The gazette (Portland, Me.), 1798-06-11 00:00:00

The Gazette.
[NUMBER 7.]
By ELEZER ALLEY JENKS, Portland, Maine.
[VOLUME 1.]
Monday, June 11, 1798.
POLITICS.
the CITIZENS of the United States.
IF ever there was a time when national exertion, firmness and unanimity were necessary to the preservation of the liberties of the people, that time now exists. Menaced with subjugation by a nation whose only object is her own aggrandizement, and whose arrogance is unparalleled in the annals of history, it behoves you as Americans to make a firm and undaunted rally round that standard which with your blood you erected, and which with your blood you must maintain. The only hopes of your enemies are in divisions and dissensions among yourselves, which they think they have already excited, and which they are by all possible means endeavouring to foment: But your discord in the cause of the independence of your country, will, I am confident, soon undeceive them, & convince them that although you can be grateful for benefactions, and remember services while you suppose them to proceed from pure and disinterested motives; yet when you are satisfied that those very services were levelled at your own independence, by wresting you from the arms of Britain, merely to bring you within those of your pretended benefactors; you will not be lulled into a fatal delusion, but rise with the spirit of '76; and if you must be slaves, make at least one united struggle to be free. Suffer it not to be said, the sons of America deserve not to be free, for they are incapable of maintaining their independence: but rather let it be said, in so little estimation do Americans hold their blood, when put in competition with their freedom, that rather than suffer the smallest portion of it to be sacrificed they would most cheerfully consent to the effusion of every drop in the defence of their country.
Form yourselves, fellow citizens, into a firm, a determined phalanx, steadfastly resolving to crush any thing like opposition to those measures which alone can secure to you those invaluable rights which, if firm and united, you can never be deprived of, but which France is by all possible means endeavouring to undermine. Not only unite in this grand cause, but on all public occasions proclaim your unanimity, and hold up to detestation those characters who even wish to impair it. By this means you will convince France that her hope of destroying by disuniting you, is perfectly fallacious, and that neither she, nor any other nation upon earth, need ever, for one moment, entertain the idea, that to divide the Americans upon the great and glorious cause of their freedom and independence, is even within the verge of remotest possibility. BRUTUS.
SELF DEFENCE.
THE necessity of self defence is as plain as the noon day sun. The capacity of the United States to defend its trade and navigation is greater than most persons have believed. No nation, except Britain, has so much trade—and a great trade will support a strong navy. France has not more sea coast, nor at this time more sailors, ships or commerce than we had in 1784. Her wealth, credit or naval resources are not in greater proportion; and after paying her vast armies, her means to equip and maintain a powerful fleet are not so great as those of America, whose credit is established, and whose sources of taxation are yet scarcely made to yield a quarter part of their practicable re-
source. It is evident that America may be, and sad events prove that she must resolve that she will be, and soon too, a great naval power. A few ships would check piracies on our coast, and straiten the rapacity of the Westindia Algerines. Fully to realize this desirable state of defence, there must be some years preparation, in time of peace, when labor and materials will be cheaper than at present. It will be our folly if we remain twenty years longer under guardianship to any European nation. There is treachery in all foreign protection, and we shall be branded as cowards if we seek safety in any way but by the exertion of our own strength and resources. It has cost a good deal to cure us of our foolish and almost fatal fondness for the French. We shall not love nor blindly trust the English Court. Let us build ships, fortify our ports and provide troops and arms sufficient to keep of invaders and suppress insurrections. [ Minerva. ]
Legislature of Massachusetts.
GOVERNOR, His Excellency INCREASE SUMNER.
LIEUT. GOVERNOR, His Honor MOSES GILL.
COUNSELLORS, The Hon. THOMAS DAWES, ELEAZER BROOKS, OLIVER WENDELL, STEVEN CHOATE, JOSIAH STEARNS, ELISHA MAY, SIMON FRYE. DANIEL WHITNEY and JOHN HASTINGS.
Senators, for Maine.
York—Hon. Nathaniel Wells and Simon Frye, Esq's.
Cumberland—Hon. Stephen Longfellow and Daniel Davis, Esq's.
Lincoln, &c.—Hon. Alexander Campbell and Nathaniel Dummer, Esq's.
Representatives for Maine.
YORK.
Col. Esaias Preble,
Wells, John Storer, Esq.
Berwick, John Lord, Esq.
Biddeford, Mr. Daniel Hooper,
Pepperellboro' Thomas G. Thornton, Esq.
CUMBERLAND.
Portland, Mr. Woodbury Storer.
North Yarmouth, Samuel P. Russell, Esq.
Brunswick, Mr. William Stanwood,
Freeport, Mr. James Curtis,
Bucksfield, Mr. Samuel Andrews.
LINCOLN, &c.
Georgetown, Mark Langdon Hill, Esq.
Woolwich, Samuel Harnden, Esq.
Winthrop, Col. N. Fairbanks,
Bath, Francis Winter, Esq.
Pittston, Hon. Henry Dearborn, Esq.
Cushing, Mr. Edward Killoran,
Camden, Mr. Samuel Jacobs,
Augusta, James Bridge, Esq.
Farmington, Supply Belcher, Esq.
Penobscot, Mr. Pelatiah Freeman,
Castine, Dr. Oliver Mann.
JUNE 5.
