The gazette (Portland, Me.), 1798-08-27 00:00:00

The Gazette.
By ELEZER ALLEY JENKS, Portland, Maine.
[NUMBER 18.]
[VOLUME I.]
Monday, August 27, 1798.
POLITICS.
OBSERVATIONS UPON THE WAR WITH FRANCE.
WE are going to fight with a nation whose progress to strength is truly alarming; they are as powerful as they are vindictive and unjust. Our late proceedings must excite their pride to the quick. It is not the part of prudence, if we will attack a mad bull, to be unprovided with the means of defence. Too many of us are fond of relying for security on our distance from France, on the great extent of our territory, and on the Navy of Great Britain. The best means of defence, under Providence, is a navy of our own. A navy of great strength could soon be procured, as we have an extensive commerce, and a great number of sailors. It would be well, perhaps in the first instance, according to the proposals of the Secretary at War, to purchase six line of battle ships, in Europe. If we could purchase them in Great Britain, we could send out officers and sailors, and the vessels might come out completely equipped as convoy to our merchant ships. We might build the necessary frigates ourselves, and afterwards the other line of battle ships which we might want, when we are better provided with materials than at present. A land tax seems to be one of the fairest taxes which can be laid for the raising and supporting this navy. A land tax has been often desired in this country, by interested or inconsiderate persons, whose arguments every impartial and judicious statesman must acknowledge to be unjust. It is a visionary idea that we can support a government of sufficient strength in this country, without direct taxes. The land tax will "grow with our growth, and strengthen with our strength." It will have a broad enough to support a large navy, which may tend to the security and glory of this country, and might prove a blessing to mankind. I acknowledge the expense of this navy would be great; but if a sinking fund at compound interest were properly managed the public debt might never be of any material inconvenience to the country. We have established a sinking fund in this country for the reduction of the national debt in imitation of Great Britain, and as far as I can judge of the matter the scheme is judicious, excepting that the annual sum appropriated is not sufficiently large. This remark will probably be allowed to be just, as at the time the appropriation was made, we fondly hoped that we should enjoy an internal peace in an agitated world. The national debt of Great Britain, will be much sooner reduced, according to the able and judicious plan of Mr. Pitt, than is generally supposed. By Smart's tables of Compound Interest it appears that 1,000,000 annually applied at compound interest (the interest of money being supposed to be at 4 1/2 per cent) will in 60 years increase to the sum of £289,497,923. A good Arithmetician will probably find this calculation to be just, as Mr. Smart is an author of acknowledged repute. There are two errors commonly entertained about the national debt of Great Britain. The first is, that the enemies of government make it 50,000,000 more than it really is, as the reader may find in Mr. Vanharen's pamphlet upon the subject. The second error is, that only a million annually is allowed for the reduction of the debt, whereas by the purchase of stock at an inferior price, and by the falling in of annuities, it may be more than two millions annually. By the law relative to the sinking fund expressly declaring that not more than four millions annually should be applied to the reduction of the debt, it seems even to have contemplated that as much as four millions annually might in time be attainable.
It is through a navy that we must principally curb the mad ambition of France. Spain will soon either meet with a complete revolution, or be awed into the terms of France. In either case, France may pour troops into the Floridas and Louisiana. If these troops should get near the blacks, in the southern States, and supply them with arms, the insurrection would spread like Wild Fire. It should be the policy therefore of this country to keep an army between the blacks, and the French if they should come, and to have a navy to co-operate with the army. In saying this I would not wish to be understood as being an enemy to the blacks. I could with the slave-trade to be every where immediately abolished; but I think the emancipation of the negroes already imported should be gradual. If they were liberated at once without being properly prepared for it, the emancipation might become a snare to them and be as pernicious to them as to their masters and the community. They would generally perish by intemperance and want, or be protected for their other crimes. The Spanish method of freeing the negroes, by per-
mitting them gradually to purchase their freedom, is worthy of the highest commendation. The love of freedom becomes an incitement to industry, and a habit of industry makes them worthy of freedom when they obtain it. Man liberated in this manner would probably become every where, what they have become in the settlements of Spain where the scheme has been tried, the more valuable citizens. I read the other day in the European Magazine for 1797, page 223, vol. 32, an extract from Sir George Staunton account of Lord Macartney's embassy to China. I found there some observations upon the Negroes in the Island of St. Helena, which gave me great pleasure, and which I would partially recommend to the people in the southern states of America. Sir George Staunton says of the island of St. Helena, "the country is chiefly cultivated by blacks; persons of that colour were brought in a state of slavery by its first European settlers; and it seldom happens that white men will submit to common work where there are black slaves to whom it may be transferred. These were for a long time under the unlimited dominion of their owners, until a representation of the abuses made of that power induced the India company to place them under the immediate protection of the magistracy, and to enact various regulations in their favor; which have contributed to render them in a great degree comfortable and secure. These regulations may have hurt at first the feelings of the owners of slaves; but not their real interest, for it appears that before their introduction there was a loss of about ten in a hundred slaves every year to be supplied at a very heavy expence; whereas under the present system, they naturally increase. All future importation of slaves into the island is prohibited."
I am an advocate for the old maxim, not only in private but in public life, that honesty is the best policy. The rogue will certainly prove ultimately, if he does not immediately a fool. It is finally observed by Cicero, siue summan iustitia rempublicam regi non posse . "A state cannot prosper without a rigid adherence to justice." I would not with therefore the dominions of Spain to be attacked without sufficient reason. But if the Spanish government in Europe should be overthrown, I see nothing improver in our taking possession of New Orleans and both the Floridas. It appears probable to me, as the sacred prophecies must be fulfilled, that not only the government of Spain, but of Portugal, the Emperor of Naples, and all the nations where the Popish religion is established, will be overthrown. The government of Great Britain, with proper management, may ride the present storm. At the time of the revolution in the conclusion of the last century, they underwent that fiery trial which must purge all nations in subjection to the Pope.
