The gazette (Portland, Me.), 1799-03-18 00:00:00

The Gazette.
[NUMBER 47.]
By ELEZER ALLEY JENKS, Portland, Maine.
[VOLUME 1.]
Portland.
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1799.
Communication.
THIS concluding essay upon the Mazzei-letter will be a sort of corollary from the rest and from the letter itself, exhibiting the judgment which I think we ought to form of the Vice-president and his political party.
ESSAY VI, and last.
IF this letter had not been written so lately as 1796, I should have made much more allowance for Mr. Jefferson's partiality for France than now I can, even although I think a philosophic patriot ought never to be in the predicament of needing such apologies. But in 1796 the French influence in the United States, tho' declining in the advantage of novelty, was still perilous in power and consummate in intrigue. There are no means to deny that the republicans depended wholly upon the result of its effects for four or five preceding years—and the almost inevitable inference is that they had contracted with the Directory of France, to meet its wishes and promote its views.—For proof of this we may compare their conduct with their correspondence, beginning from the British treaty.
They would not suffer the treaty to be weighed, and discussed, but raved against it because it was injurious to France, and they threatened us with French punishment. They shook our own constitution by denying the treaty-making power to be where by the plainest words it is, and yielded only to the solemn corrections of the people in addresses. They maintained the " Roll of Equity " to be a necessary paper by the treaty with France, though the French themselves did not pretend to better authority for it than an ordinance of Louis XV in 1744. They defended the French and openly rejoiced in our distresses. They justified the rejection of Gen. Pinckney, and predicted the disgrace of our Envoys. They opposed with all their might our defensive arming, and the protection of commerce. They denied the use of a navy and retarded the institution to an almost fatal extremity. They pretended that X and Z were unauthorized by the scandalous Talleyrand. They said we had better give the money, upon the whole, than incite the Directory of France. They have ever since contended against the spirit of the people of the United States, and their present patriotic business is to support aliens ( Frenchmen ) in preference to their own countrymen—These are a few of their republican merits.
If the government by being merely NEUTRAL was " ungrateful and UNJUST " to France, [See the letter] it will not be denied that these gentry are grateful enough, however just we may doubt them to be. But now for the foundation of their gratitude.
What man in the possession of ordinary sense will doubt that if the Jacobins could persevere in this manner while out of power, they would have done yet more if they could have acquired the government? Nay, they even boast that Mr. Jefferson will be president at the next election, & then they shall annul the British treaty, and repeal the laws obnoxious to France. Now is it not more natural even in a state of indifference, if we are forced to decide, to lean towards our own country rather than another?—Whence then can possibly arise this early, this obstinate, this furious and pestilent adherence to France against a mere system of neutrality? It is ridiculous to think of impugning it to sentiment; for no man can have a sentiment that prefers a foreign country, and if a man could, he ought to be banished to it; and further there is not a highwayman nor pickpocket in the world but whom the behaviour of France has made respectable in his own eyes. What then can be the cause of so much impious " gratitude ," of so much treasonable goodness?—It is that FRANCE AND THE JACOBINS ARE ALLIES, and that the latter have sold our independence and national character to France, and AGREED TO BECOME A PROVINCE OF THAT NATION. Accordingly the Monitor (then the state paper) says in the observations on this letter, that France is our " true mother country ." And a late Redacteur , (the present official gazette) says that we " find our treaties with France we have thrown off our allegiance, and exposed ourselves to be chastised when the GREAT NATION (great puppy!) can attend to it ."—Therefore too it is that we see Logan sent ambassador—For Mr. Jefferson and gang can not only send ambassadors without a constitution to authorise it, but directly against the constitution. Is it not a " lilliputian tie ?"
If Jefferson then had been President, it seems that the douceur would have been given, the thirty millions or probably much more of Dutch subscriptions would have been bought, the loan of fifteen or twenty millions would have been made, the depredations forgiven, our government modelled to the wish of France,
our trade with England and most other nations ruined, the channel of our wealth turned into the bottomless pit of France, and Heaven only knows what else. And this Jefferson is yet to be President, if by all manner of lying inventions, the people can be persuaded to choose his friends for electors—which God of his infinite mercy forbid!
The people may hearken if they please, or they may stop their ears, and oppose to what I say the eternal obstacle of truth, infidelity; but whatever they do will not hinder a desperate attempt to overturn the constitution.—The French revolution will fade entirely from the sight, and be thrown aside like old tapestry.—But whatever is the true germ of it, there is an irreconcilable antipathy in the Ancient dominion against the eastern states. Virginia will govern all, or govern herself .—It may be that the federal constitution has a peculiar ill effect upon the people of Virginia; but if that is the case, the reason is that Virginia has made laws to repeal the obligations of the British treaty, which now by the constitution has become one of the supreme laws of the land. All the other States in the Union except Kentucky submit, as they ought, to the general government. But Virginia, terribly in debt to England, and haughty and vain-glorious in character, finding that the good of the whole union is inconsistent with her particular interest (honestly out of the question) has for several years opposed the federal government within and as a member of it. Finding this to be vain, and that not only the British treaty would stand, France and Virginia notwithstanding, but that Mr. Adams could be made President and kept so too, France and Virginia notwithstanding, she has been obliged to throw off the mask and actually rebel against the United States. I shall not misce the matter—I say, TO REBEL against the United States. For what less than rebellion is it to annul within her territory the sedition-law by empowering her judiciary to reverse the convictions of the circuit court?—She would not so plainly and contemptuously deny the authority of Congress by going to war, as by asserting her own sovereignty in opposition to that of the Union in a point essential to the existence of the latter, and fairly ceded by the constitution.
The Virginian minority justly stile the present " an awful crisis ." It must always be an awful crisis when the sacredness of the union is sported with, and we are so inconsiderate and wanton as to meddle with that established principle. If there is anything which when once properly resolved upon, should afterwards be considered as unquestionable, it is the union of the States. Americans should get into the habit of judging men and measures by their tendency to this; and viewing it as the palladium of political safety, should always estimate the head as well as the heart by this criterion. It should be esteemed no less weak than wicked to intrigue against the federal government. Do we praise men for doing common business ill, and for perplexing our personal concerns? Is there any case in which we celebrate the abilities of men exactly in proportion to their mismanagement? To what a shameful pass are we arrived! then, if talents are to be applauded for the destructiveness of their abuse? To what confusion of ideas, and prostitution of terms are we abandoned if not merely the mischief, but the greatness of the mischief a man has done or can do has become his title to public confidence? It may perhaps be very brilliant, but I am puzzled to see how it can be useful to be ruined. It may be a gallant exploit to ruin a nation, but then I humbly conceive a man ought to be hanged for it.
Americans, the sum of the whole matter is this. You were without a constitution. You made one. It has saved your honour and your existence in the greatest conflict the European world has ever sustained. It had and still has pestilential enemies among yourselves. They acknowledge the Vice-president for their head. They have plotted the subversion of it. They have sued to France for aid. France has assisted them to the utmost of her power. France is ruined. But the concerted rebellion appears. It even takes form in the acts of one of the States. It must be quelled. Every comfort of your future life demands it. You will not be deaf to the voice of your interest, your happiness, your honour, your virtue, and your country. [TO BE CONTINUED.]
Latest Foreign News.
[Received by the ship Sisters from Guernsey, arrived at Norfolk, Virginia. London dates to Dec. 24.]