His Excellency the Governor, being duly qualified, met the two houses this day, and delivered the following
SPEECH:
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,
YOU are now assembled, pursuant to the wise provision in our excellent Constitution of civil government, for the purpose of making and establishing such wholesome and reasonable statutes and ordinances as in your judgment the welfare of this Commonwealth shall require, and for the necessary support and defence of the government thereof: A delegation highly honorable to yourselves, as well as important to the community. When this duty is faithfully performed, you cannot fail of receiving the approbation and applause of your constituents, whose interests cannot be forgotten or neglected, because they are so inseparably connected with your
own. Unfounded therefore must be the sentiment that the officers of a free government have a different interest from that of the people, whom they represent, to whom they return at the expiration of their office, divested of all authority, and subject to the consequences of all the laws and regulations made, while they were vested with the powers of government. The opposite position, I conceive, cannot be maintained on any other ground, than upon supposition, that the officers of government, elated by the people, and responsible for their conduct while in office, will counteract their own interest, infringe their own rights and liberties, with those of their families and connections, for the purpose of oppressing the people. A supposition extremely absurd and unnatural. I therefore hold it an article in my political creed, that the people and their government are inseparably united; and that whoever attempts to divide them, cannot be viewed in any other light, than as aiming a blow at the main pillar, on which the whole superstructure rests.
The good sense of the American people, I trust will not suffer them to listen to suggestions, at once so erroneous, and so dangerous to the very existence of a free government, but instead of countenancing unreasonable jealousies, will give a firm support to the constitutional measures of the government of their own choice; without which, no people can long enjoy the invaluable blessings of such a government.
The events of the present day draw our attention from the more local concerns of the Commonwealth, to contemplate those of our nation at large.
The situation of our foreign relations, you are not insensible has become critical and alarming, and calls for the United Wisdom, Decision and Firmness of the American government; and for the unequivocal aid and assistance of each member of the Union. We were led to flatter ourselves, that the system of impartial neutrality adopted by the Executive, and which we have struggled so long to maintain, would have sheltered us from the calamities incident to a state of war.—When the troubles of Europe commenced, the United States were at peace with the world, and happy in the reflection that no obligation compelled them to intermeddle in their contest; but had every inducement to avoid it:—Having wisely adopted this system, our government endeavored to avoid every just cause of complaint, and when unjustifiable depredations were committed on our commerce by one of the belligerent powers a treaty opened a way for removing just grounds of uneasiness by adjusting mutual demands. Thus a contest with that power which then threatened us was happily prevented, and peace and harmony restored: When similar causes of complaint and uneasiness with another of those powers existed, the President of the United States, anxious to preserve the good understanding which had so long subsisted between the French and American Republics, pursued similar measures, for the restoration of amity and friendship between them. These overtures, after a contemptuous rejection in the first instance, from an extreme desire to remove every reasonable ground of complaint, were renewed; and with what success, let the communications from the Envoys to our Executive, declare! Could they have been furnished with powers more ample, or have addressed the government of France in language more respectful, pathetic or conciliating. They assure that government of "the deep regret which the President of the Uni-
ted States feels at the loss or suspension of the harmony and friendly intercourse which had subsisted between the Republics, and of his sincere desire to restore them; to discuss candidly the complaints of France, and to offer frankly those of the United States; that he had authorised a review of existing treaties, and such alterations thereof, as shall consist with the mutual interest and satisfaction of the contracting parties!"—"At the same time warmly expressing the happiness they should feel, if their exertions could in any degree contribute to restore that friendship and mutual interchange of good offices, which is alike their wish and their duty to effect between the citizens of the two republics!" But instead of listening to those respectful, conciliatory overtures, our envoys have been treated with a marked heretofore unknown among civilized nations, and exorbitant sums of money demanded—on what pretence I know not, unless it be to compensate the citizens of France for the trouble they have been put to, in capturing and condemning our property.
The calamities of war, we sincerely deprecate, but are fully satisfied that every effort has been made, short of national dishonor and degradation, to prevent them. The United States, contented with the station which Heaven has been pleased to assign them, have no unreasonable wish for aggrandizement, no desire of conquest or extension of territory; but are only solicitous for peace and that security to their Property and independence, which the God of Nature hath given them a right to claim and enjoy:—And while the ears and hearts of the citizens of these States will always be open to every reasonable proposition for accommodation, I believe, I am not mistaken in saying, they are determined never to submit to plans of coercion: For they well know that a people united in a just cause, and roused by injuries and indignities to resentment, cannot be easily conquered. Notwithstanding individual citizens may have entertained different opinions, as to the motives and consequences of the wars and revolutions in Europe, yet I am confident, they will not disagree in one point; I mean the necessity of union among ourselves, in order successfully to defend our liberties and independence. These inestimable blessings have been transmitted to us intire, by the virtuous struggles of our fathers, who despised every danger and encountered every difficulty in their just defence; and should we resign them to any nation on earth, without "one manly struggle," should we not be considered as unfaithful guardians of the sacred trust? Rather let us endeavour honourably to discharge the debt by united efforts to transmit the fair inheritance undiminished to posterity.
In such a contest, all nations will do us the justice to believe, that nothing hath been omitted on our part, to prevent the evils and distresses of war—and that if a sincere desire to maintain the rights of neutrality, and to keep up a friendly intercourse with all nations—if exemplary moderation and forbearance, under accumulated injuries—if the candid and liberal declaration of our Executive, that "if we have committed errors, we will rectify them"—if the most sincere and reiterated attempts at friendly negotiation, and even a predilection for the French nation, whom we have been wont to regard with the most sincere friendship; could have shielded the United States from depredation and war, our tranquility would not have been interrupted:—And that, if mercenary, exorbitant de-

mands of money for the privilege of being heard, joined to the most pointed contempt for our envoys and nation, aggravated by continued hostility on our commerce, can afford ground for claim of the Right of Defence against further outrages, that this right of the United States will remain undisputed. May we not therefore, if driven to defence, with humble confidence, look up to the Supreme 'Arbiter of Nations,' for his protection and blessing, by granting success to our exertions against those, who without any just cause alleged, seem to be disposed to compel the United States to withdraw their friendship and become their enemy.—Do not the facts before the public, justify the observation, that to separate the people from their government is a measure unremittingly pursued, thereby destroying the energy of government, and turning the force of a nation against itself. What then is the duty of a private citizen? Is it not to exert his utmost ability to counteract so dangerous, so fatal a policy? What more especially is the duty of all our constituted authorities and such of our fellow citizens as have officially bound themselves by the most solemn of all obligations, to support the Constitution of the United States?
