 9th day of January, in the year of our Lord, 1788.
PRESENT, The Hon. Peter Ogilvie, Esq. Judge of the said Court. WHEREAS Catharine Wendell, administratrix of Hermanus H. Wendell, late of the township of Schenectady, in the county of Albany, merchant, deceased, hath by her petition presented to the said Judge set forth, that the said Hermanus H. Wendell, was at the time of his death, seized of a real estate within this State; that the petitioner had made a just and true account of the personal estate and debts of the said Hermanus H. Wendell, as far as she had been able to discover the same; and that thereby it appeared that the personal estate of her said intestate was insufficient to pay his debts, and therefore requested the aid of the said Judge in the premises, according to the directions of the act, entitled, "An act for the relief of creditors against heirs, devisees, executors and administrators, and for proving wills respecting real estates;" and the said petitioner hath delivered to the said Judge the account in the said petition mentioned: Hereupon it is ordered by the said Judge, that all persons interested in the estate of the said Hermanus H. Wendell, do appear before the Judge of the said Court of Probates, at the Probate Office in the city of New-York, on the 26th day of February next, to shew cause if any they have, why so much of the real estate whereof the said Hermanus H. Wendell died seized, should not be sold as will be sufficient to pay his debts. 1 66 4
PETER OGILVIE.
Public Auction, if not Sold before at Private Sale,
At the Coffee-house, at twelve o'clock, on Tuesday the first day of February 1788, to be entered upon the first day of May next;
THE pleasantly situated House and Land of the late Ludwyk Bumper, deceased, in the township of Brooklyn, opposite to the city of New-York. As it is so well known to many gentlemen, it needs no further recommendation. For further particulars, enquire of Jacob and Charles Doughty, at Brooklyn, and John Anderson, in New-York, executors, who will give a good executors deed, as the above estate is clear of incumbrance.
Also, to be Sold at Public Auction, on the premises, if not sold at private sale before, on Wednesday the second day of February 1788, two Tenements and eight Lots of Ground in New-York, in Chapel-street,—to be entered on the first day of May 1788. For further particulars enquire as above.
Also, to be Sold at Private Sale, four Lots of Land, lot No. 14, 959 acres, No. 8, 1227, No. 3, 5996, No. 13, 3571 acres, in Hardenburgh's patent, in Ulster County, either in whole lots or in lots of two hundred acres, as will best suit the purchaser.
All persons that have any demands against the above estate, are requested to bring in their accounts to Charles Doughty properly attested, in order to receive payment, by the first of January next; and all those that are indebted to the above estate, and requested to pay their debts, by the first day of May next, or their accounts will be put into the hands of Attorney. Jacob Sharpe, Charles Doughty, John Anderson, Executors to the above estate. 45 14
JUST PUBLISHED, The Columbian Almanack,
AND E P H E M E R I S Of the Motion of the Sun and Moon; the true Places and Aspects of the Planets; the Rising and Setting of the Sun; the Rising, Setting, and Southing of the Moon, For the Year of our Lord, 1788:
Being Bissextile, or Leap-Year, and the twelfth of American Independence. Calculated for the meridian of the Middle States, particularly New York. Containing also,
The Lunations, Conjunctions, Eclipses, Judgment of the Weather, Rising and Setting of the Planets, Length of Days and Nights, Courts, Roads, &c. Together with useful Tables, and Pieces of Instruction and Entertainment, &c. &c. By ANDREW BEERS, PHILOM.
Purchasers can have the above Almanack with, or without, the FEDERAL CONSTITUTION annexed.
Also, may be had at the above place, The NEW-YORK Pocket Almanack,
For the Year of our Lord 1788: Containing every thing necessary, and many things convenient in an ALMANACK.
To be Sold at Public Auction,
ON Wednesday the 2d day of April, 1788, if not disposed of before; a DWELLING HOUSE consisting of three rooms, a kitchen and cellar, together with twenty acres of cleared land, situated between Hackensack and the New-bridge, about two miles and a quarter from the former, and one quarter from the latter: It has an excellent orchard, and some meadow; it is an excellent stand for a merchant or tradesman. For particulars enquire of John Van Buskirk, at Kinnicameck, or Lawrence Roome, fadler, living in Broad-way, No. 40, New-York. 2 57
D O D D S
Musical Instrument Manufactory, from LONDON, No. 66, Queen-Street.