GERMANY.—RASTADT, DEC. 24. GEN. Chateau-neuf Randon has forwarded the inclosed note to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, by the Telegraph. "The ultimatum remitted on the 5th Dec. by the French Legation, was accepted on the 9th by the Deputies of the Empire . The conclusion to which the Imperial commissary adhered has been officially transmitted to the French Ministers."
On the 10th the French Ministers officially notified the Deputation of the Empire, that the war which had again broken out in Italy should have no influence in impeding the negotiation at Rastadt.
Renewed War in Italy.
PARIS, DEC. 7.
Yesterday the Executive Directory sent a message to the Council of five Hundred, reciting the perfidies of the courts of Naples & Turin, & formally proposing to the Council to declare War against the Kings of Naples and of Sardinia.
The Council immediately rose, shook their robes, & passed the Declaration amidst the shouts of " Vive la Republic ."
DEC. 8. The Sardinian and Neapolitan Ministers were arrested last night, & confined to their houses.
LONDON, DEC. 24.
The Neapolitan troops, after having taken possession of Rome, advanced under Gen. Mack to Cicita Castellana, 25 miles from Rome; where they were met by 4000 French, commanded by Gen. Macdonnel. The Neapolitans are said to have been 40,000 strong; and that the French took 4000.
Capture of Leghorn.
The English and Portuguese squadron, with Neapolitan troops on board, appeared before the city of Leghorn, the 28th November, and summoned the Tuscan General Jacob Lavillette to permit their landing. After the General had advised with the Council, he acceded to the disembarkation of the troops, under the express condition of respecting the neutrality of the port of Tuscany. This account is official.
Surrender of Minorca.
DEC. 24.
Gen. Stuart's aid-de-camp has bro't official accounts of the surrender of Minorca, to the British arms. The troops landed the 12th November. Some opposition was made; but both the forts Mason and Citadella capitulated the 14th. The prisoners are 4000 in number. The Park and Tower guns were yesterday fired on this event, which puts us again in possession of the important harbour of Mahon.
We have advice from Italy, that ten Spanish men of war had entered Toulon, and that an English convoy had been taken by the Spaniards.
HAMBURG, DEC. 7.
Baron Badberg is ordered by the Emperor of Russia, to prevail on his Swedish Majesty to join the coalition against France.
The French General Faypoul has squeezed Genoa out of a further contribution of 800,000.
The assassination of Buonaparte, at Cairo, is still persisted in by the English paragraphists. Their information is official from Constantinople. Whether correct from Cairo thence, time will develop. We expect report in this, as in many other instances, will be the precursor of false.
Domestic Articles.
PHILADELPHIA, MARCH 1.
TUESDAY The Senate approved the nomination of Oliver Ellsworth, Esq. Chief Justice of the United States, Patrick Henry, Esq. late Governor of Virginia, and William Vans Murray, Esq. our minister at the Hague—to be Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary to the French Republic, with full powers to discuss and settle by a treaty, all controversies between the United States and France. In the message of the President, information was given that "it is not intended that the two former of these gentlemen shall embark for Europe, until they shall have received, from the Executive Directory, assurances, signified by their Secretary of Foreign Relations, that they shall be received in character, that they shall enjoy all the prerogatives attached to that character by the law of nations, and that a minister or ministers of equal powers shall be appointed and commissioned to treat with them."
New Loan, of Five Millions.
We are credibly informed, that on closing the books yesterday, the subscription was between Fourteen and Fifteen Millions of Dollars—Six Millions of which, have been subscribed by citizens of Philadelphia.
Important Transaction.
CHARLESTON (S. C.) FEB. 22.
His Excellency, governor Rutledge, and the collectors of this port, about five weeks ago received a letter from Col. Pickering, Secretary of State of the United States, to the following effect:
"That government had obtained intelligence that four persons were to embark from Hamburg for this port, as agents of the French Directory, with Dispatches of a hostile nature to the peace and welfare of the United States ."
The Secretary of State then gave the names
of the persons and their description; also of the vessel, and the passports which it was expected they would have; and informed further, that the dispatches and papers of consequence, would be secreted in two false bottomed tubs, and requested that the necessary steps should be taken to secure the suspected persons and their papers, as soon as they arrived here.
Capt. Thompson, the boarding officer of the port, was accordingly instructed to notice particularly, & report without delay, all passengers from Europe.
Yesterday he had the happiness and good fortune to board the brig Minerva , Capt. Cramp, in 119 days from Hamburg, and reported her arrival, and that there were four or five passengers on board. This brig was the expected vessel, and the Collector, Major Simons, attended by Mr. William Craft, agent of the United States for the naval and war departments, went immediately on board, with proper assistance, to examine and secure the suspected persons and their papers.
As soon as they got on board, they enquired for persons by names they had received, and were answered affirmatively; these were directly searched and given into custody, and the search continued for the tubs, which were fortunately discovered in the cabin; the tubs were broken open, and the papers taken out; the horrors of guilt were depicted strongly on the countenances of the guilty wretches, and their bodies shook with fear and trembling. There was a design to have thrown the dispatches overboard from the cabin window, but it was prevented by the expedition of the gentlemen who undertook the business. Three of the fellows are mulattoes, and one of them a white person; a woman was also taken up, who was evidently concerned in the conspiracy, and endeavoured to take care of the tubs under her arm.
The four men and their female accomplice, are now confined at Fort Pinckney, their trunks and baggage are taken to the custom-house, and the important papers are under the examination of Major Gen. Pinckney, to whom they were immediately delivered. The development will come out in season.
TRUXTON'S VICTORY—confirmed.
NEW LONDON, MARCH 3.
Arrived here the Narcissus , Capt. Hall, 21 days from St. Kitts.—Capt. Hall brings the highly pleasing information of the capture of the Insurgent French frigate of 44 guns, by the American frigate Constellation , Capt. Truxton, of 36 guns. The action took place off St. Kitts, in view of the inhabitants; Capt. Hall was an eye witness. As the fleet went out, the Constellation and her prize were going in. The Norfolk spoke the Constellation , and received dispatches from Capt. Truxton, for the Secretary of War; which we understand were put on board the Narcissus , as being one of the quickest sailing vessels in the fleet. The action continued between two and three hours; fifty five minutes close engagement. The French ship had 50 men killed, and lost her mainmast.—Capt. Truxton had three men only, killed; the Constellation received no damage of consequence.
BOSTON, MARCH 7.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Philadelphia, to his friend in New York.
"You will perceive by the papers, the appointment of Mr. King and Mr. Smith, to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce—the former with Russia, and the latter with the Ottoman Porte."
"I understand that the advances in this business are from those powers—and in a very flattering manner. The Russian minister at the court of London made known to Mr. King, the desire of the Emperor, that some person might be invested with powers from this country to enter the negotiation with the minister at London."
"Mr. Smith goes to Constantinople. What is a little singular in the business is, both overtures being made nearly at the same moment, and yet being totally independent of, and unknown to each of the parties making them.—The object of them unquestionably is, to create in us a rival with Great Britain in their trade—and of course thereby to secure to themselves an advantageous extension of it. The trade of the Levant will be an immense thing to this country."
The Montezuma , sloop of war, Capt. Murray, has arrived at Norfolk.
The United States' ship Ganges , Captain Tingey, has arrived at Hampton Roads.
GEORGE TOWN, FEB. 22.
A DUEL.