When the government of Spain and Portugal are overthrown in Europe, it would be wise in Great Britain and the United States to prevent the French, if possible, from having a foot of land in the new world. That sanguinary and execrable tyrant Victor Hughes has threatened, whenever the opportunity offers, to land his blacks in the southern States. An united attack upon him, whenever it should be found practicable, would be as useful as glorious. If ever the French make a settlement in Louisiana they will be as dangerous to the southern States on account of the negroes, as fire near a magazine of gunpowder. The possession of the Floridas and New Orleans would be of vast advantage, not from an extent of territory which we do not want, but as they would make the United States more compact, and shut up a door which might easily let in a dangerous enemy. It may be as vain, however, to keep the Mississippi when it is swolln with rain from passing into the ocean, as it would be to keep off the people of the United States when they are combined through injuries, and inflamed with indignation. The possession of other parts of the continent, of Brazil, the delightful and valuable country of Paraguay, &c. might be convenient and advantageous to the British. By keeping the French in this manner from the new world, the general interests of mankind would be promoted. A gradual reformation might be introduced, and the mild government of the United States or Great Britain (for they are perhaps the only governments in the world which deserve the commendation of enlightened freemen) might be adopted or imitated instead of the horrible and bloody despotism of the French. The inquisition might be abolished, and the Priests deposed from their pernicious authority without being murdered, and every where a religious toleration might be introduced similar to that of the United States and the British provinces of America. In the course of time it may appear wise to the Priests themselves to accede to these designs, rather than to the schemes of France. Though I am no Roman Catholic, but think that religion unfriendly to the just liberties of mankind; I cannot but pay a fair tribute of applause to the private virtues of some Roman Catholic clergymen, of
Xavier, a bishop of Marseilles, a Fleming, and many others. It seems prudent in such an alarming and momentous crisis, that the Americans and British refrain from irritating one another, and should adhere to justice which is the best foundation of amity.
The publication of the Cannibal's Progress has done material service to the cause. In this little work an allusion is made to some other works, which should be obtained and published in America as soon as possible, particularly "the conduct of the French in Franconia," published in 1796. Our fair countrywomen should be told, that in some places, wherever the French moved, according to the words of the first mentioned pamphlet, "there was neither maiden wife nor widow, that was not forcibly and repeatedly dishonoured." They were sometimes violated before others in the face of day; the violation killed some at once, while it made others slowly pine to death. They should therefore urge their lovers and their husbands to the battle. The tongue of beauty in a virtuous cause, may sometimes animate more than the clamorous trumpet or the Spirit stirring drum.
The noble resolution which has been recommended by the words and the example of our admirable President seems to be generally infused into all ranks of people. It should remove the rubbish of French politics.
A fire when kindled by our shepherd's moves, Through the dry heath, before the lining wind. We may reasonably look for great advantages from the character and talents of Mr. Adams, and of General Washington, who has nobly offered, like a genuine hero, to quit his retirement in old age to serve without pay his country in the field. As these gentlemen are advanced to power from the free, deliberate and judicious approbation of the people, we should voluntarily make a zealous co-operation with them for the defence of the country. We may be near a very trying hour. We should exert ourselves, without giving way to despondency. It is in the power of courageous freemen to effect things which to some might appear impossible. An American when he thinks of the cause of his country, which may be the cause of the world, should not be roused by common feelings. The directory of France bear the most tyrannical and determined enmity against this country. If Britain stands their attack, and she probably will, we have much to hope from the alliance of that country, which has always been a faithful alliance wherever it has been made. The directory aim at nothing less than the subjugation of the world. They have the ambition and the proficiency of the Romans whom they admire. Barras is said to do something, Mere Romano which should excite our utmost horror. We should endeavour to reform the morals of our citizens to make us offer up acceptable prayers to the throne of heaven, that if we should at last be compelled to draw the sword against these monsters, and throw away the scabbard, it would give us the victory.
A Friend to Government.
A Political Chapter!
THE SECOND BOOK OF CHRONICLES.
Chap. 1.
1. IT came to pass in those days, that the rabble assembled and slew Louis, with the edge of the guillotine, and Dæmon reigned in his stead. 2. Now this Dæmon had five heads; and they said one to another, let us plunder, divide and conquer the whole world. 3. And they called to them those who were willing to serve Dæmon, and bade them go forth and spread slaughter & destruction through all the countries round about. 4. And when they had gone forth, the five heads of Dæmon consulted together how they should aggrandize themselves, and reward those who were faithful in their service. 5. And they said, let us demand and enforce a voluntary contribution of all the personal estate of those whom we shall conquer, and let us rob on the great waters all that shall come in our way especially will we take from the Columbians the produce of their labour, the fruits of their hard earned independence. 6. We will make them believe, by our skill in intrigue, that we gave them their independence, and that we have a right to take it away. 7. And they said unto Genet, go thou, who art cunning amongst men, and tell the Columbians that their rulers are tyrants, and their liberty is gone; but that we have rulers and liberty in store, which we will freely give them. 8. Now as to the doings of Genet and his successors, Fauchet, and Adet, are they not recorded in all the news vehicles throughout Columbia? 9. And it came to pass, when Fauchet and Adet returned, & told the five heads of Dæmon,