In this unhappy exigency of affairs, I recommend to your immediate consideration, the necessary means of defence, within this Commonwealth, that they may be used with effect, whenever it shall be considered necessary by the government of the United States; particularly the important fortification on Castle-Island ; this fortress, so essential to the defence of the harbour and town of Boston, in case of assault or invasion, requires much labour, and some expence, to give it that effect in repelling an enemy, which its very advantageous situation would command. Some improvements have been made, and with but little cost to the Commonwealth; but to render it capable of internal defence, it is necessary a small work for security against small arms, should be constructed in the centre of the place; this might be done with great ease, and at a small expence, by employing the convicts on the island in that service.
I have the satisfaction to announce to you, that the militia of this State (with the exception of a few corps) is in very good order, and capable of performing such services as the exigencies of the times may possibly require;—if, however, any thing can be done to make it more efficient, I shall be happy to concur with you in the measure.
I will detain you no longer, than to suggest to your consideration the expediency of providing a few heavy Brass Field Pieces, to be distributed upon the sea-coasts; they would be highly useful in case of assault and depredation from single ships, as they might be easily transported from place to place, as occasion may require.—While we indulge the hope that the French Republic may yet alter its measures respecting the United States, and render these precautionary steps unnecessary: yet I apprehend a sense of our duty and interest will not suffer us to remain unprepared for disagreeable events, which so strongly threaten the peace of the United States.
In every measure, which shall have for its object the security, peace and prosperity of the people of this Commonwealth, I shall be happy in affording my most hearty concurrence.
The renewed evidence of the esteem and confidence of my fellow citizens, strongly impresses my mind:—It shall be my endeavour not to disappoint them.
INCREASE SUMNER.
Council Chamber, Boston, June 5, 1798.
Committees were appointed from the two branches of the Legislature to prepare answers to the foregoing Speech.
A joint committee, composed of the Hon. Messrs. Dane, Dwight, and D. Davis — Messrs. Sprague, Williams, Ward and Pickman, is raised to report an address to the President of the U. S.
A committee was appointed to consider the law respecting the reversion of estates to the Commonwealth in default of heirs, &c.
A petition for a turnpike road thro' Saco woods was committed.
Messrs. Goodwin, Jackson & Woodbury Storer, were appointed a committee to report a statement of the ordnance arms and military stores belonging to the Commonwealth, and where the same are deposited.
Hon. Messrs. Bridge, Jones, and D. Davis, of the senate, and Messrs. May, Barnes, Goodwin, and W. Storer of the house were appointed a committee to consider that part of the Governor's speech which relates to the Defence of the Commonwealth.
June 7. A message was received from the Governor, mentioning that he had received a letter from the Secretary at War, stating, that owing to the failure of a contract, the cannon necessary for the upper battery of the frigate Constitution , were not ready; and requesting the loan of a number of cannon now useless on Castle Island , which were designed for ship's use. The Secretary engages to return them as soon as others can be procured, and in the mean time to order a number of 32 pounders round from Providence to Boston for the defence of the harbor.
A committee was directed to consider the expediency of ceding Castle Island to the government of the United States.
Address to the President.
Yesterday the committee appointed by the Legislature reported an address to the President. In the Senate it was unanimously adopted. In the House the yeas and nays were called—the yeas one hundred and fourteen—nays 30. It is a most excellent performance.
The ANSWERS.
To the Governor's speech, have been reported and accepted, and the committees directed to present them. [They shall be published in the next Gazette.]
THE GAZETTE.
PORTLAND.
Progress of War!
[Here, reader, are the efficient measures of the American Government—here are the progressing steps of another War, for the preservation of our independence. The moment is now arrived, and to arms! to arms! is the cry of every friend to his country. The immense resources of this great nation will now be called into action, and America will take her stand to repel that insolent spirit of rapine and domination which oppresses mankind.—A direct declaration of war is not likely to take place on either side. The French, indeed, have carried on a warfare far more destructive than she could have done under an open avowal of hostilities. Conciliatory and pacific measures have only given them time to extend their depredations, and mock our confidence. What then remains for this country? None but a slave or coward can hesitate to decide. War is undeniably a calamity of great magnitude; but where is the degraded American who would not submit to the worst of its horrors, rather than live the slave of France?
Congress has been for some time engaged in the most important concerns. The two following bills, after ingenious debates, and profound deliberation, have passed. They are measures of the first importance, and are marked with that spirit and decision, which will prove our safety.]
Captures and Reprisals!
An ACT, more effectually to protect the Commerce & Coasts of the United States.
WHEREAS armed vessels, sailing under authority or pretence of authority, from the republic of France, have committed depredations on the commerce of the United States, and have recently captured the vessels and pro-
perty of citizens thereof, on and near the coasts, in violation of the law of nations, and treaties between the United States and the French nation.—Therefore,
Section 1. BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, and he is hereby authorised to instruct and direct the commanders of the armed vessels belonging to the United States, to seize, take and bring into any port of the United States, to be proceeded against according to the laws of nations, any such armed vessels, which shall have committed, or which shall be found hovering on the coasts of the United States, for the purpose of committing depredations on the vessels belonging to the citizens thereof, and also to retake any ship or vessel of any citizen or citizens of the United States, which may have been captured by any such armed vessel.
[For passing this act, 50 members appeared in the affirmative, and 40 in the negative. Our armed vessels will, therefore, bring in for 'legal adjudication,' those French pirates who infest our coast.]