Took place yesterday afternoon, in the vicinity of this town, between General Abram Mason and Captain William Powell, both of Virginia; in which the former received two wounds, one in the right hand, the other in the same arm near the shoulder.

LEGISLATURE of the UNION.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SATURDAY, MARCH 2.
BY a report communicated to both houses this day, it appears, that the following private armed merchantmen have been fitted out since the 9th July 1798.
  Vessels, 363   Tons, 66,691   Guns, 1,753   Men, 6,847   [Of the above, 113 vessels with 757 guns belong to Massachusetts.]
EVENING SITTING.
Mr. Otis called the order of the day on the bill vesting the power of retaliation in certain cases in the President of the United States, when Mr. Dent moved to postpone the consideration of this bill until the next session of Congress, which motion was negatived 35 to 32.
The house then went into a committee of the whole on this bill, Mr. J. Parker in the chair; and after some discussion, and amendment being introduced into the preamble of the bill by Mr. Dayton (the speaker) to make it apply generally to any acts of severity that may be committed by the French republic in pursuance of any violent decree, instead of applying particularly to the decree declaring American citizens found on board vessels of their enemy, pirates, and liable to suffer death, the committee rose, and the amendment was concurred in.
The question being, "Shall this bill pass?" a considerable debate took place. Its passage was opposed by Messrs Livingston, Gallatin, McDowell, and Macon; & advocated by Messrs. Edmond, Dana, and Otis. The yeas and nays were taken on the question as follows:
Yeas—56 Nays 30.
The President informed the house that he had approved and signed the following acts, viz. an act allowing additional compensation, for the year 1799, to certain officers of the Senate and house of Representatives of the United States; an act to amend the act regulating grants of land for military services, &c. an act to provide for the more general promulgation of the laws of the United States; an act making additional appropriations for the year 1799.
Mr. Dana proposed to adjourn till seven in the evening, but that motion being negatived, the house adjourned till ten o'clock on Sunday morning.
SUNDAY MORNING.
The Senate informed the House, that they had come to a resolution that the bill authorizing a detachment of the Militia of the United States, be postponed till next session.
The President informed the house, that he had approved and signed the following acts, viz. An act making appropriations for the military establishment for 1799; an act to authorize the sale of certain land between the Great and Little Miami Rivers; an act relating to distillers at Geneva; an act making appropriation for the support of government for the year 1799; an act to establish the Post Office of the United States; an act for the relief of Comfort Sands and others; an act to amend the act for the relief and protection of American seamen; an act in addition to the act for relief of sick and destitute seamen; a resolution to authorize the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives to subscribe for 400 copies of the old Journals of Congress.
The President also informed the Senate that he had approved and signed the following acts which originated in that house, viz. An act for the security of bail in certain cases; an act to regulate the Medical establishment of the United States; an act placing eventual authority in the President to augment the army; an act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, and to preserve peace on the frontiers; an act for the better organizing the troops of the United States, and for other purposes; an act vesting the power of retaliation in certain cases in the President of the United States; and an act authorizing the President of the United States to fill certain vacancies in the Navy and Army.
VOTE OF THANKS.
Mr. Champlin addressed the House as follows:
Sensible as I am of the importance of the duties that, at all times, attach to a gentleman, who presides over the deliberations of this assembly, and more especially in times of imminent danger; impressed with the able and honourable manner in which those duties have been discharged by the gentleman who now fills the chair; —and believing the sentiments I entertain on this occasion to be in perfect unison with those of every member of this house, I beg leave to submit a resolution expressive of the sense of the house on this subject.
He then moved the following resolution: "Resolved, That the thanks of this House be presented to Jonathan Dayton, in testimony of their approbation of his conduct in discharging the arduous and important duties assigned him, while in the chair."
This motion was received by the clerk, and the question being put upon it by him, there appeared for it 40, against it 22.
The resolution being carried, the Speaker
rose and addressed the House as follows:
No language, Gentlemen, can do justice to those feelings which this second vote of approbation of my conduct after four years Presidency in the House of Representatives, has excited in my breast. It would be unjust in me not to acknowledge, that to the support uniformly afforded, and on the confidence unremittedly reposed in me, rather than to any merit of my own, is to be ascribed the success, with which you are pleased to declare, that the duties of the chair have been executed.
Permit me to say, that far from being displeased, I have on the contrary, been very much gratified at hearing that the resolution of thanks has not been passed, as a mere matter of form unanimously. As in all public bodies, there have ever been found men whose approbation must be considered by the meritorious as a censure, so in this body, there are, unhappily a some, whose censure will be regarded by all whose esteem I value, as the highest testimony of merit. About to abandon the seat which I have held in this branch of the general legislature for eight successive years, I take advantage of the moment which precedes our separation to bid you, gentlemen, an affectionate farewell."
The Senate sent down a bill for altering the time of the next meeting of Congress, making it, instead of the first Monday in December (as fixed by the Constitution) the third Monday in November. On motion of Mr. Bayard, this bill was rejected, 53 votes being for it.
Mr. Macon moved the usual resolution appointing a joint committee with the Senate, to inform the President, that Congress is ready to adjourn without day, unless he has any further communication to make to them; which being agreed to, Messrs. Otis, Macon, & Brooks, were appointed a committee on the part of this house.
Mr. Otis from the committee appointed to wait upon the President, informed the house that they had performed that service; and he informed them "that he had no further communication to make, except to express his wish for the health and happiness of the members, & a pleasant journey home to their families and friends."
The Speaker then adjourned the house without day.
[Here closes the last session of the Fifth Congress under our happy Constitution.—Tho' much opposition has been displayed, yet the general good of the country has been persevered in, by the federal members, who merit and receive the thanks of their constituents.—A list of the acts passed, follows:]
Heads of the Acts.
 1. AN act for the punishment of certain crimes therein specified.—2. Respecting balances reported against certain States, by the commissioners appointed to settle the accounts between the United States and the several states.—3. To alter the stamp duties imposed upon foreign bills of exchange, and bills of lading, by an act, entitled "an act laying duties upon stamped vellum, parchment and paper;" and further to amend the same.—4. Further to suspend the commercial intercourse between the United States and France, and the dependencies thereof.—5. For the relief of Jonathan Haskell.—6. To authorize the reimbursement of monies expended in rendering aid to sick and destitute American seamen in foreign countries.—7. For the relief of Gazzam, Taylor and Jones, and of Samuel Watt, of the city of Philadelphia.—8. Appropriating a certain sum of money to defray the expense of holding a treaty or treaties with the Indians.—9. For the augmentation of the navy.—10. Authorizing the establishment of docks.—11. Authorizing the purchase of timber for naval purposes.—12. Respecting quarantines and health laws.—13. Fixing the pay of the captains and commanders of ships and vessels of war of the United States.—14. To amend the act, intitled "an act to provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling houses, and the enumeration of slaves, within the United States."—15. Providing compensation for the marshals, clerks, attorneys, jurors and witnesses in the courts of the United States, and to repeal certain parts of the acts therein mentioned; and for other purposes.—16. For the relief of Thomas Lewis.—17. To amend an act, entitled "an act giving effect to the laws of the United States within the district of Tennessee."—18. Making appropriations for defraying the expenses which may arise in carrying into effect certain treaties between the United States and several tribes or nations of Indians.—19. Allowing James Mathers compensation for services done for the United States, and expenses incurred in rendering said services, as sergeant at arms to the Senate.—20. Altering the time of holding the district court in Vermont.—21. Concerning French citizens that have been or may be captured and brought into the United States.—22. Giving eventual authority to the President of the United States to augment the army.—23. To provide for the security of bail in certain cases.—24. To augment the salaries of the officers therein mentioned.—25. To regulate the medical establishment.—26. To grant an additional compensation, for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine, to certain officers of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States.—27. To establish the compensations of the officers employed in the collection of the duties on imports and tonnage; and for other purposes.—28. Authorizing an augmentation of the marine corps.—29. To erect a beacon on Boon-Island.—30. To regulate and fix the compensation of clerks.—31. To establish the post-office of the United States.—32. To amend the act, intitled "an act regulating the grants of land appropriated for military services, and for the society of the United Brethren for propagating the gospel among the heathens."—33. Making appropriations for the support of government for the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine.—34. To regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, and to preserve peace on the frontier.—35. In addition to an act for the more general promulgation of the laws.—36. Authorizing the President of the United States to fill certain vacancies in the army or navy.—37. Making additional appropriations for the year 1799.—38. Vesting the power of retaliation in the President in certain cases.—39. Respecting the distillers of Geneva.—40. For the relief and support of American seamen.—41. To alter and discontinue certain post-roads and to establish others.—42. For the better organizing of the troops of the United States.—43. Authorizing the sale of lands between the great and little rivers Miami, in the United States territory, N. W. of the river Ohio, and for giving preemption to certain persons.—44. For the relief of Comfort Sands and others.—45. To establish the salary of the deputy post-master general.—46. To regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage.—47. For the support of the naval establishment for the year 1799.—48. For the support of the military establishment for the year 1799.—49. In addition to the act for the relief and protection of American seamen, and further to amend the same. 