that the Columbians were divided;—that they hated Washington, and loved Jefferson more than Adams, they were exceedingly glad. 10. And they said one to another, these Columbians are a weak contemptible race; we will plunder them at our pleasure. 11. And they gave directions to the outcasts of all nations, and especially to the renegades of Columbia, to fit out vessels, and to take by force whatever they could find on the great waters belonging to the Columbians. 12. And when Adams heard of these things, knowing that many of the Columbians were enchanted with the name of liberty, and being very desirous of procuring peace and prosperity, he sent three approved messengers, with the olive branch in their hands, to the five heads of Dæmon, to enquire the cause of their evil intreating the Columbians. 13. And it came to pass that Talleyrand, the apostate (who, though a priest, had impiously burned with fire the law and testimony, declaring there was no God) treated the messengers with great haughtiness, and refused to speak to them in the name of Dæmon, unless they would yield up the treasures of Columbia, to be divided as the five heads of Dæmon should direct. 14. Then the messengers wrote to Adams, how Dæmon refused to hear them. 15. And when the letter which the messengers had written came to the ears of the people, they were exceedingly wroth, and cried out, saying, who is this monster Dæmon, that boasteth of liberty and seeketh to enslave the world? We will not that this tyrant shall reign over us. 16. And they appealed unto Adams with one heart and one voice, and said, "well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast merited well of thy country." 17. And the rulers of the people said, we will now call forth the men of valour, who fought for the liberty of Columbia of old time and the young warriors also. 18. And they said unto Adams, appoint from among the mighty men of valour such as have approved themselves skillful and firm in the day of battle. 19. And Adams wrote a letter unto Washington, and sent it by the hands of the chief man of war. 20. And on this wise wrote he unto Washington: Thou knowest how exceedingly the people love thee, how they delight to honour thee, how readily they will assemble under thy banner, as of old time; come then from thy peaceful abode, from scenes thou dost sincerely love, and assist thy brethren in defending the independence of Columbia, against the violence of Dæmon. 21. And when Washington received the letter from Adams, he was exceedingly moved and lifted up his eyes toward Heaven, and said, O Lord! thou hast been with me and my brethren in times of trouble; thou hast often and singularly delivered us from the hands of the destroyer: Behold my life is now far spent, my days are numbered, and almost finished: The remainder thereof I had hoped to spend in peace: But if it be thy will that I should go forth with my brethren again to the battle, not my will, but thine be done! 22. And he straightway wrote a letter unto Adams, the like unto which no man except Washington ever had written. 23. And when the sons and daughters of Columbia read the letter which Washington had written, tears of joy gushed from their eyes, and they said one to another, surely this is the Lord's doing. 24. And the sons of Columbia, both old and young, forthwith lift up their hands and their voices, and swore to the God of host, that the spirit of Columbia should never bow to Dæmon. 25. And they began with one accord to prepare to defend themselves, their wives, their daughters, and their little ones, if peradventure the rabble of Dæmon should pollute the land with their footsteps. 26. And the sons of Columbia once more lift up their voice, and said, let the vile rabble of Dæmon come! We are ready to fight against them, and overcome them, or perish in defence of our kindred, our birthright, and of the goodly heritage which God himself gave unto our fathers.
Miscellaneous Articles.
BOSTON, AUG. 24.
MILITARY.
IT is said that there have been nearly 17000 applications to the Secretary at war for commissions in the army now enlisting.—As it contemplated to raise a permanent army of only 12,000, a correspondent hopes and expects, as the applicants cannot all be officers, that those who may be disappointed, will shew their patriotism, and give a strong evidence of their sedateness and attachment to the government, by entering the service, as non commissioned officers and privates. They have a striking exam-

be before them, in the gallant army of Condé—whose ranks are composed of the flower of French nobility.—The chevaliers after encountering for years, all the hardships of the "tented field," and displaying unrivalled patriotism in almost innumerable encounters, re-joining in Russia, still faithful to the cause they had sworn to support—Of the 8000 of which this army of heroes is composed, two thousand serve without pay. The rest are in pay of the Emperor Paul I.
AMERICAN NAVY.
The Wooden Walls of America , are raising in every quarter. Scarce a port on our 1600 miles coast, but is furnishing quotas to render it an invulnerable bulwark against all the minor maritime powers of the world.—In friendship with the Directors of the floating castles of Old England , we may soon " doff the world aside, or bid it halt ."
In a few short weeks, the effay towards an American navy, will embrace Nine large frigates—some of them equal to European ships of the line, of the 4th rate: Twelve sloops of war, from 20 to 24 guns: Six from 16 to 18, about 10 cutters, and as many gallies making in all Forty Eight ships of war. No inconsiderable force this—for a nation which three months ago had not an armed vessel afloat!—And all this beside the float frigates , &c. building in the several States to be loaned to government.
The United States has, we learn, accepted the cession of Caste-Island ; which is immediately to be made a federal garrison. The convicts are not excepted;—and the Governor will confine them in the several jails.
The Federal Officers have it in charge not to enlist any men into the service of the United States, who within a certain period of time, have had the audacity to mount a French cockade.—A few worthless animals at the castle, are said to have been guilty of this crime.—We do not understand whether of the garrison, or convicts. If the latter, the badge was appropriate to their party-coloured cloaths, and characters.
The following message was communicated to the New-york Legislature on the 10th inst. by Gov. Jay.
Gentlemen, His Excellency the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has in a letter dated the 12th day of last month, transmitted to me, for the purpose of being laid before the Legislature of this State, a concurrent and unanimous resolution of the House of Representatives and of the Senate of that Commonwealth, and approved by the Governor. The object of it is to obtain an amendment of the Constitution of the United States, to provide against the introduction of a foreign influence into our National Councils.
I think it my duty to lay these interesting papers before you, and to recommend the important subject of them to your consideration. JOHN JAY.
Political Conversion!
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Connecticut, a brother to one of the members of Congress from Georgia. He was a warm friend of the French revolution, and opposer of our administration.
"I have changed my political creed. I can no longer justify the conduct of the modern Titans . I have heretofore been very enthusiastic in their cause—my prejudices have been violent for the Sans Culottes . My faith in their justice, friendship and humanity has been small for a year past; but my prejudice existed and still compelled me to advocate their cause, even after my reason abhorred it. I am convinced their design is nothing less than universal conquest and tyranny—no nation escapes their ambition and avarice. I am convinced that it is impossible for our government, pursue what line of conduct it may, to guard our country from their harpy claws: and sooner than yield to them, I would see my country deluged with blood, and have the ghosts of all my countrymen shriek at once on the hollow wind."
Mr. Jefferson.