Suspension of Intercourse!
A bill to suspend the Commercial Intercourse between the United States and France, & the dependencies thereof.
Sec. 1. BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That no ship or vessel, owned, hired, or employed, wholly or in part, by any person resident within the United States, and which shall depart therefrom after the day of _____, shall be allowed to proceed directly, or from any intermediate port or ports, to any port or place within the territory of the French Republic, or the dependencies thereof, or to any place in the West Indies, or elsewhere, under the acknowledged government of France, or shall be employed in any traffic or commerce with or for any person resident within the jurisdiction, or under the authority of the French Republic. And if any ship or vessel, in any voyage thereafter commencing, and before her return within the United States, shall be voluntarily carried, or suffered to proceed to any French port or place as aforesaid, or shall be employed as aforesaid, contrary to the intent hereof, every such ship or vessel shall be forfeited, and shall accrue, the one half to the use of the United States, and the other half to the use of any person or persons, citizens of the United States, who will inform and prosecute for the same, and shall be liable to be seized, prosecuted and condemned in any circuit or district court of the United States which shall be holden within or for the district where the seizure shall be made.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That after the day of _____ of next, no clearance for a foreign voyage shall be granted to any ship or vessel, owned, hired, or employed, wholly or in part by any person resident within the United States, until a bond shall be given to the use of the United States, wherein the owner or employer, if usually resident or present, where the clearance shall be required, and otherwise his agent or factor; and the master or captain of such ship or vessel for the intended voyage, shall be parties, and with sufficient surety or sureties, in a sum equal to double the value of the ship or vessel, with condition that the same shall not, during her intended voyage, or before her return within the United States, proceed, or be carried, directly or indirectly to any port or place within the territory of the French Republic, or the dependencies thereof, or any place in the West Indies, or elsewhere, under the acknowledged government of France, unless by distress of weather, or want of provisions, or by actual force and violence, to be fully proved and manifested before the ac-
quittance of such bond; and that such vessel is not, and shall not be employed during her intended voyage, or before her return as aforesaid, in any traffic or commerce with or for any person resident within the territory of that Republic, or in any of the dependencies thereof.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That from and after _____ no French ship or vessel, armed or unarmed, commissioned by or for, or under the authority of the French Republic, or owned, fitted, hired or employed by any person resident within the territory of that Republic, or any of the dependencies thereof, or sailing or coming therefrom, shall be allowed an entry or to remain within the territory of the United States, unless driven there by distress of weather, or in want of provisions. And if contrary to the intent hereof any such ship or vessel shall be found within the jurisdictional limits of the United States, not being liable to seizure for any other cause, the company having charge thereof shall be required to depart and carry away the same, avoiding all unnecessary delay and if they shall, notwithstanding, remain, it shall be the duty of the collector of the district wherein or nearest to which such ship or vessel shall be, to seize and detain the same, at the expence of the United States: Provided, That ships or vessels which shall be bona fide the property of, or hired or employed by citizens of the United States now actually resident in France, or the dependencies thereof, shall be excepted from this prohibition until the day of _____ next, and no longer; and provided that in the case of vessels hereby prohibited, which shall be driven by distress of weather, or the want of provisions into any port or place of the United States, they may be suffered to remain under the custody of the collector there or nearest thereto, until suitable repairs or supplies can be obtained, and as soon as may be thereafter shall be required and suffered to depart; but no part of the lading of such vessel shall be taken out or disposed of, unless by the especial permit of such collector, to defray the unavoidable expence of such repairs or supplies.
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That this act shall continue and be in force until the end of the next session of Congress, and no longer.
Sec. 5. Provided, And be it further enacted, that if, before the next session of Congress, the French republic, or the government of France, and all persons acting by or under their authority, shall clearly disavow, and shall be found to refrain from the aggressions, depredations and hostilities which have been, and are by them encouraged and maintained against the vessels and other property of the citizens of the United States, and against their national rights and sovereignty, in violation of the faith of treaties, and the laws of nations, and shall thereby acknowledge the just claims of the United States to be considered as in all respects neutral, and unconnected in the present European war, if the same shall be continued, then and thereupon it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, being well ascertained of the premises, to remit and discontinue the prohibitions and restraints hereby enacted and declared; and he shall be, and is hereby authorized to make proclamation thereof accordingly.
[This bill passed on the 2d instant—Yeas 55, nays 25. The blanks in the first and second sections were filled with the 1st of July; the first blank in the third section was filled with after due notice of the passing of this bill shall be given; and the second after the 1st of Dec. next. On motion of Mr. Gallatin, and by general consent, the words in the third section "now actually resident in France, and the dependencies thereof," were struck out.]
On motion of Mr. Sewall the consideration of the bill for laying Direct Taxes was recommitted to the committee of ways and means.

REVIEW of NEWS.
The latest news from Europe is by the British packet arrived at Newyork. English gazettes have been received to the middle of April. These gazettes contain nothing very important, more than has been already published. It appears, however, that the invasion of England is the grand topic of conversation among Frenchmen, although the subject has grown tiresome in this country. General Buonaparte has received directions from the Directory to repair immediately to Brest and take command of all the sea and land forces destined for this expedition; the forces collecting in the vicinity of Brest, are immense. A cabinet council has been held in London to consider the propriety of a general arming; and circular letters have been sent to all the maritime counties, enjoining the most vigorous exertions. It is contemplated to drive the live stock of such parts of the country as may become exposed to the inroads of the French, into such places as they may be secure. A plan has also been formed for an association of the nobility and yeomanry, to supply wagons, horses, &c. and to aid the supplies for the soldiers, with the most necessary articles, in case of invasion. A requisition of every fifth man in Holland was to be enforced by the abominable Directory of France. Thus it is that this odious republic fulfils its faith to its allies. May the many lessons daily exhibited of French perfidy be a solemn warning to Americans!