confess them before him with the sincerest penitence, implore his pardoning mercy, through the great Mediator and Redeemer, for our past transgressions, and that, through the grace of his Holy Spirit, we may be disposed and enabled to yield a more suitable obedience to his righteous requisitions in time to come: That he would interpose to arrest the progress of that impiety and licentiousness in principle, and in practice, so offensive to himself and so ruinous to mankind: That he would make us deeply sensible that "righteousness exalteth a nation but that sin is the reproach of any people": That he would turn us from our transgressions & turn his displeasure from us: That he would withhold us from unreasonable discontent—from disunion, faction, sedition and insurrection: That he would preserve our country from the desolating sword: That he would save our cities and towns from a repetition of these awful pestilential visitations under which they have lately suffered so severely, and that the health of our inhabitants, generally, may be precious in his sight: That he would favour us with fruitful seasons, and so bless the labors of the husbandman as that there may be food in abundance for man and beast: That he would prosper our commerce, manufactures, and fisheries and give success to the people in all their lawful industry and enterprize: That he would smile on our colleges, academies, schools and seminaries of learning, and make them nurseries of sound science, morals and religion: That he would bless all magistrates, from the highest to the lowest, give them the true spirit of their station, make them a terror to evil doers and a praise to them that do well: That he would preside over the councils of the nation at this critical period, enlighten them to a just discernment of the public interest, & save them from mistake, division, and discord: That he would succeed our preparations for defence, and bless our armaments by land and by sea: That he would put an end to the effusion of human blood, and the accumulation of human misery, among the contending nations of the earth, by disposing them to justice, to equity, to benevolence and to peace: And that he would extend the blessings of knowledge, of true liberty, and of pure and undefiled religion, throughout the world.
A Resolution to empower the Secretary of Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives to subscribe for 400 copies of the Journals of Congress.—To grant compensation to the sergeant at arms of the House of Representatives, while sick during last session.
By the PRESIDENT Of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, A Proclamation.
AS no truth is more clearly taught in the volume of inspiration, nor any more fully demonstrated by the experience of all ages, than that a deep sense and a due acknowledgement of the governing providence of a Supreme Being and of the accountableness of men to him as the searcher of hearts and righteous distributor of rewards and punishments, are conducive, equally, to the happiness and rectitude of individuals and to the well being of communities, as it is, also, most reasonable in itself, that men who are made capable of social acts and relations, who owe their improvements to the social state, and who derive their enjoyments from it, should, as a society, make their acknowledgements of dependence and obligation to him who hath endowed them with these capacities, and elevated them in the scale of existence by these distinctions; as it is likewise, a plain dictate of duty, and a strong sentiment of nature, that in circumstances of great urgency and seasons of imminent danger, earnest and particular supplication should be made to him who is able to defend or to destroy; as moreover, the most precious interests of the people of the United States are still held in jeopardy by the hostile designs and insidious arts of a foreign nation as well as by the dissemination among them of those principles subversive of the foundations of all religious, moral and social obligations, that have produced incalculable mischief and misery in other countries; and as, in fine, the observance of special seasons for public religious solemnities, is happily calculated to avert the evils which we ought to deprecate, and to excite to the performance of the duties which we ought to discharge—by calling and fixing the attention of the people at large to the momentous truths already recited by affording opportunity to teach and inculcate them, by animating devotion and giving it the character of a national act:—For these reasons, I have thought proper to recommend, and I do hereby recommend accordingly, that Thursday, the 25th day of April next, be observed, throughout the United States of America, as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer—That the citizens, on that day, abstaining as far as may be from their secular occupations, devote the time to the sacred duties of religion, in public & in private: That they call to mind our numerous offences against the most High GOD,
And I do, also, recommend that with these acts of humiliation, penitence & prayer, fervent thanksgiving to the author of all good be united, for the countless favors which he is still continuing to the people of the United States, and which render their condition as a nation eminently happy, when compared with the lot of others.
GIVEN under my hand and the seal of the United States of America, at the city of Philadelphia, this sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine, and of the independence of the said States the twenty third.
John Adams. By the President, TIMOTHY PICKERING, Secretary of State.
NEW MILITARY APPOINTMENTS.
Of Massachusetts, Nathan Rice and Richard Hunnewell, Lieutenant Colonels; William Jones, Major; Phineas Allen, Arthur Lithgow and Joseph Pierce, jun. Captains; Benjamin Beale, jun. and Edmund Soper, Lieutenants; Seth Barrister and Samuel W. Church, Ensigns.
The dispute between the Senate of Hamburg & the British resident in that city is said to have terminated by the interference of the British cabinet, who have sent instructions to their agent not to insist on detaining Napper Tandy Blackwell, and the other Irishmen in the military service of France, lately arrested at that place. Blackwell is said to be an officer of high repute, & has served in several campaigns on the Rhine.

Later than the Mail.
By a fortunate passage of about 15 hours from Boston, I am enabled to furnish my readers with several interesting articles, some days later than due by mail—From abroad, nothing late has been received. Arrivals from Europe are hourly expected. The public must wait a little longer for news from that quarter. [For the President's Proclamation—Heads of Laws, &c. see preceding page.]
French Plot—confirmed.
Since the publication of the last Boston papers, a gentleman of that town has received a letter from a brother in Charleston, S. C. confirming the account of the arrival and seizure at that port of French agents with dispatches to certain persons in this country. [See the account in first page of this paper.] It was the design of this embassy to excite a revolt of the blacks and mal contents in the southern States, and thus involve the American Union in the horrors of civil war.—Reader, do you not blush that there are still found Americans capable of advocating such infernal outrages against the rights of mankind!
Further Confirmation of Truxton's Victory.