ORGANS, harpsichords and forte-pianos, spinnets, forte-pianos and common guitars, finished in the newest taste. The piano-forte is become the most fashionable instrument, and is introduced into almost every polite family in England, and is esteemed a complete accompaniment to the female voice; it takes up but little room, and may be moved with ease, and consequently kept in tune with little attention, and on that account superior to the harpsichord.
Mr. Dodds respectfully informs the gentlemen and ladies, that he manufactures this valuable and delightful instrument equal to any which may be imported, and twenty-five per cent. cheaper. It is well known, imported instruments are greatly impaired by the seas, not one in four, giving perfect satisfaction. Mr. Dodds has made it his study to procure seasoned wood for manufacturing this instrument, and can therefore recommend with the strictest integrity to his customers; but if any instrument should prove in any way defective, he will change it by paying the usual hire for the time retained.
He has for sale, a large assortment of fine toned violins and flutes with all the keys, voice flutes, consort flutes, clarinets, haut-boys, bassoons, French horns, trumpets, fifes proper for the field, fliccadopastorals, caelin harps, books of instructions, and strings for every instrument, pitch-pipes, tuning forks and hammers, ruling pens, mutes in brass and ivory screws, bridges, musick desks, and a few of the newest songs set to music: These and every article may be had as good and as cheap as in London. A great allowance will be made to dealers in those articles. Instruments sold on commission, taken in exchange, let out, repaired and tuned in the best manner, and on the most reasonable terms. 58
Wants Employment, a young Man,
Who is perfectly acquainted with the business of a Counting-House, and can be well recommended—Enquire of the Printers. 44
To the PUBLIC.
THE Co-partnership of Matthew Rhodes, Timothy Rhodes, John Hebblethwaite and Samuel Hopkins, by the firm of Samuel Hopkins and Company, hath been this day dissolved by mutual consent;—if there are any demands against the co-partnership, it is requested that they be produced to the said Samuel Hopkins and William Rhodes, at No. 31, Queen-street, in the city of New-York, for payment;—and all persons indebted to it, are requested to pay the amount that they owe in six months from this date, to the said Samuel Hopkins and William Rhodes, otherwise their accounts must be placed in the hands of an attorney. New-York, September 25, 1787.
The said Samuel Hopkins has imported in the ship Willon, Capt. Thompson, from Liverpool, A quantity of low-priced Woollens, Sattinets and Florentines, which he will dispose of on advantageous terms to the purchaser, for cash or short credit. 36
JUST ARRIVED, An assortment of WRITING-PAPER,
AMONGST which are 80 reams post or letter paper, folio and quarto, gilt, plain & mourning. Also, a large assortment of Holland dressed quills, large and common, will be sold on very moderate terms for cash, by the thousand or smaller quantity, by S. LOUDON, No. 5, Water-street. N. B. An elegant set of Voltaire's Works, 39 volumes, to be sold at the same place. A L S O,
Just come to hand, the Political, European, Ladies and Country Magazines, for May, June, and July. Likewise the American Museum and the Columbian Magazines.
To be Sold at Private Sale,
THAT valuable little FARM, near the seven mile stone, between Haerlem and Horns-Hook, containing twelve acres of good land, on which is a small new dwelling house; near the house is a convenient never failing spring; the situation is pleasant, and affords one of the best prospects of any place near this city. Will be sold on moderate terms, and the payment made easy to the purchaser. Apply to the subscriber, living at No. 40, Little Dock-street, by whom an indisputable title will be given. OLIVER VANDERBILT. New-York, October 18, 1787. 42
W A N T E D,
CONNECTICUT Loan-Office, Final Settlement Notes and Interest Certificates of the State of New-York. Apply to LEONARD BLECKER, No. 186, Water-street. 56 4
To be SOLD,
A FARM in Ulster County, Shawangunk Precinct, twenty miles from New-Burgh or New-Windfor landings; containing one hundred acres of excellent Land, thirty of which is the best timothy meadow, and more may be made: There are on said farm a large dwelling House and Barn, a young Orchard containing different kinds of fruit, with a grist and taw mill, the whole in good repair and in a fertile settlement. Property in New-York, wet or dry goods will be taken in payment—For terms apply to William Boyd in New-York, or to the subscriber on the premises, who will give a sufficient title. 55 12 JOHN M'KINSTRAY.