The city of Hamburg has paid the sum of six millions of livres as a contribution, to be excused from a loan of 12 millions of ducats!
The king of Spain has published an edict ordering all the French emigrants to quit the country. This is one of the first acts of the new administration, and proves the ascendancy of the French government!
A late London paper mentions a report that the American Commissioners at Paris, have been ordered to depart, & that all American property in France which is supposed to amount to near 3,000,000. is to be confiscated.
A letter from Philadelphia, informs, that Citizen Dupont, late Consul from the French republic at Charleston, lately appointed Consul General at Philadelphia, not having been received by the Executive, has taken his passage in the cartel-ship for France. [This is good, and every insolent Frenchman should be treated just so.]
Mozard, the French Consul at Boston, has fled. Before his flight he wrote an insolent letter to the Governor, which has since been delivered to him, on the subject of a fraternal hug, which the said Mozard received from an American sailor. [We shall soon get rid of the Consul-gentry at this rate. It is clever to get the blockheads off with so little trouble.]
The Insurance Company of Philadelphia have come to a resolution not to insure any vessel or cargo BOUND TO A FRENCH PORT! [An excellent resolution; Americans ought to display their resentment by every means possible. We have to deal with a nation destitute of faith, or honor.]
Mr. Barclay Commissioner on the part of Great Britain for settling the eastern boundary of the United States, has arrived at Newyork with his family in the Earl Moira.
On Wednesday arrived at Boston the ship Sarah from Algiers, having on board the seamen who went out in the Crescent frigate, sent by our government as a present to the Dey. He was highly pleased with her, inasmuch that he made valuable presents to the captain and crew; and passed the highest encomiums on the American character. The Dey was in a poor state of health.
Counterfeit Federal Dollars are in circulation. Their milling will betray them.
More Dispatches!
From Philadelphia, June 3.
"Further dispatches are received from our envoys, as late as the 4th of April; contents unknown not being yet deciphered. Mr. King, our minister at London, writes that Mr. Pinckney and Mr. Marshall were about to return, but that Mr. Gerry will tarry behind."
MR. JENKS,
Through the medium of your paper, I wish to suggest to the Young Men of this town, the forming and disciplining of a new military company. It is shameful that military accomplishments should be so much neglected, especially at this eventful period, when the situation of our country loudly calls for all to be in readiness. While the Young men in every part of the Union are forming themselves into companies, it is hoped the hardy sons of Portland will not be backward. Let this hint suffice, and may your next paper announce the formation of a company that will be an honor to the town.
AN OLD SOLDIER.
This town and port, it is said, are to be fortified with additional pieces of cannon; and a detachment of engineers are to be stationed here. It is no matter how soon this takes place, for we are in a very exposed situation at present.
Jacobinism!—A handful of Jacobins in the town of Buxton, have signed an address to the President against the arming of merchantmen! This address has been sent to the Jacobin press in this town for publication. A judicious step truly! It is recommended to the wise-heads of Buxton, to peruse Mr. Otis's Letter, and the Memorial of our envoys.
MARRIED—Last evening, Mr. NATHANIEL MARCH to Miss NANCY HATCH.
DIED—At Berwick Hon. Humphrey Chadbourne, Esq. aged 82 years.
Last Thursday died suddenly, and yesterday were committed to the earth, the mortal remains of Mrs. ELIZABETH M'LELLAN, wife of Capt. William M'LELLAN of this town. Her age was 51 years. From her youth she had been a communicant in the church and has adorned the doctrine of her Saviour, by a sober, righteous and godly life. Her only child, Mrs. JONES, survives to deplore the exit of an excellent and much loved parent; in which she is joined, not only by the affectioned husband, but by numerous relatives and acquaintance to whom her memory is dear.
Farewell, bright light, a short farewell, Till we shall meet in light above, In blooming groves where pleasures dwell, And trees of life bear fruits of love. There glory sits on every face, There friendship smiles in every eye; There shall we celebrate the grace That led us safely to the sky.
DROWNED, At Buxton, in the falls, Mr. William Gooding. He fell in between the logs, as he was getting them into the boom.
On Thursday last, the remains of Mr. Daniel Boyington, of the ship President, were decently interred from the Rev. Mr. Kellogg's meeting house, followed by a respectable number of citizens. He was a young man of unblemished reputation; and his death is much regretted by his numerous friends.
Capt. Boyington returns his thanks to the liberal citizens of Portland, for their kind attendance at the funeral of his late brother.
Marine Articles.
Port of Portland.
Arrived on Tuesday last, sloop Endeavor, Capt. Choate, from Demarara.
Also, on Thursday, brig Joseph, Capt. Jones, who sailed with the late convoy.
Friday arrived Captains Drinkwater and Knight, from Boston.
Arrived yesterday, Schooner Atlas, Capt. Morse, from Alexandria, 10 days from the Caper. He was boarded by a French pirate, but on seeing one or two other vessels, she left him, being short of men, and went in pursuit of them, supposing them to be more valuable.
Capt. Brightman, in the armed snow Harriet, sailed from this port on Saturday last.
Government on application, has granted a convoy from Newyork to Philadelphia, for the ship Adriana. Her cargo is said to be worth 450,000 dollars.
The Ganges, was left in full pursuit of a French privateer, 10 miles within Delaware bay, May 30.
Capt. Cole at Philadelphia from R.I. inside of Cape May was examined by a French privateer schooner, who quitted him to go in pursuit of a brig. Capt. Cole immediately afterwards fell in with the General Greene, American Cutter, gave information, and she went in pursuit of the pirate.
FRESH GOODS.