A gentleman, just arrived here from St. Croix, informs, that he conversed with a Capt. Howard, at that place, who saw the engagement between the American frigate Constellation, and the French frigate, supposed to be the Insurgent; who informed him, that after an engagement of two hours and a half, he saw the latter strike—that the Americans had about six killed and 20 wounded—and the French had about 30 killed, and many wounded—that both vessels were considerably damaged, having several of their ports shot in, and the Frenchman much crippled in masts and rigging—An official account of this brilliant victory may soon be expected.
The Hon. PEELE WADSWORTH arrived in town yesterday from Congress.
Mr. Wadsworth has brought with him the commissions for the Portland Federal Volunteer corps. The young gentlemen who compose this company merit the highest commendation for the manly spirit they have displayed in offering their services to their country.
Arthur Litchmore, Esq. is appointed Sheriff of the new county of Kennebec.—The act creating said county, shall appear in The Gazette.
DREADFUL FIRE!
NORFOLK, FEB. 26.
Sunday morning presented to our citizens a spectacle truly awful. Never since the revolution, have they witnessed such an one in this place. At about two in the morning, they were awakened from their peaceful slumbers by the loud and repeated cries of fire.
It made its first appearance in a house near the head of Woodside's wharf: and already had it become so formidable as seemingly to threaten all with the most dreadful consequences. The usual means, engines, axes, &c. were used, in order to arrest its progress, but without effect; every moment gave it additional strength. The weather was calm, the crackling flame extended in every direction; sentiments of dismay and horror pervaded every breast; and even hope was almost extinguished.—Such a scene few have beheld. House after house was successively torn down; the furious flames did but mock the effort to stay their progress. In this dilemma, the last sad hope rested on the effects of gunpowder. It was accordingly brought. Those houses in the different quarters of communication, which, if suffered to stand, would endanger the whole town, and which must themselves soon have fallen before the destructive element, were successively blown up. This caused an immediate abatement of the fire; and the
citizens seizing the favourable moment, succeeded in their endeavours to extinguish it. At about seven in the morning, the danger was entirely over. Had it continued for about an hour longer, ere this the town would have been a heap of ashes: for the wind sprung up from the west, and continued to blow very fresh for the remainder of the day. This was a direction which could not fail to have communicated the flames to the other parts of the town.
All the houses within the square bounded by Water, Commerce, and Main streets, and by Burke's wharf, were totally consumed. The whole number is computed to be about sixty, the greatest part of which were built of wood, and occupied principally by tradesmen.
Thus, in a few short hours, the work of many years has been reduced to an heap of ashes; the affluent to bare competency, perhaps to poverty; and the industrious tradesman to want and misery!—Let the hand of charity be extended; let the rich seek out distress, and administer comfort. Many are the objects which call for assistance; and many are there who can afford to give it. The voice of humanity cries aloud, "forget not that the sufferers are men as well as you".
AMERICAN SPIRIT.
PHILADELPHIA, MARCH 8.
IN our paper of the 16th ult. we gave an account of the gallant conduct of Capt. Tingey, as related by a gentleman who came passenger in the Nancy, from St. Thomas's. But as Capt. Tingey did not mention the circumstance in his letter to the Secretary of the Navy, received by the same arrival, many persons were inclined to doubt it. The following, however, which we procured at a late hour last evening, may be relied on as authentic, and, in our opinion, fully confirms the account:
Extract of a letter from an officer of the Ganges, dated Norfolk, February 21.
"An officer of the Surprise, an English frigate of 44 guns, boarded us off C. N. Mole, and demanded all the Englishmen on board, also to examine the protections of the American seamen. Capt. Tingey's answer was manly and noble. "A public ship carries no protection but her flag. I do not expect to succeed in a contest with you;—but I will die at my quarters before a man shall be taken from the ship."—The crew gave him three cheers, ran to quarters, and called for Yankee Doodle. The Surprise, upon hearing our determination, chose rather to leave us than to fight for dead men!"
A duel was lately fought near Knoxville, between Lt. SIMONS, and Cornet GRYMES of the U. S. army. The latter died of his wounds four days after fighting.
An audacious attempt to rob the General Post-Office, was discovered last night, about 11 o'clock by Mr. Burrall, assistant Post Master General, who apprehended a woman in the act of taking money out of the drawer. She turns out to be the wife of a porter to the department of state, who lived in the house. They were this morning brought for examination before the Mayor; and stronger circumstances of suspicion appeared against the husband, Francis McDonald, he was committed, along with his wife to prison.—They have a family of five or six small children.
BOSTON, MARCH 16.
From France.
The Schooner Mary, Capt. Watkins, arrived yesterday from Bourdeaux;—passage 95 days. Doctor Timothy Green came passenger in her.
From the length of the passage political news cannot be expected. We have been favored with files of Paris papers to about the first of Dec. and Bourdeaux Commercial Advertisers to the 5th December. They contain little on subjects worthy observation.
By this arrival we learn—That notwithstanding the French Directory enforces all its mandates with violence, and the public voice is obliged to take any pitch given it, the general opinion is opposed to an open war with the United States;—while, at the same time, all descriptions of subjects are very willing to share the American property which daily arrives at Bourdeaux; and which is readily pronounced bon prisé. To the disgrace of the American name, many of our unworthy countrymen, are partakers in this nefarious brigandage. Amongst them we have heard of a Randall, a Savage, &c. whose conduct would appear as black as Erebos, if even placed in contact with the most atrocious enormities of the licenced plunderers of the coast of Barbary.
SOMETHING CURIOUS.—In Tom Paine's paper, of Nov. 28th is an article mentioning—"For two days it has been announced, that the American frigate Constellation, of 40 guns, has taken a French frigate on the American coast." Paine used to call himself a prophet. The Insurgent was captured the 11th of February.
A half column of the "Gazette Nationale" is occupied in publishing the account of the erection of a pitiful Liberty Pole, in the town of Wallingsford, in Vermont!
From New York, March 9.
Capt. Wrythe, of the barque Pallas, sailed from the Cove of Cork on the 1st. of Jan. and brings a farther confirmation of the entire tranquillity of Ireland. He has on board 74 passengers, all of whom are from Belfast, except one.
The Retaliation, has been rendered up to the French officer who came to Philadelphia in her. The French prisoners in this country it is said, are to be sent out to the West-Indies in the Retaliation.
A Communication from Mr Alden, versus Mr. Coffin, is received. I have not time to attend to it this week—Public matters demand first attention.
DIED—On his passage from St. Croix, Capt. Joseph Gray aged 29, of North Yarmouth.
March 16. 1799.—A William departed this life, Madam ELIZABETH SMITH aged 83, the virtuous widow of the late Rev. Mr. Thomas Smith, of Portland only daughter of Mr. John Hunt a late eminent merchant of Boston deceased. Her sickness of fourteen weeks continuance she bore with patience and resignation, depending on the mercy of God for salvation through the Redeemer, and willingly parting with all subsidiary things, in expectation of a glorious immortality.
The funeral will be next Thursday, from Mr. house in Portland, at which her friends and acquaintance are requested to attend, without further notice.
Drowned—At Schoodac (Maine) on Friday 22nd Feb James Sprague, Calvin Kidler, James Traft, John Traft and John Halge—by the upsetting of a boat.
Marine Articles.
Port of Portland.
Yesterday arrived Schooner Reliance, MORLEY (formerly commanded by Capt. GRAY) in 24 days from St. Croix.—In lat. 34, 0, longitude the armed ship Manchester, of Philadelphia, from London, out 70 days.