That Mr. Jefferson is a professed deist, his writings declare. Although we abhor his tenets, so long as he kept them to himself, or even displayed his infidel sentiments in harmless books, we should not have exposed him to public censure. But it is certainly indecent, to affront the religion of his country. What if Mr. Jefferson does not believe the truth of divine revelation, and prefers Tom Paine's Age of Reason to the Bible?—What if he prefers a French Decade or Tenth Day, to the christian Sabbath? there are millions of his fellow citizens who believe in the scripture, and observe the christian Sabbath. Surely, the second magistrate in the union, should have some decent regard to the general religious faith of his country: And though he scoff at our blessed Saviour, among his philosophic friends, he ought upon the principles of a gentleman, not to insult his followers on his holy day, in the face of the world. We well remember to have read that in the year 1775, when the first continental Fest was proposed, in Congress, a certain member from the south, not only opposed the resolve, but endeavoured to turn the idea of a Fest into ridicule. Mr. Adams, now our beloved President, and then member from Massachusetts, rose and noticed his sorrow at hearing the gentleman's ridicule upon religion, and particularly observed, that whatever opinions gentlemen might entertain of religion, in private, there was certainly a respect due to public opinion. This was the
first time he had ever heard of a scholar and a gentleman endeavour, in a public assembly, to turn religion into ridicule. The good President may now find the second scholar, if not the second gentleman, who has endeavoured to turn religion into ridicule, and not merely to ridicule but pointedly to insult.
A Baltimore paper mentions, that a circle of Ladies, in that place, had proposed to associate themselves into a military corps, for the defence of the country, under the name of the " American Amazon-Infantry ." The fair of Vermont may not imitate these heroines, by repairing to the " tented fields ;" but while the Baltimore amazons are gaining laurels abroad, they will not be idle in RAISING RECRUITS at home .
A Member of the Irish House of Commons, speaking of the present disturbances in that country, openly asserted, that a secret conspiracy in that country had been notorious for five years .
Very Interesting Statement!
From a New-york paper.
Having kept a memorandum of the different condemnations of American vessels and cargoes, so far as advice of the same has been received, I am able not only to shew that a Direct Tax would have been unnecessary, but that a great surplusage would have been in our coffers, and our merchants preserved from ruin.—Prior to the British treaty, American property was condemned by that nation to the amount of 15,000,000 dollars. For part of this, compensation is made and making: but the merchant yet feels a partial embarrassment.—From French depredations we have lost
  950 ships and vessels valued at 4,750,000   1385 cargoes & parts of cargoes 47,750,000   amounting to 52,500,000   Revenue arising would have been   Tonnage, - - - - - 9,100   Impost Duty, - - - - - 7,877,500   7,886,600   Direct Tax, is - - - - - 2,000,000   Surplus, - - - - - 5,886,600   Let the advocates for French villainies, the opposers of arming our vessels, and the oppressors of our unfortunate merchants, "think of these things." A MERCHANT. 
THE GAZETTE.
Portland.
Latest News from France
From the SALEM GAZETTE , of Friday last.
Yesterday Capt Besom arrived at Marblehead, from Bayonne in France. His original destination was to Bilboa; but he was taken by a French privateer, within a short sail of his port, and carried into Bayonne, where he found numbers of his countrymen, and other neutrals, the victims of a system of plunder, which disregards every principle of justice or morality. An indiscriminate condemnation of captured property was carrying on at Bayonne; that taken from Americans and condemned amounted to nearly a million and a half of dollars. Capt. Besom lost his cargo, but by some compromise retained his vessel, in which he brought home forty of his countrymen, and saved them from the alternative of entering on board French privateers, or starving. The pretexts for condemning were of the most trivial kind, and amounted to nothing short of a declaration of war against all neutral property.
They expected, at Bayonne, that these acts of rapine would finally rouse the Americans to war, and that in consequence their West-India colonies must fall; but these events they regarded as of no importance, so long as there was commerce for their privateers to prey upon. New privateers, from 16 to 20 guns, were continually building and launching, and they were professedly destined against the Americans, at whose conduct they affect to be highly irritated.
But the merchants and people of information, who were not immediately interested in privateering, discovered an uneasiness at the present state of things, when they dared to express their sentiments, and appeared to be both tired of their government and ashamed of the injuries heaped upon the Americans.
The military themselves, who are distributed throughout the country to
keep the people in awe, began to murmur; not at the cause in which they were engaged, but that their pay was considerably reduced.
There was a great deal of talk at Bayonne, of an expectation that Spain would withdraw from her connection with France. This would be extending the field of privateering, and increasing the emoluments of the Directory, who receive 15 per cent of the amount of all prizes.
Captain Besom has favored us with French papers to the 16th of June.
By the Clef du Cabinet des Souverains , of the 10th June, it appears that the French government had received an English paper containing the dispatches from the American envoys to the President of the U. S. which were communicated by the President to Congress the 3d April. In consequence thereof the following letters passed between Mr. Gerry & M. Talleyrand—which letters are also published in said paper, after a long, insidious, &c in many respects false commentary on the dispatches. It does not appear that the dispatches themselves have ever been published in Paris.
The Minister of Exterior Relations (M. Talleyrand) to Mr. Gerry.
Paris, May 30, 1798.
I communicate to you, Sir, a London Gazette of the 15th of May. You will therein see a very extraordinary publication. I cannot learn without surprise that some perfidious persons have availed themselves of the retired manner in which the envoys of the United States chose to live, to make them propositions and hold with them conversations, the object of which evidently was to deceive them. I beg you to let me know immediately the names of the persons designated by the letters W, X, Y and Z, and also the name of the lady whom Mr. Pinckney declares to have conversed with him on American affairs. If you have an objection to sending them in writing, please to communicate them confidentially to the bearer. I rely on your zeal to enable the government to investigate these intrigues, of which I congratulate you on not being the dupe, and in your desire to see it perfectly satisfied.
Mr. Gerry's Answer.
Paris, May 31, '98.
Your letter, citizen minister, of the 30th inst. and the Gazette to which it refers have been handed me. The last contains all the informal negotiations communicated by the envoys to their government.