F. Blake,
HAS just received at his store in Fifth street, a fresh assortment of SUMMER GOODS, of almost every description, which are for sale very cheap for cash.
Also, a beautiful assortment of PAPER HANGINGS, at the Boston prices.
Portland, June 11.
WE the subscribers, having been appointed by the Hon. WILLIAM GORHAM, Esq. to receive and examine the claims of creditors to the estate of
George Johnson,
late of Falmouth, yeoman, deceased, represented in solvent, do hereby give notice, that six months from the first day of May last, were allowed to said creditors to bring in and prove their claims; and that we shall attend that service at the dwelling house of ARCHELAUS LEWIS, in said Falmouth, on the last Monday of this and the four following months, from two to six o'clock, P. M.
ARCHELAUS LEWIS, JAMES MEANS.
Falmouth, June 5th, 1798.
St. John, the Baptist.
ON Monday the 25th of June next, the Portland Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, will celebrate the Festival of St. John the Baptist at their hall in Portland. An oration will be delivered at the Rev. Mr. Kellogg's Meeting house, by the Rev. Brother CORLIN, of Brunswick. A dinner will be provided at the hall. The members of the Lodge and all neighbouring and sojourning brethren are requested to take notice accordingly.
N. B. The Lodge will assemble precisely at 11 o'clock.
By order of the worshipful Master.
JOSEPH C. BOYD, Secretary.
May 30.
To Samuel Freeman, Esq. one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the county of Cumberland.
THE subscribers, five of the proprietors of the PORTLAND LONG WHARF, hereby request you would authorize a meeting of said proprietors, to be held on Thursday the 14th day of June current, at 4 o'clock, P. M. at the Counting-house of Mr. JAMES DEERING, on said wharf, for the following purposes, viz.
1st. To choose a Moderator.
2d. To choose a Clerk, Treasurer, Collector of taxes, a Wharfinger, and any Committees that may be thought necessary.
3d. To see if they will repair, or make any additions to said wharf the current year.
4th. To receive accounts and allow such as they judge to be right.
5th. To determine what commission or other allowance shall be made the Clerk, Treasurer, or other officers.
6th. To vote such sums of money as may be necessary to pay accounts, and such repairs and additions as may be agreed upon.
7th. To determine how their Collector shall proceed with delinquent proprietors.
8th. To determine on the manner of calling future meetings.
DANIEL TUCKER, LEMUEL WEEKS, MATTHEW COBB, JOHN DEERING, for E. Deering. JOSEPH H. INGRAHAM.
Portland, June 9, 1798.
CUMBERLAND, ff.
To Daniel Tucker, one of the proprietors of the Portland Long Wharf, and one of the subscribers of the foregoing application.
YOU are hereby required in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to notify and warn a meeting of said proprietors, to be held at the time and place and for the purposes therein mentioned.
Given under my hand and seal the 9th June. 1798.
SAMUEL FREEMAN, Justice of the Peace for the county aforesaid.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant, I hereby notify the proprietors of the Portland Long Wharf to meet at the time and place, and for the purposes mentioned in the foregoing application.
DANIEL TUCKER.
Portland, June 9, 1798.
For sale—A second hand CHAISE, not half worn. Apply at this office. June 4.
To be Let—and immediate possession given, a STORE, in a good situation for business.—Inquire at this office. June 11.
Wanted,
A NEW Milch Cow of the first quality, for which Cash will be given. No one need be offered, unless warranted good. Inquire of the Printer. June 4.
JUST OPENED, AND FOR SALE,
By Kezia Butler,
MILLENER, from Boston,
At her Shop in Middle Street, opposite the store of Mr. Joseph C. Boyd,
A variety of Fancy and other articles, suitable for the season.
AMONG WHICH ARE, FASHIONABLE Vellum and Sattin Bonnets, Sprigged and Checkered Muffins, Muslin Handkerchiefs, Cambric ditto, Coloured Sattins and Modes, Fancy Ribbons, Necklaces and Ear Rings, Miniature Chains, Lockets, Sprigs, &c. &c.
ALSO, A variety of Japanned WARE, and an assortment of CHILDREN'S TOYS.
N. B. MILLENERY of all kinds made at the shortest notice.
Portland, June 11.
Five Dollars Reward.
RAN away, with the boat, from the snow Harriet, Cpt. Brightman, lying in this port, DANIEL CAMPBELL, about 18 years old, dark complexion, flemish grizzled, his hair dark and curly—about five feet four inches high.—Also, a boy by the name of JOHN SMITH, light complexion, long favored, has a scar of a ball shot through his left thigh—about four feet eight inches high. Any person who will take up said runaways, and secure them in any jail, shall receive the above reward, and all necessary charges paid, by HENRY BRIGHTMAN.
Portland, June 7, 1798.
Small Pox.
ALL persons who intend being inoculated with the Small Pox, are desired to leave their names with either of the Physicians who attended the last season, as the Hospital will be opened again, as soon as a sufficient number apply.
N. B. Not more than one hundred can be accommodated in a class.
Portland, May 16.
Prices Current at Boston,
PER QUANTITY—JUNE 3.
Table listing prices for various goods including Ashes, Butter, Beef, Brandy, Coffee, Cotton, Chocolate, Wines, etc. with their respective prices per quantity.

POETRY.
MR. JENKS, Be so kind as to insert the following handsome Song, which is much sung at present, and oblige Your's, PETER DIBDEN.
POOR TOM.
OR, THE SAILOR'S EPITAPH.
HERE, a sheer hulk, lies poor Tom Bowling, The darling of our crew, No more he'll hear the tempest howling, For Death has broached him too.
His form was of the manliest beauty, His heart was kind and soft; Faithful below he did his duty, And now he's gone aloft.
Tom never from his word departed, His virtues were so rare, His friends were many and true-hearted, His soul was kind and fair.