The ship Mary, Baker, of this port, was at Lisbon on the 7th Jan.
The Lark, Toby, of Kennebec, was at St. Vincents, Feb. 12.
Barque Pallas, Capt. Wrythe, has arrived at New York, in 63 days from Belfast, Ireland. Feb. 26, in lat. 40, 52, long 62, spoke the ship Cornelia, Prince, 41 hours out of Portland, and bound to Liverpool. On the same day spoke a barque from Salem, bound to Cadiz, name unknown. She was armed.
An American brig, name unknown, from Malaga to the Havannah, laden with fruit, was cast away on the 12th ult. off the Havannah; crew and part of the cargo saved.
[COMMUNICATED.]
Bounty on Fishing Vessels.
The law of the United States for the regulation and government of the fishermen employed therein, was enacted the 16th day of February, 1792. By this law a bounty was allowed on fishing vessels to be continued for seven years, which term expired the 16th day of February last.
Some persons having mistaken the above law, it is necessary, for the encouragement of our fisheries, that the mistake be corrected.
The 9th and last section of the above mentioned act is as follows, viz: "And be it further enacted, That this act shall continue and be in force for the term of seven years" [which brings it to Feb. 16, 1799] "and from thence to the end of the next session of Congress, and no longer." This act will therefore be in force until the year 1800; and no doubt will then be continued, or some other law equally advantageous for the encouragement of our fisheries, will be passed in its stead.
For Sale, By Newhall & Watson, At No. 3, Long-Wharf, RUSSIA and India Sugar, Raveus Duck, Do. Sheetings, Iron, Cordage, NAILS—Sheathing and Drawing, 20d. 10d 8d. 6d. & 4d. Nail Rod, Do. Plate, Iron Hoops, Do. Shovels, Sheathing Paper, Portland, March 18, 1799.
Public Auction. IN pursuance of the By-laws of the town of Portland, the subscriber will sell at public auction on Wednesday the 20th inst. at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, A quantity of SHINGLES, ALSO, A quantity of LATHS and SHINGLES, lying in Cross-street, near the house of Dr. Stephen Thomas. LIKWISE, One MAST, lying in said Cross-street, opposite the house of Mr. Jeremiah Kimball. All persons are forbidden to remove said articles, under the penalty of the law. G. WARREN, Inspector of Police of the town of Portland. N. B. Sales to be held at the respective places.
Take Notice. The Committee for examining and passing upon the Town Accounts, will meet at the Auction Room of EDWARD OXNARD, for that purpose, on the 29th and 30th instant. EDWARD OXNARD, EBENEZER MAYO, LEMUEL WEEKS. Portland, 16th March, 1799.
Marine Society. The members of the Marine Society, are hereby notified, that their quarterly meeting will be held at the house of Mrs. ANN HEVLIGER, on Tuesday the 19th inst. at 6 o'clock, P. M. Portland, March 18, 1799.
A number of Cows and young Cattle—Also, Farming Utensils; among which a good Winning-Mill, to be sold for Cash or mechantable Boards.—Inquire of the printer hereof. PAINTS for sale. JUST RECEIVED, AND FOR SALE By William Codman, At his Store, Fifth street.
WHITING, White Lead, Red Lead, Spanish Brown, Verdigre, P. uilla Blue, and Linseed Oil. ALSO, A quantity of GUN POWDER, of a superior quality—With a general assortment of European, India, & W. India GOODS, on the most reasonable terms for cash. Portland, 9th March, 1799.
NOTICE is hereby given to the nonresident proprietors or owners of Lands lying in the town of Jay, in the county of Cumberland or Lincoln, that their lands are taxed in the State, County and Town Tax for the year 1796, and committed to me the subscriber to collect as follows, viz: State & County. Town. No. Lot. No. Range. C. M. C. Supposed to be in dispute 7 8 8 in 10 10 6 7 7 7 5 5 5 17 17 17 The above are on the east side of Androscoggin River and the following on the west. In dispute. No. 25 in Range No. 6. And unless said taxes are paid, together with all necessary charges, on or before the 26th day of March next, at 9 of the clock, A. M. so much of said Lots, as will be sufficient to discharge the same, will then be sold at Public Vendue, to the highest bidder, according to law, at the dwelling house of Moses Crafts, in said Jay. WILLIAM GODING, Collector. Jay, Feb 1, 1799.
The Copartnership of Thomas Simonton & William Frances, Is this day by mutual consent dissolved, —All persons, therefore, who have any demands upon, or who are indebted to said firm, are desired to apply to THOMAS SIMONTON, for settlement. T. Simonton, W. Frances. Portland, Feb 7th, 1799.
Said Simonton informs his customers and the public, that he carries on the Baking Business, at his bake house in Union-street, where he will be happy to receive their commands.
Justices' Blanks, for sale at this Office.

POETRY.
[COMMUNICATED]
ODE TO FANCY.
GODDESS of golden dreams, whose magic pow'r Sheds smiles of joy o'er mis'try's hag-gard face, And lavish strews the visionary flow'r, To deck life's dreary paths with transient grace.
I wou'd thee, FANCY! from thy fairy cell, Where mid'st the endless woes of human kind Wrapt in ideal bliss, thou lovt'st to dwell And sport in happier regions unconfi'd:
Deep sunk, O goddess! in thy pleasing trance, Oft let me seek thou low sequetier'd vale, Whilst wisdom's feir shall steal a side-long glance, And imite contempt—but listen to thy tale.
Alas! how little do her vot'ries guess Those rigid truths, which learned fools revere, Tending to prove (O bane to happiness) Our joys delusive—but our woes sincere.
Be their's to search where clust'ring roses grow, Touching each thorns' sharp point to prove how keen; Be mine to view their beauties as they blow, And catch their fragrance where they blush unseer.
Haply my path may lie thro' barren vales, Where niggard fortune all her sweets denies, Even there shall FANCY scent the ambient gales, And scatter flow'rets of a thousand dies.
Nor let the worldly scoff—Be his the task, To form deep schemes and moun his hopes betray'd Be mine to range unseer, 'tis all I ask And form new worlds beneath the fade.
To look beyond the views of wealth and pride, Bidding the mind's eye range without controul, Thro' wild extatic day—re-m's far and wide, To bring returns of comfort to the foul.
To bid groves, hills and lucid streams appear, The lofty spire, arch'd dome, and fretted vault; And sweet society be ever near, Love ever young, and friends without a fault.
I see entrance the gay conceptions rise, My hopes of love and friendship strongly thrive; And still as FANCY pours her large supplies, I taste the god-like happiness to give.
To check the patient widow's deep-fetch'd sighs, And shield her infant from the North blast rude; To bid the sweetly glist'ning tear arise, That swims in the glad eye of gratitude.
To join the artless maid and honest swain, When fortune rudely bars the way to joy; To calm the tender mother's anxious pain, And guard with soft ring band her darling boy;
To raise up modest merit from the ground, And seal th' unhappy smiling from my door; To spread content and cheer-fulness around And banquet on the blessing of the poor;
Delicious dream! How oft beneath thy pow'r, Thus light'ning the sad load of other's woe, I steal from rigid fate to a happy hour, Nor feel I want the power to bestow.
Delicious dream! How st'ongly dost thou give A gleam of bliss which truth would but destroy! Oft dost thou bid my drooping heart revive, And catch one instant's glimpse of fleeting joy.