If unauthorised persons have come forward, or if having limited powers they have exceeded them, they have abused the French government and the envoys; I am not competent to judge of this, as they did not produce to my knowledge any document whatever to prove that they were authorised to treat with us. The publications in question suffice to show, how very delicate my situation is, with respect to the names of these persons, and they contain circumstances which I hope will enable you to investigate the affair without insisting upon further communications from me. Desirous however to dispel suspicions by which innocent persons may be embarrassed, I have no objection to declare that three of the individuals alluded to are strangers, and that the fourth acted only as a messenger and interpreter. You will observe citizen minister the extreme reluctance of the envoys, to this informal mode of treating, by their reply of October 30, to certain propositions that had been made them. The 1st of Nov. they determined to put an end to such communications, and have kept their resolution, in opposition to repeated attempts that have since been made. They nevertheless consider it their duty to communicate every thing to their government.—Accept, citizen minister, the assurance of my profound esteem.
The Minister of Foreign Relations to Mr. Gerry.
Paris, June 1, '98.
I have received, Sir, your letter of yesterday. You inform me, 1st, that
the Gazette presented you contains all the informal negotiations communicated by the envoys to their government; 2dly, that the persons in question have not produced to your knowledge any document whatever to show that they were accredited; 3dly, that three of the individuals alluded to (viz. in the order I have placed them, W, X, Y) are strangers; the fourth, that is Z, hath acted only as a messenger and interpreter.
Altho I fully conceive of your reluctance to name these persons, I must pray you instantly to subject it to the importance of the object: please either to give me their names in writing, or communicate them in confidence to the bearer; name the woman that Mr. Pinckney alludes to; tell me if any of the citizens attached to my office, and authorised by me to see the envoys, have said a word that had the least affinity to the disgusting proposal made by X and Y to remit any sum whatever, for corrupt purposes.
Mr. Gerry's Answer.
Paris, June 3, '98.
Citizen Minister,
I have received your letter of the 1st inst. in which, after having repeated a part of mine of the 31st May, you urge me immediately to yield to the importance of the object, and give you, &c.
As to the persons designated by X, Y and Z, I will forward you their names in writing, under my hand and seal, if you will assure me they shall not be published as coming from me, altho this measure does not appear to me necessary to discover them; and Z informs me that he will make himself known; as W has never said a word to me relative to X, or any part of our communications, I presume that the manifest inconvenience that would result to me from relying upon mere hearsay, is a sufficient excuse for omitting his name.
I cannot give you the name of any woman, for no one has had any political conferences with me since my arrival in Paris.
As to the citizens attached to your office, and authorized by you to see the envoys in your official communications, I cannot recollect one word from any of them that had the least relation to the propositions made by X and Y in their informal negotiations, to pay money for corrupt distributions.
Accept, &c.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs to Mr. Gerry.
Paris, June 4, '98.
Sir, Your letter of yesterday is just received. You may address to me in perfect confidence the names that you announce under your hand and seal. I assure you they shall not be published as coming from you.
[The names have in fact been sent to the Minister who instantly deposited them with proper authority.]
A letter follows the preceding, from M. Hauteval, by which it appears that he is the person designated by Z, and in which he represents that he acted only as messenger and interpreter in the communications that passed directly between the envoys and the minister.—It appears from the commentary forementioned, that Mr. Gerry was viewed by the French government in a very different light from Messrs. Pinckney and Marshall; and by remaining in Paris he involved himself in the above mortifying if not degrading correspondence.
"There can be no doubt that Talleyrand has denied every part of the dispatches which tended to criminate him, and disavowed the authority of his agents. He not only would do this, but he must, by some means or other, adduce such plausible evidence as should give it some credit. He will endeavour to make it be believed in France, and if possible in this country, that our envoys were duped. How is this to be accomplished? Is it not natural to expect, that, knowing the situation of the remaining envoy, he would call upon him for explanations, and virtually compel him to explain away the most obnoxious parts of the dispatches? Is it to be expected he would have the courage to reply to the French Minister, "that the envoys had satisfactory evidence that these agents were authorised and employed by him, and did not exceed their powers, and that he (Talleyrand) explicitly assured him (Gerry) of it?" Yet this is just. We ought not to be surprised if this subtle and un-

principled politician should with some success make use of this as one of the means of shielding himself and his measures from the infamy which the dispatches have attached to them."
PARIS, JUNE 15.
We believe that Buonaparte is already at the place of his destination, and that the English Admiral, who is allowed to have no more than 10 ships, will not have been able to overtake him.
We are assured that the conferences of Prince Reprin with the ministers of Prussia and the Ambassador of the imperial court, have no other object than the arrangements to be made between the courts of Vienna and Berlin, with the intervention of Russia, for their respective interests, as well as for the peace of the empire and the re-establishment of tranquility in Germany; and that, notwithstanding the manoeuvres of England, there is nothing respecting a new coalition.
The United States of America are threatened with a revolution. The friends of liberty, anxious against the Senate, and above all against the President, who openly espouses the cause of the English, to the detriment of the Great Nation, disavow their conduct. The House of Representatives partake in a great degree of this indignation against the accomplices of the British cabinet; and hardly will they wait the elections, which will take place in the autumn, to destroy their fatal influence—[Stories of this kind have been so often sent from America, that we have no doubt they are really believed in France.]
On the 3d inst. in lat. 42, 40, long. 44, Capt. Belom spoke a brig from Lisbon for Philadelphia, having Dispatches for our government from the American Minister at Lisbon. Capt. B. received the dispatches on board his vessel, and, as, from her having a French clearance, and no cargo, it was thought they would be more safe with him from the violation of French privateers.
On the 13th inst. in lat. 43, long. 61, Capt. B. spoke a south shore Schooner, which had, six days before, spoke a brig from P'Orient, having Mr. GERRY on board.
LONDON.
At a meeting of the Commissioners under the 7th article of the American treaty, on Monday, April 30, 1798, present, JOHN TRUMBULL, Esq., JOHN NICHOLL, L.L.D., JOHN ANSTEY, Esq., CHRISTOPHER GORE, Esq., WILLIAM PINCKNEY, Esq. ORDERED—That all persons who have exhibited, or who may exhibit, complaints to this board under the 7th article of the treaty, be requested to furnish their proofs in support thereof, on or before the tenth day of February, 1799.
FOR FRANCIS MOORE, Sec'y. (Signed) EDWARD MILLEY, Clerk.
FOR THIS GAZETTE.
Communication.