STATE of NEW-YORK, &c.
WHEREAS all the real estate of which John Thompson, late of Goshen precinct, in the county of Orange, yeoman, deceased, died seized, has been sold by an order of Peter Ogilvie, Esq. Judge of the Court of Probates of this State, for the payment of his debts; all persons who have any demands against the estate of the said John Thompson, are hereby notified and desired to produce the same to the said Judge at the said Court of Probates, at the Probate-Office, in the City of New-York, on the twenty-fifth day of March next, when and where a final settlement and distribution of the said estate will be made. Given under my hand, at the Probate-Office, in the City of New-York the 12th day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven. 1 58 6 PETER OGILVIE.
State of New-York, &c.
WHEREAS all the real estate of which James M'Cluer, late of Southold, in the county of Suffolk, trader, deceased, died seized, has been sold by an order of Peter Ogilvie, Esq. Judge of the court of Probates of this State, for the payment of his debts; all persons who have any demands against the estate of the said James M'Cluer are hereby notified and desired to produce the same to the said Judge of the said court of Probates, at the dwelling-house of Ezra L'Hommedieu, in Southold, in Suffolk county on Nassau Island, on the twenty-eighth day of March next, when and where a final settlement and distribution of the said estate will be made. Given under my hand, at the Probate Office in the city of New-York, the twenty-sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven. 1 62 6 PETER OGILVIE.
By order of the Hon. Richard Morris, Esq. Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature of the State of New-York:
NOTICE is hereby given to Seth Williams, now or late of Rhode-Island, and to all others whom it may concern; that on application and due proof made to the said Chief Justice, pursuant to an act of the Legislature of this State of New-York entitled, "An act for relief against absconding and absent debtors, passed the fourth day of April, 1786;" He hath issued his warrant to the Sheriff of the city and county of New-York, commanding him to attach, seize, take and safely keep all the estate as well real as personal, of the said Seth Williams, an absent debtor, of what kind or nature soever, and every or any part or parcel thereof, in whatever part of his bailiwick the same can be found, with all evidences, books of account, vouchers and papers relating thereto: And that unless he, the said Seth Williams shall return and discharge his debts within twelve months after the publication of this notice, all his estate real and personal, will be sold for the payment and satisfaction of his creditors. Dated at the city of New-York, this 24th day of February, in the year of our Lord, 1787. 75
New-York RUM,
OF excellent flavour and good proof,—for Sale by Charles Tillinghast, at the Distillery near the New-market, in Cherry-street, and nearest the Ship-yards.
S H R U B,
OF the very best quality, by the hoghead, barrel, or smaller quantity,—for Sale by Charles Tillinghast, at his house nearly opposite the New-market, in Cherry-street. October 3. 38
To be Sold at Public Vendue,
ON the 31st day of January ensuing, at the Merchants Coffee-house, in this city, a valuable tract of Land, situated in the Nine Partners patent, on the bank of the North-river, about four miles above Poughkeepsie, containing 517 acres of good Land, being the southernmost half of water lot No 6, adjoining Crook's land. The tract is intersected by several good brooks, is partly wood and partly cleared land, has four tenements thereon, the post road to Albany and three other roads passing through the tract. It is situated in a populous and good neighbourhood, and advantageously for the carrying on any business. To make the terms easy to the purchaser, one quarter part of the purchase money will be required on the delivery of the conveyance, and the remainder on good security. The whole tract will be sold together or in parts as may best suit the purchaser; and an indisputable title given for the same. Any person who may wish to purchase at private sale, will apply to ELSEY EVERSON, No. 4, Burling-ship. 1 60 12
To be S O L D,
A Very valuable Lot of Ground with a convenient house on the same, situated in William-street, No. 57, containing in front 26 feet, and in rear 20 feet, and in length on each side 70 feet. For further particulars enquire of Thomas Longley on the premises. 46
The following CERTIFICATES
WILL be sold for CASH, or LANDED PROPERTY in the city of New-York: 11,000 dollars Continental Loan-Office certificates, mostly of the State of New-York. 1000 dollars in facilities. 17,000 dollars in continental bills of the first and second emission. 5001. Pennsylvania State certificates, drawing interest payable at six months, at six per cent. per annum. Direct a line for A. B. to be left at the Printing-Office. If the offer suits, the holder may then be known. October 18. 49