O but for thee, e'er this the hand of care Has mark'd with livid pale my woe-worn cheek, Long since the shiv'ring gripe of cold despair, Had chill'd my heart, and forc'd its strings to break.
For ah! affliction fleets with trackless flight; Silent as stroke she gives, but not less keen: And bleak misfortune, like an eastern blight, Sheds black destruction, tho' it flies unseer.
O come then FANCY, and with lenient hand Dry my moist cheek, and smooth my wrinkl'd brow. Bear me o'er smiling tracts of fairy land, And give me more than fortune can bestow.
Give me thy hope which sickens not the heart; Give me the joy wealth, which has no wings to fly; Give me the pride thy honor can impart Thy friendship give me, warm in poverty.
Give me a with the worldly may deride, The wife may censure, and the proud may hate, Wrapt in thy dreams to lay the world aside, And snatch a bliss beyond the reach of fate.
Miscellany.
From the Desk of BERI HESDIN.
THERE is no vice so contemptible, so baleful as SLANDER. It is the poi- son of the soul, forever destroying the sweet streams of affection, and embitter- ing the more sacred channels of do- mestic felicity. Slander is worse than madness; for the venom of the first is concealed in the heart, while the latter rages in the countenance. The maniac we avoid with fear & trembling, while we thoughtlessly prefe the slanderer to our bosom. Slander is of such a subtle and poisonous nature, that it almost imperceptibly steals into the heart. It at first deceives the mind, under the cloak of wit and gaiety, by suffering us to hear and make known trivial oc- currences; and when it finds reason and conscience off their guard, swells out in matters of material consequence.
It is not enough to whisper abroad, that Mr. Harley is impudent and care- less; passes by all ceremony, and treats the world indifferently alike; but his charity, which springs from the best motives, is soon loudly talked about, as the offspring of mean selfishness and
concealed vice. His bashful modesty is noticed as conscious guilt, and his wasting constitution, under the pressure of sorrow and keen sensibility, is point- ed at as the reward of loose morals.— The artless stranger is told to beware of the person, whose politeness took him into notice, and prudently cautioned against receiving his favours. He is made to believe that there is a snake in the grass, and that the honest openness of his host is but the sheep's clothing of a wolf. If a new married couple are seen to look dull, be it from the head- ache or disagreeable news, it matters not. Rumour wings her way with a fad story, filled with malicious conject- ures. Malice forefaw their unhappi- ness, and credulity believes they are the most miserable beings on earth. In- nocence and virtue are weak antidotes for slander. No matter how much of heaven dwells in the heart of Miss Lovely, and angelic grace beautifies her deportment. She is a fly jade, and as fond of the private embrace of the powdered coxcomb, as the veriest har- lot. The slanderer would make virtue bauble, and religion a jest.
The only preventative of this baleful vice, is to keep the mind's eye continu- ally open, and shun those who are af- fected with its poison in the smallest degree. Judge not hastily; consider well the person with whom you are can- versing; endeavour to find out the mo- tives which lead him to a declaration of his opinion of the character which he is setting before you. Never lose sight of the manner in which the cha- racter was introduced: the peculiar emphasis and tone with which it is described; and if you discover warmth and eagerness in the delineator, be ra- ther willing to believe that he is inter- ested in its bad appearance, than that the picture is just. If you are a stran- ger to both characters, what must be your ideas? simply these, that the man is either a fool, or a slanderer; if a fool, pity him; if a slanderer, despise him. There are some people whom we may call daily Chronicles ; their bu- siness seems to be nothing more nor less, than publishing from house to house, from street to street, and from village to city, all the little private an- ecdotes and circumstances they can possibly discover. If they can only get a single hint or outline of the most tri- vial occurrence, they will work upon it, hammer it out, twist it this way and that way, till they have finally made it big enough for an ear-offering. It is then whispered about from tea-table to parlour, from parlour to assembly- room, till the very market place echoes with a new made falsehood. These drivellers in sin are but pioneers to the malicious slanderer; they go before, cutting down the scruples of conscience, and opening the mind for the reception of the most baleful and destructive lies —fabricated by the machinations of Satan in their depraved hearts.
BERI HESDIN.
JUST RECEIVED, AND FOR SALE BY Isabella Child,
At her shop in Fifth-street, Portland An assortment of fashionable Fancy and Winter GOODS.
CONSISTING OF JACONET, tambore, japan, corded, cross-bar'd, sheer and black Mullins; very fine jaconet and other Mullin Handkerchiefs; fashionable Bonnets and Turbans; French and India Cambricks; Linens; Calicoes and Ginghams; Calamancoes and Durants; patch coloured and purple Shawls; Linen Pocket Handkerchiefs; Cotton do. do.; Satins; Modos and Sarfines; silk, beaver, and kid Gloves; a variety of fashionable fash and other Ribbons; black Laces; do. Italian Crape; do. Veils; do. Gauzes; delicate red and Spanish Leather Slippers; plaid emigrant Socks; plaid and plain Silk Handkerchiefs; Fashionable steel Claps; Velvet Ribbon; Thread Laces and Edgings; cheniel and braid Trimmings; Cord- and Tassels; Plumes and Feathers of all kinds; Spangles; Tiffany; Shoe Taf- fels; Pearl Buttons; Thread Fringes; Silver Pencil Cases; tambore needle do.; Pins; Tapes and Bobbin.
Gentlemen's Vest Patterns of all kinds; black satin Florentine of a superior quality; silk Nankinets; silk, cotton, and worsted Hose; Mullin Handkerchiefs; superfine dark Queen's Cloth; super- fine and other White Flannels; fine Lambkin, and Green Baize; Fur Trimmings, &c.
Also, Coffee, Starch, Hair Powder, Wash-Balls. A larges assortment of ladies' and children's SHOES; House Paper, &c. &c. MILLINERY made in the latest fashion.
Feb. 20.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hun- dred and ninety nine. AN ACT, limiting the time within which Petitions for Wages which have been drawn by forged Orders, shall be sustained. BE it enacted by the Senate, and House of Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That no petition for Wages which have heretofore been drawn by Forged Orders, shall be hereafter sustained, unless such Petition shall be present- ed within TWO YEARS from the passing of this act; and, on failure thereof, the Petitioner, Applicant and Claim- ant shall be forever excluded and barred from any claim or demand against this Commonwealth for or on account of any Wages so drawn, or alleged to be drawn, by virtue of any such Forged Order. And the Secretary is hereby directed to cause this Act to be published in the several News-papers printed in this Commonwealth for three months successively. In the House of Representatives, Jan 29, 1799. This Bill having had three several readings passed to be enacted, EDWARD H. ROBBINS, Speaker. In Senate, Jan 28, 1799. This Bill having had two several readings passed to be enacted, SAMUEL PHILLIPS, President. January 29, 1799—Approved, INCREASE SUMNER. True Copy—Attest, JOHN AVERY, Sec'y. To be published three months successively, in the several News-papers printed in this Commonwealth. JOHN AVERY, Sec'y.
Notice. THE subscribers, administrators on the estates of John Burnham & John Burnham, jun. late of Portland, deceased, hereby give notice to all persons who are indebted to, or who have any demand against said estates, to exhibit their accounts for settle- ment by the first of August next. The subscribers will attend for that purpose on the first and third Thurs- days of each previous month, at the dwelling of Thomas Burnham in Portland. Thomas Burnham, Josiah Burnham. Portland, Feb. 23, 1799.