IT may be laid down as a true maxim, which in no case will be found fallacious, that our Jacobins have caused all the evils of which they complain, and that they will still continue to oblige a good government, supported by a vast majority of the people, to lose its revenues and suffer vexations that they may have these things to lay to the charge of government itself. They have organized themselves for these precious purposes, throughout the Union, as well as they could in a nation protected by so many constitutions and so many vigilant administrations. It will be curious to see in some instances how the Jacobins, in spite of the counteraction of a well intentioned government, have created the evils which are the burden of their own song. These things, instead of being the genuine miracles of Moses, are the spells of the magicians, and wrought by "their enchantments."
We have seen how desirable a commercial treaty with England always was—But to form and draw close an alliance with that nation has never been supposed to be so much for the advantage of this country as of England. For this idea many reasons might be suggested, as—1. The interest of America to keep as much as possible disconnected with European affairs—2. That in alliances the most powerful nation always dictates—3. That we are well enough as we are—and so on. But it is at least two to one that this alliance must be formed,—and now let us see from whence the necessity will spring. We have shewn before that if there had been no Jacobins there would have been no British treaty nor French piracies. We proceed to say that these piracies have obliged our government to take the measures they have taken to stop the intercourse, and permit defence and even reprisals. This then, if an evil, is one to which the Jacobins have driven the government, and not by any means which government has voluntarily elected. What will follow, God knows—
But there is scarcely any thing wanting now to a war with France, but the formality of declaring it. And what must follow that is also only known to God—But must it not be some treaty of alliance with England? And who will have occasioned this undesirable necessity? The Jacobins. Yet, my life to a single cent, that these fellows, in case of the event, will bellow louder than Samson himself, against a government which they are dragging after them as the Jews did Christ to be crucified—"Give us" they will say, "the Barabbas of France!" "Now Barabbas was a robber."
The law raising a duty on stamped paper, is another consequence of Jacobin attachment to France and the consequent spoliation. Though the resources of our country are immense, yet the government would not wish by any means to bring them into operation faster than is absolutely necessary. But the ordinary revenues by impost and tonnage have been so reduced by French piracies to the amount of from twenty to thirty millions of dollars, that they are no longer sufficient, and more especially considering the Jacobin war that is impending over us. Thus we see the Jacobins have the art in the first place to distress their country by bringing it into ruinous circumstances, and then to undermine the government in the affections of some of the people by representing as odious the very measures which they themselves have rendered indispensable. Whenever the necessity ceases, government will suspend as many of the duty-laws as they can; and this necessity will cease soon after the Jacobins come to an end, that is, when the people are thoroughly united.
The land tax. Another legitimate offspring of Jacobin opposition to constitutional government, and blind devotion to France. There is a contest between THE APPOINTED GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE, AND THE ABANDONED. The strength of both is NOW IN TRIAL. The people will not see their government fall, but will indignantly repel its invaders from A POINT OF HONOUR which ever rests, and now flourishes wherever honour can exist. Should it decay, and the mean and most contemptible notion that the government and people are distinct, obtain in the public mind, no longer will the republic of America stand, and after a frightful interval a monarchy will close the farce of freedom to the world forever. To return—so successful have been the concerted designs of France and the Jacobins, that not having been able to force the government by the free voice of the people to adopt their measures, they have made pretty good progress in distressing the people so as to bring on complaint and murmuring—which is the next part of their policy. The Jacobins are pleased with all manner of taxes; or rather France knows the common effect of them, and directs the Jacobins not to oppose till the people feel them. The land-tax became necessary from that impoverishment of the revenue and on the eve of a war which as we have said were caused by Jacobin conduct, and will cease when the people are no longer cursed with their own divisions. It is to be originally traced to the villainous designs of France which occasioned these divisions, that France which now boasts of them.—If Americans will say that they had rather be under the moral, religious, and kind political dominion of France, than pay a land-tax, it will be right, for certainly they ought to be. But honour, interest, and liberty forbid it.
These specimens are only intended as a mode of thinking, or as a method of turning the Jacobin artillery against the Jacobins. Long enough has the super-abounding goodness of the true American people been abused by the incoherent rhapsodies of these new-light politicians. Long enough, and much too long have reason, patriotism, and courage held their peace. The spell was indeed strong, and the incantation powerful—but it is dissolving—like persons apparently drowned when returning to life, the deluded, under the hands of that excellent physician the President, are opening their eyes—the world is new to them—they regard it first with vacancy of view—then with strong surprise—then with extreme emotion—and finally with settled pleasure and delight. That the submersion of the Jacobins may finally
issue in the process above described, is the wish of every good man and friend to his country. But if they are gone past recovery, if all the assistance which humanity can bestow is vain, we will prepare for the funeral obsequies of the faction, sing an eternal requiem to its principles, and consign it to "the bourne from which no traveller returns." (TO BE CONTINUED.)
News from IRELAND.
Cap. Noble, in the brig Charlotte, lately arrived at Boston from Liverpool, on the 11th June, off the harbour of Cork, spoke a British frigate from Cork, the officer of which informed, that two or three days before, a general engagement had taken place, not far from Cork, between the British and Irish Royal troops, and the Irish rebels;—that the action was bloody, and that the Royal troops obtained a complete victory over their infatuated opponents, 6000 of whom fell in the battle.
TOULON FLEET.
From Philadelphia, August 15. Arrived last evening, the brig West-Indian, Capt. Wilson, 31 days from Madeira, from whence he sailed the 12th ult. on the morning of which day, a Portuguese vessel arrived there in five days from Lisbon, and brought information of the Toulon fleet, with Buonaparte on board, having been met with by admiral Nelson, who had chased them into Corsica, with the loss of one frigate (taken or destroyed;) that the British squadron being considerably less in numbers than the French fleet, the admiral had dispatched a frigate to Lord St. Vincent's, for a reinforcement, to assist him in the blockade, and in all probability in an attempt to destroy them in port.
[This article of intelligence has much the appearance of probability, from the dates as well as other corroborative circumstances. It has been pretty clearly ascertained the fleet was not destined to Ireland.]