And then he'd sigh so blyth and jolly, Ah! many's the time and oft; But mirth is turn'd to melancholly, For Tom is gone aloft.
Yet shall poor Tom find pleasant weather, When HE who all commands, Shall give, to call life's crew together, The word to pipe all hands.
Then Death, who kings and tars dispatches, 'Tom's' life has vainly doff'd; For though his body's under hatches, His soul is gone aloft.
FROM THE TANK.
OH for a lodge in some vast wilderness, Some boundless contiguity of shade, Where rumour of oppression and deceit, Of unsuccessful or successful war, Might never reach me more. My ear is pain'd, My soul is sick with every day's report Of wrong and outrage with which earth is fill'd. There is no flesh in man's obdurate heart, It does not feel for man. The natural bond Of brotherhood is sever'd as the flax That falls aunder at the touch of fire.
THE NEWSPAPER.
THIS folio of four pages, happy work! Which not e'en critics criticize, that holds Inquisitive attention while I read, Fast bound in chains of silence, which the fair, Though eloquent themselves, yet fear to break; What is it but a map of busy life, Its fluctuations and its vast concerns? 'Tis pleasing through the loopholes of retreat To peep at such a world; to see the stir Of the great Babel, and not feel the crowd.
THE COLLECTION.
"A THING OF SERES AND PATCHES."
GRECIAN NUNS. —The Greek nuns know nothing of the severities of a monastic life. Their characteristic is that of being Magdalenes reformed; who, towards the decline of life make a vow to observe some virtues they have neglected in their youth, and so retire into a monastery, there to lead lives less scandalous, or perhaps less publicly so, under the inspection of a good natured abbess, who is not very rigid. Hence travellers may be accommodated with certain favors, if they will put up with the autumn of beauty.
ARABIAN WOMEN. —No man must see the face of an Arabian woman without subjecting himself either to marry her or loose his eyes; for after a young woman has been seen by a man no other will marry her.
Beware of strong Teas, ladies. —The women, by the delicacy of their constitutions are most sensibly affected by the pernicious practice of drinking strong and tepid teas, to which they have so much addicted themselves. The importance of their welfare to the general weal, and their peculiar adaptness to felicitate the life and enjoyments of man, renders their health an object of particular concern to every good mind.—In the morning, when the stomach is empty, & the digestive faculties strong, nature indicates some solid food for it to operate upon. How pernicious then must it be to farther slacken the already relaxed fibres, and destroy their elasticity by a quantity of tepid diluting liquors? The poorer sort of women, who are subject to great inconvenience, are by far the most vigorous & healthy. Would the fair in general, receive instruction from them, and be persuaded to live more agreeable to nature and reason, the rosy bloom would not so quickly and frequently fade; nor would they be obliged to reckon so many tedious hours of their lives by the throbbing pulse.
Talleyrand & the Cook Maid. —When Talleyrand (now minister of foreign affairs in France) was in this country, he travelled by land from Frenchman's bay to Boston. In a town not far from Kennebec river, he called at an inn for some refreshment. As his ill stars would have it, he presently introduced himself to the maid of the house, and offered to administer the "fraternal embrace" sans ceremonie ; but the girl instantly repelled the attempt, by severely cuffing his ears. The right reverend Bishop, apologized by saying "it was von very grand custom in his country ;" but the indignant fair one, not inclining to admit the custom , told him "he was one very great puppy ," and by the aid of the 'tongs,' compelled him to 'quit the republic.'
A Traveller's Story. —Some persons relating to each other the many wonderful objects they had seen in the course of their travels, one of them asserted that he had seen in Africa, some grass growing that was as tall as a house, and applied to his companion for the truth of the story! this his companion made no hesitation in confirming, & declared, that in the very field where the grass grew, after having walked some time, he sat down to rest himself, and in the course of a few minutes found himself raised thirty feet from the ground, in consequence of having sat upon a mushroom that was growing! [A good one.]
The Human Passions, &c. —Our nature, diversely cultivated, decides upon our faculties, as well corporeal as intellectual—upon our qualities as well moral as physical. A man who is sanguine and robust, must have strong passions; a bilious and melancholly man will have fantastical and gloomy passions; a man of a gay and sprightly imagination will have cheerful passions; a man in whom phlegm abounds, will have gentle passions and slightly violent. It is upon the equilibrium of the humours that appears to depend the state of those whom we call virtuous; their temperament appears to be the produce of a combination in which the elements or principles balance themselves with sufficient precision so that no one passion carries more than another into the machine. Habit as we have seen, is the nature of man modified, this furnishes the matter; education, domestic and national manners, example, &c. give it the form; and of the temperament which nature presents to them, they make men reasonable or irrational—fanatics or heroes—enthusiasts for the public weal or unbridled criminals—men enlightened or stupid—wise men smitten with the advantages of virtue, or libertines plunged into every kind of vice. All the varieties of the moral man depend upon the diverse ideas which arrange themselves and combine themselves in the brain, various by the intervention of the sense. The temperament is the produce of physical substances; the opinions good or bad—true or false, which arrange themselves in the human mind, are never more than the effect of those physical impulses which it has received by its senses.
To Sunday-Sleepers. —A certain delirious man went to meeting on Sunday, and peaceably seated himself. In sermon time, looking round the meeting house, observing some of the congregation sleeping, and being accidentally armed with a pocket full of rotten apples he drew them forth one by one, and taking good aim, let them fly slap into the faces of the sleeping christians. This was repeated several times, to the no small diversion of the audience; but the parson observing his conduct, desired the people to 'take care of that crazy man'—who instantly replied, 'Do you mind your preaching, I'll keep the dogs awake.'