WHEREAS I the subscriber hav- ing rashly and inconsiderately spread certain reports tending to destroy the harmony subsisting be- tween Mr. William Elwell and his wife, to the injur- y of the good name of Abigail Elwell—do by these pre- sents acknowledge my fault and declare that said re- ports are totally void of any foundation, and that I am heartily sorry for the same. MARY ROW. In presence of ANDREW R. GEDDING. mark. Pophillcott Claim, Oct. 6th. 1798.
Joshua Blake, (at the store formerly occupied by Mr. R. Boyd) HAS JUST RECEIVED AND FOR SALE, on the lowest terms for cash, A VARIETY OF European & India GOODS, AMONG WHICH ARE. Superfine black, navy blue, dark mix'd and other coloured BROAD CLOTHS, Plain and emboid'd Ker- seymeres, Men's best plain and em- boid'd English Sattins, India ditto, German Sergees, Devonshire Kerseys, Coatings and Lambkins, Elastics and Orleans Stripes, Flannels and Baizes, Scotch Carpetings, Crapes, Wildbores, and Camblets, Black and coloured Ruf- fels and Calimancoes, Moreens and Taboreens, Shalloons, Durants and Tammies, Sattinets and Lastings, Twill'd Velvets and Thicketts Marseilles quilt, Swan- down, and silk Waist- coating, Patent, ribb'd and plain worsted Hose. Black and white Silk dit- to, White and fancy Cotton ditto, Silk, Beaver, and knot- ted worsted Gloves, Ladies' Kid & Silk ditto, Kid morocco and cloth Slippers, Miles morocco ditto, Thread, Edgings and La- ces, Bugle Trimmings, Plumes, Spangles, Silk Girdles, Black, white and coloured Sattins, Black, white, plumb co- loured, and a variety of changeable Lu- strings, Black Modes, Sarcenets of all colours, Silk Crapes and Tiffanies, Plain & Crape Gauzes, Chintzes and Copper- plates, Book and Jaconet Mus- lins, Mouselins and Dimities, Silk and Mullin Shawls Book and Jaconet Mullin Handkerchiefs, Black Bandanna and check'd silk ditto; Irish Linens and Sheet- ings, Check'd Linens and Bed- Ticks, India Cottons, coarse and fine, Men's Nelson crown'd beaver Hats, Violin String, Umbrellas, Men's worsted Caps, No. 3 and 4 Dutch Ribband, French and English co- loured ditto, Galoones and Ferrets, Black silk Laces, Silk twills, & sewing silks Tapes, Bobbins, and Shirt Buttons, Best polished Steel, pearl Indian and metal But- tons, Pins, Chappel Needles, Scissors, Penknives, Pocket Books, &c. &c. Also, a general assortment of Hard and Hollow Ware, 2od, 1od, 6d, 4d, Nails, Brads of all sizes, Powder, Shot and Flints, Hyson, fouchong and bohea Tea, &c. &c. &c.
A FURTHER time of six months from the date hereof, is allowed by the Hon William Gorham, Esq. Judge of Probate for the county of Cumberland, to the creditors of the Estate of Thomas Hodges, merchant, deceased, to bring in their claims to the subscribers, who will attend for that purpose, at the store of Woodbury Storer, on Union Wharf, the second Tuesday of this and the five following months, from two to five o'clock, P. M. Arthur McLellan, Woodbury Storer. Portland, Feb. 5th, 1799.
General Prices Current, PER QUANTITY.—BOSTON, MARCH 11.
  From Dlls. Cts. to Dlls. Cts.    ASHES, Pot, per ton 160 165  Pearl 146 67 150  Bread, ship, cwt. 4 9  Butter, shipping lb. 18 19  Beef, ship floes bbl. 10 13  cargo 7 50 8  Beans, white, bushel. 1 1 10  Brandy, French gal. 1 50 2  Spanish, { 1 4 1 50  Naples, { 1 1 33  Bees Wax, lb. 25 30  Cocoa, cwt. 22 24  Coffee, green, lb. 27 29  Cotton, Foreign, — 33 40  American, — 25 37  Chocolate, common — 16 26  best kinds, — 25 30  Candles, — 18  Cheese, English — 25 33  American, — 6 17  Cod Liver, dozen, 7 10  Fish, Table, cwt. 6 9  Merchant — 3 3 50  W. India mar. — 2 2 25  Scale, — 1 67 1 87  Alcoives, bbl. 2 75 3  Salmon, — 7 7 50  Herrings, — 3 50 4  Mackerell, bay, — 6  N. Scotia, — 4 50 5  Furs, Beaver, pelt, lb. 1 2  Bear, skin, — 50 4  Fox, cross, — 1 33 2  — red, — 83 1  Minks, — 10 50  Musquash, — 9 17  Otter, — 2 4  Skunks, — 33 83  Sables, — 25 67  FLOUR, { Super-fresh, bbl Al. 9 50 Bal. 10  Alexandria { Pine, — 9 9 50  & Baltimore { X Brand, — 8 8 50  Middlings, — 6 50 7  Feathers, lb. 17 50  Flaxseed, bbl. 1 17  Glas, Best, 10 by 8, bx. 15  7 by 9 — 12 67  Grain, Barly, bushel 83  Corn, South — dull 50 63  North — 59 67  Ry, — 75 83  Oats, — 41  Hops, lb. 25 40  Hoops, thousand 20 25  Hog Lard, lb. 14 15  Iron, Pig, Ton 35  Philadelphia, bar — 100 110  Russia, do — 100 110  Swedes, do — 110 115  Leather, seal, dried, lb. 16 20  Lumber, Boards, clear, Th. 14 15  merch. — 9 50 10  Shingles — 1 25 2 50  Molasses, gallon, 50 56  Nail Rods, T. 130 133 33  Nails, 4a. { 30 33  6d. { 59  8d. { 1 9  10d. { 1 41  12d. { 1 50  Sheathing { 2 13  Drawing { 10 13  Pepper, lb. 37  Pork, One & half hog, bbl. 15 50 16  One Hog, — 17 17 50  Middle pieces, — 19 22  Pitch, — 3 3 50  Rum, Jamaica, gallon, 1 9 1 25  Newengland, — 72 75  Rosin, bbl. 2 25 2 50  Soap, American white lb. 14 dull  Sugar, Havana, brown cwt. 20 50  Westindia, — 10 17  Salt, St. Ubes, bbl. 5 5 50  Liverpool, — 4 50 5  Steel, German, lb. 14 15  Blistered, — 13  Tea, Bohea, lb. 75  Souchong, — 1 1 16  Tobacco, cwt. 9 10  Wines, Madeira, gal. 1 66 2 66  Lisbon, — 1 10  Sherry, — 1 10 1 25  Teneriffe, — 75  Claret, dozen 5  Mal ag, quarter C. 24 26  Red Port, gal. 1 1 17  
  ALMANACK.  MARCH. S. r. M. H. W. REMARKS.    Monday, 18 6 3 6 4 21 8 29  Tuesday, 19 6 1 6 4 57 9 23  Wednesday, 20 6 0 6 5 28 10 17  Thursday, 21 5 59 7 5 18 11 13 Full Moon.  Friday, 22 5 57 7 7 31 10 11  Saturday, 23 5 55 7 8 51 9 9  Sunday, 24 5 53 7 10 6 1 5  
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