The Philadelphia Fever,
Appears to be decreasing—The deaths in that city and suburbs, on Aug. 15, amounted to 27, on the following day they were only 17. May this omen be propitious!
On its being observed to Talleyrand that the dispatches had excited the spirit of Americans, and probably they would arm in defence, he said "There is nothing to be feared from a nation like the United States, whose representatives spend their time in debates, or who have been FOUR years building THREE Frigates!"
BUXTON JACOBINS!
A meeting of all the Jacobins in Buxton was held on Tuesday last. Disorder and confusion reigned unlimited. The sons of sedition displayed the French cockade, and in other respects imitated the infernal sans culottes of after France. But few Federalists attended; for what have honest men to do with a Jacobin rabble?—It is said the villains declared they would stand by their country in case of invasion! Unparalled impudence! Who would trust them in the defence of a country they have so grossly insulted?
MARRIED—In this town, Mr. SAMUEL SUMNER to Miss SUKEY BAKER.—Mr. JOHN PRESTON to Miss SALLY SMITH.—Mr. MALCOLM M'NEIL BURDICK to Miss JOANNA BERRY.
At Wheatfield, Mr. Mariner Pearson to Miss Peggy Brown. DIED—At Conway, a Mr. Thompson, by being over heated and drinking too much cold water, which brought on vomiting and the dysentary. At Buxton, Mrs. Joanna Gray, wife of Mr. Cadwalader Gray.
At his seat near Middlesex, the Hon. JOSHUA CLAYTON, Esq. Senator of the United States from Delaware. He was a zealous supporter of the federal government.
Marine Articles.
Port of Portland.
Tuesday last arrived here brig Pamela, Capt. Bragden, 21 days from Tortola, and 18 from Martinique—Left there brig Betty, Whitmarsh, of Boston—brig Minerva, Davis, Newburyport. Spoke brig Betsey from Philadelphia, bound to the Havannah. Markets low at Martinique.
Same day, brig Hannah, Tate, from Martinique. Same day, snow John, Capt. Moses Freeman, 25 days from Jamaica. He was convoyed out by the armed ship Amity, Capt. Cook of Philadelphia, who left him after getting clear of Wattling's Island. Capt. F. informs, that a part of the British fleet, about 20 sail, coming out of port Antonio, on the day he failed, with a fine breeze, were suddenly becalmed before they got clear of the harbor, when four of the largest of the ships drifted on shore and went to pieces. Capt. Freeman was boarded a few days ago, off Georges, by an English 50 gun ship with a Spanish prize in tow, bound to Halifax. Left at Jamaica Capt. Goodwin in a ship, and Capt. Brown in a schooner, both of Boston. Thursday arrived, sloop Maria, 6 days from Wilmington, N. C.
Saturday arrived, a Swedish snow from Boston. Same day, ship Sisters, Knight, from Martinique. She came out with the convoy.
The English government has ordered a convoy for the fall ships, bound from England to America. The keel of a 35 gun frigate is now laid in Boston, on the spot where the Constitution was built. The Baltimore, of 20 guns, Capt. Phillips, has failed from No. Folk on a cruise. The Herald, sloop of war of 20 guns, and the Pickering armed brig of 14 guns, have also failed on a cruise from Boston. A stout frigate is to be built at Charleston, S. C. for the use of government.
Military Notice!
A meeting of the 7th Company, 1st regiment (late McLellan's Company) is requested THIS EVENING, at Capt. Davis's, for the purpose of choosing a Captain, &c.—Prompt attention of all belonging to said company, is expected. August 27.
Strayed or Stolen,
FROM the inclosure of the subscriber, on Friday night, a light chestnut coloured MARE, four years old last spring, about 14 hands high, with a white stripe in her face; trots all. Whoever will return said Mare, shall be handsomely rewarded—and all necessary charges paid. JOHN DEERING. Aug. 27, '98.
Genteel Boarding, &c.
MRS. Anne Heyliger, respectfully informs the public that she has opened a Boarding House at the north part of the town, near Clay Cove, over Mr. ENOCH LESTER'S Store. Those gentlemen who may favor her with their custom may be accommodated with separate apartments—The price is three dollars per week. Single meals will also be furnished at the shortest notice. Ladies' Dresses, and all sorts of Needle Work executed in the neatest manner, and with dispatch—Every attention shall be paid, and the smallest favors thankfully received. Portland August 20, 1798.
To be Sold, by the Subscriber, A QUANTITY OF St. Croix RUM, by the hoghead or barrel—Also, a number of barrels of MIDDLING PORK—Likewise, a SHOP in Fish-street, to let. THOMAS SANFORD. Portland, August 1, 1798.
TO BE LET, A convenient apartment under UNION SCHOOL—calculated for a large Store, and may be easily fitted for other purposes, a few months—Apply to THOMAS M. PRENTISS. Union-At. et, Portland, August 13, 1798.
Take Notice.
THE Subscriber will attend at his Office in York, from the 14th to the 20th of September, (Sunday excepted) to receive Applications, and grant Licences, to retail Wines, and foreign distilled Spirits; and to receive Entires, and the duties on Wheel Carriages—And will attend at the house of Mr. JOHN HIGGENS, Innholder in Berwick, on Saturday, the 22d day of said September, for the like purposes, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. JOSEPH TUCKER, Collector of the Revenue, York County. York, August 6, 1798.
TAKENOTICE.
The Copartnership of J. & E. Deering, is this day by mutual consent, dissolved—All persons who have any demands, or are indebted to said company, are requested to exhibit their accounts, to JOHN DEERING for settlement, at his shop at the foot of Fish-street. JOHN DEERING, ELIHU DEERING. Portland August 6, 1798.
Thomas Slemons' Estate.
WE the subscribers, having been appointed by the Hon. WILLIAM GORHAM, Esq. to receive and examine the claims of creditors to the estate of THOMAS SLEMONS, late of Falmouth, yeoman, deceased, represented intestate, do hereby give notice, that six months from the nineteenth day of June 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 WILLIAM SLEMONS in said Falmouth, on the last Tuesday of this and the four following months, from nine to six o'clock. ARCHELAUS LEWIS, ISAAC LOEDILL. Falmouth, August 15th, 1798.