Lavater and the Shoemakers. —Lavater having asserted, in his treatise on physiognomy, that shoemakers have generally a sickly appearance, and weak constitutions, and that at Zurich, of twenty
four children born of parents exercising that profession, seven only were boys, all the craft of that place rose up against him in a riotous manner. Lavater finding it necessary to quell the tumult as amicably as possible, declared publicly that he had been mistaken, for the just proportion was twenty eight males to thirty of the other sex. He begged, however that the shoemakers would permit him to stand god-father to all the males; and they cheerfully accepted his offer.
MAXIMS. —Slovenliness and indelicacy of character, commonly go hand in hand.
Who makes too much or too little of himself, has a false measure for every thing.
BIOGRAPHY.
THE LATE EMPRESS OF RUSSIA.
THIS woman possessed much strength and grandeur of mind: but it appears that history must reproach her with two great crimes—the death of Peter III. and the death of Prince Iwan. May not these crimes be ascribed to the ferocity and ambition of her lovers? She was not only endowed with that vigor and elevation of mind which is the best preservation from guilt, but even possessed benevolence and sensibility of heart: she was weak to her favorites; she loved children, and the apartments of her palace were filled with them: she loved and sought for the approbation of all enlightened men: finally, and what will tend most to remove the impression of the reproaches with which she has been loaded, she reigned thirty-four years with dignity, and even with serenity, while Orloff died in the agonies of a tortured conscience. If Catharine was the monster she is described to have been, it must be admitted as a principle, that conscience is an organ of which it is possible a rational being may be deprived—a discovery in human nature which cannot be made without pain.
A life of the Empress has lately been published at Paris, attributed to the pen of count de Segur.
The character of the Empress, her Lovers, her Favorites, and her Generals, are correctly described in this history; and the motives of their actions are well developed. All the details besides that interest which is exclusively their own, possess a precision by which they contribute to render the work a more perfect whole. The portrait of the Empress runs through every part of the book. In each page some characteristic trait is to be found.—The mystery of her political conduct since the revolution in France is this unriddled by Catharine herself, in a dialogue in which the author supposes her to take a part.
"I deemed it expedient to take advantage of the disturbances that prevailed in Europe, in order to accomplish the invasion of Poland, and it was necessary that I should not be the only sovereign who should invade it, in order to keep alive and prolong those disturbances. The portion of Poland which I permitted the king of Prussia and the emperor to seize on, is only a deposit in their hands, for which they shall soon be accountable to me. Let the one continue to lavish away the treasures which the tyrannical avarice of his uncle had amassed, and permit the discipline and activity which made the Prussian armies so formidable, decay and perish; let the other completely exhaust his resources in a war which has already cost him one half of his dominions; to this issue I naturally look forward.—As soon as these Princes shall have nothing to oppose to me but their weakness, I will reclaim whatever I think proper in Poland, and then, reinforced by the Sarmatian legions, my armies will turn towards Turkey their triumphant standards."
When the countess Potocky expresses her surprise that it was not to favor the cause of kings that Catharine excited the kings of Europe to arm against
France, tho' she herself was the first to swear that she would take part in the coalition, Catharine made this reply:
"I doubtless take a deep interest in the cause of kings; but while I give it my support, it is far from being my intention to support them.—There is none of them whose name and power I can patiently observe to increase and flourish in the vicinity of my power and name.
"Invited to join in the convention at Pilitz, I signed the treaty with surprising alacrity, not from the motives of friendship and good-will which were then supposed to actuate my conduct, but because I saw the Roman Gustavus II, prevailed on by the instigations of Pelson, doughtily espouse the cause of the feeble Louis XVI, and of the imprudent and too unfortunate Antoinette, and plunge headlong into enterprises in which it was natural to suppose that the remainder of the Swedish forces must be swallowed up; because I foresaw that the king of Prussia must derange his finances and tarnish the lustre of his arms; because I was convinced that the emperor must be despoiled of a great portion of his hereditary dominions, perhaps even of the imperial sceptre, and that, deprived of money and of men, he could no longer rival me in the glory of humbling the pride of the Crescent; and, finally, because I entertained a hope that all the coalesced powers must weaken themselves, some emulously, others reluctantly; and whatever vigor should be displayed by France, that country must long smart under the wounds by which she must purchase her successes. &c. &c."
AGRICULTURE.
"VENERATE THE PLOUGH."
PLOUGHING.
TO plough well, and with ease to your horses, make use of a large bar share, but add thereto a wheel to run in the furrow after the share, and in such a manner as to receive the whole weight of the plough.—The wheel may be made of a solid piece of seasoned oak or ash, about a foot in diameter, about two inches broad, and as it turns, to extend about an inch and a quarter below the bar—By means of such a wheel, the pressure and friction on the lower part of the bar is removed, and the small degree of friction which remains on the side of the furrow, tends to steady the plough. Whoever at the expence of about one dollar will make the experiment, will find his time and money well spent, and be surprised to see the great effect a simple wheel will have on the whole machine.
FARMERS take Notice!
The breeding of sheep claims your attention. There were killed during the last year, near two millions of Ewes, altho' five millions, in addition to the present number, would not form a moderate stock for the United States.—Calculate the saving that the sparing of the Ewes and Lambs for this year may produce to your country, and you will withhold the bloody knife at least for one season.—England owes its present strength to their attention to these important little animals; as a moment of which, their judges and rulers are seated on sacks of wool.
THIS GAZETTE,
Is regularly published every MONDAY, at E. A. JENKS'S Printing-Office, in Middlestreet, near the head of Fish-street, Portland; where subscriptions, advertisements, and communications, are received with attention.
** The terms are, ONE DOLLAR & FIFTY CENTS per annum, exclusive of postage. Punctual payments are requested.
PRINTING,
In its various branches, executed with attention and dispatch. Orders for Books, Pamphlets, Blanks, Handbills, &c. duly attended to.