Thomas Hodges' Estate.
THE Subscribers hereby give notice to all concerned, that they have been duly appointed Administrators on the Estate of THOMAS HODGES, late of Portland, in the county of Cumberland, deceased, and given bonds as the law directs—They therefore call upon all persons who are indebted to said Estate, to make payment without delay. JANE HODGES, STEPHEN COLMAN. Portland, August 7, 1798.
THE Subscribers, appointed Commissioners by the Hon. WILLIAM GORHAM, Esq. Judge of Probate for the county of Cumberland, to receive and examine the claims of the several Creditors to the Estate of THOMAS HODGES, late of Portland, merchant, deceased, intestate represented intestate, do hereby give notice, that they will attend said business on the second Tuesday of this and the five following months, at Mr. WOODBURY STORER'S Store, No. 3, Union Wharf, Portland, from two to five o'clock, p. m. ARTHUR McLELLAN, WOODBURY STORER. August 10, 1798.
ADVERTISEMENT, &c.—emitted this day shall be attended to next week.

POETRY.
Every reader, I think, will derive pleasure from a perusal of the following beautiful
STORY OF THELAMONT & ALMERIA, Extracted from 'THE SEA,' a poem.
NOW thrice three bright revolving fons had view'd Fond Thelamont to his Almeria join'd; With rapture melting into fix'd esteem; Equal delight, and foul enchanting bliss,
He to Almeria first, his purpose spoke, She meek and timid fair, by nature fearful, But more through love, with look ineffable, And glistening eyes, with soft affection bright,
Now from the port the impatient vessel steers, And to the wanton gales the swelling fails Their boldest gave; and gliding swift before The freshening breeze, that brushing kiss'd the wave,
The closing eve, meantime with moisten'd lids Sunk slow, and sad, on ocean's troubled bed, In sympathy of melancholy fate, On the remorseless main, her anxious eye
Last faint call'd, and cruel from among night Denied even cheering hope, and rolling flow In pitchy darkness w'p'd the ruin'd scene.
The Lay Preacher.
Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
THOUGH much occupied in preaching, and noted, as some of my friends say, for a certain poetical heedlessness of character, yet, if not otherwise, at least every Sunday, I copy the common custom, and invest my little person in clean array.
Among the minor virtues, cleanliness ought to be conspicuously ranked; and, in the common topics of praise, we generally arrange some commendation of neatness.
As these are very obvious truths, and as literary men are generally vain, and sometimes proud, it is singular that one of the easiest modes of gratifying self complacency should,
This negligence in men of letters sometimes arises from their inordinate application to books and papers, and may be palliated by a good natured man, as the natural product of a mind too intensely engaged in sublime speculations,
It is recorded of Somerville and Shenstone, that they were negligent, and of Smith, that he was a sloven. But disregard of dress is by no means a constant trait in the literary character.
The Orientals are careful of their persons, with much care. The frequent ablutions, and change of garments are noticed in every page of their history.
I cannot conclude this sermon better than by an extract from the works of Count Rumford, who, in a few and strong words, has fortified my doctrine.
With what care and attention do the feathered race wash themselves and put their plumage in order;
and how perfectly neat, clean and elegant do they ever appear. Among the beasts of the field, we find that those, which are the most cleanly, are generally the most gay and cheerful;
and singing birds are always remarkable for the neatness of their plumage.
MADAME BUONAPARTE.
THE connection between Buonaparte and Barras, the French Director, arose from the following circumstance. Barras conceived a strong partiality for the fortune and person of a Mulatto widow, who married a second time to a French Nobleman.
WEST-INDIA GENERALS.
SINCE the arrival in the West-Indies of Generals Liberty and Equality, who have been powerfully assisted by Generals Rigaud and Toussaint, their Brigadiers, Generals Disrespect, Disorder, and Carnage have made immense ravages.
SCRAP FROM HISTORY.
WHEN the Emperor Conrade the third had besieged Gulphus, Duke of Bavaria, in the city of Hensberg, the women finding that the town could not possibly hold out long, petitioned the Emperor that they might depart out of it, with so much as each of them could carry.
APHORISMS.—From LAVATER.
A GREAT woman not imperious, a fair woman not vain, a woman of common talents not jealous, an accomplished woman who seems to shine—are four wonders just great enough to be divided among the four quarters of the globe.
Distinguish with exactness, if you mean to know yourself and others, what is so often mistaken—the singular, the original, the extraordinary, the great, and the sublime man.
He loves unalterably who keeps within the bounds of love. Who always shows somewhat less than what he is possessed of—nor ever utters a syllable, or gives a hint, of more than what in fact remains behind—is just and friendly in the same degree.
Latest Prices Current
Table with 4 columns: Item, Price, Quantity, Remarks. Includes items like Ashes, Butter, Beef, Brandy, Cheese, Coal, Cod, Duck, Fish, Flour, Hops, Iron, Lead, Pepper, Rice, Salt, Sugar, Tea, Tobacco, Wine, Wool.
Clear the Streets!
THE Subscriber, Surveyor of the Highways in the southern district, requests the owners of Lumber, rocks, &c. which lie in the streets of said district, to remove the same without delay; otherwise they will be removed at the expense of the owners.—Federal and Union streets are much incumbered.
Stone Lime.
Jonathan Bryant, has for Sale at his Store and Lime kiln, fresh LIME, which he will warrant to be of the best quality. Portland, July 30.
WANTED, one or two thousand SHEEP & LAMB SKINS, with the wool on them, for which the highest price will be given—Apply at the Store of the Subscriber in Fore-street, near Mr. Dinsell's tanyard.
S. Bird, Leather-Dresser.
THIS GAZETTE,
Is regularly published every MONDAY, at E. A. JENKS'S Printing-Office, in Middlestreet, near the head of Fifth-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.
The extensive and rapidly increasing circulation of the GAZETTE, renders it highly advantageous for ADVERTISEMENTS.
PRINTING,
In its various branches, executed with attention and dispatch. Orders for Books, Pamphlets, Blanks, Handbills, &c. duly attended to.