The gazette (Portland, Me.), 1798-11-19 00:00:00

The Gazette.
[NUMBER 30.]
By ELEZER ALLEY JENKS, Portland, Maine.
[VOLUME 1.]
Monday, Nov. 19th, 1798.
FOR THE GAZETTE.
ALIEN BILL, SEDITION BILL, AND LAND TAX BILL, CONSIDERED.
MR. JENKS,
ALTHOUGH the author of "PUBLIC SPIRIT" in your last, deserves much credit for the ingenuity of his pen—yet I am apprehensive that the peculiar asperity of his remarks will have a tendency to injure rather than to support the cause he so warmly espouses. Truth needs but few ornaments, and wants not the harshness of invective to make it impressive. I know it was the maxim of the great writers at the beginning of the present century to ridicule rather than to convince —but they had to do with a set of voluptuary dunces, who made themselves ridiculous, and who paid little or no regard to truth;—and hence they were the proper subjects of this style of writing. Most of the citizens of the District of Maine, who opposed the re-election of Messrs. THATCHER and WADSWORTH, are by no means wanting in integrity of sentiment: The error of their conduct is imputable to the craftiness of a few designing men, who felt extremely interested in the success of their plans.—The people have been told with an air of serious concern, that the ALIEN BILL, SEDITION BILL, and LAND TAX BILL, are objects of public detestation—that the two first are not only unconstitutional, but even dangerous to liberty—as one of them imposes excessive restraints on itinerant foreigners—and the other deprives us of the freedom of speech—and that the last is unnecessary, and extremely oppressive. These extravagant notions have been propagated and believed—and hence arose the opposition to the re-election of Messrs. THATCHER and WADSWORTH, who were advocates for the several acts in question. The design of this address is to consider the necessity of these acts—and briefly to examine with candor and impartiality their nature and tendency.
The mildness of our laws—the salubrity of our climates, and the incitements to speculation, have invited among us swarms of restless European adventurers—whose habits and customs vary extremely from those of our own, and whose moral and political sentiments are generally hostile to peace and good government. It has been the fate of America to partake of the European contagion; and it is a serious truth, that the opposition in Congress to Executive measures, and to plans of national defence, wholly arose from intriguing foreigners, both in and out of our public councils. Every one will recollect the struggles of GALLATIN, and the obstinacy of FINLEY and LYON—the first of whom manifested the grossest partiality for France, even at a time when we were smarting under the wounds of her policy—and the other two have exhibited all the inconsistency, ignorance and brutality of wild Irishmen. Such indeed were the sentiments propagated by foreigners, so subversive of order, so well calculated to weaken the connection between the government and people, and to render us a tributary nation, that Congress conceived it prudent to provide some remedy for those alarming evils. The result of a long and laborious deliberation was the Alien and Sedition Bills. The Alien bill, now under consideration, has no manner of reference to our own citizens—they are not included in its operation. It only authorizes the President to order all such foreigners, as may be dangerous to our peace and safety, to depart the United States, or to require of them bonds of good behavior during their residence among us. This act therefore cannot be considered as a hardship, especially as meddling and intriguing foreigners are alone the objects of its correction. As this description of men, not admitted to the rights of citizenship, have their lives and property guarded and secured by our laws, it is the basest of ingratitude and treachery in them to endeavor their subversion.
The SEDITION BILL has afforded another theme of complaint, and even of intemperate clamor. To whom does it relate? Not to the citizen, who examines and critically investigates the proceedings of government—not to those who write and publish their sentiments in decent language—and who confine themselves to argument, to truth, and to liberal construction—it embraces none but such as propagate malicious and scandalous falsehoods. The act provides, that if any person shall write or publish any false, scandalous and malicious writing against the Government, Presidents, or either House of Congress, with intent to bring them into contempt, and disrepute, or to excite against them the hatred of the people, or to stir up sedition and unlawful combinations against the laws, or to encourage or abet any hostile designs of any foreign nation against us—and be thereof convicted, shall be punished by fine and imprisonment. This law, say some, is unconstitutional, because it deprives us of the liberty of expressing our sentiments. This is the first time an act was ever said to be uncon-
stitutional merely because it inflicted a punishment on the wilful propagators of lies and sedition. To constitute an indictable offence, the matter published must be not only absolutely false, but it must also be defamatory and malignant in its nature, and bear on the face of it a manifest intent to effect some unlawful purpose. The fact is—this law is not altogether a new one—it has existed in another shape (under the denomination of the common law) ever since the country was favored with juridical decisions. Hardly a year passes but trials on indictment for the publication of libels are had in some of our Courts of Justice—and yet we never had any Statute Law for this description of offences. It may possibly be true, that the common law did not reach offences of this nature against a legislative body—but I see no reason why the character of Congress as a body should not be equally protected against the lies and calumnies of malevolent men, who have it in their power, if not checked, to deceive the people, and ruin their public servants. The act in question, however, is much more favorable to the citizen than the common law: For it allows the offender, contrary to all experience, to give in evidence the truth of the libel in justification of his conduct. This very provision must destroy all reasonable objections to the existence of such a law: For who can say, that the liar and assassin of reputations ought to be screened from punishment? None but those who are bent on mischief, and who have it in view to excite ill-founded jealousies among the people, and to bring the Government into contempt and disrepute. For such men alone this law was made; and every well-wisher to truth, and every friend to his country, must rejoice in its existence, and the promptness of its execution.
The arguments against a LAND TAX are equally unsupported by rational discussion.—Contrary to the experience of any age or nation, our government has hitherto subsisted without the aid of direct taxation;—the productions of our revenue have defrayed its current expenses—and annually extinguished the interest, and no small part of the principal of our public debt. The wanton destruction of our commerce has gradually lessened this source of national wealth; and the accumulated expenses of our Government in providing the measures of defence, both on land and at sea, have rendered a land tax highly necessary. Even the acquisition of this tax will not make good the loss of our revenue. It appears by the estimates of Government, that the French alone have pirated our property to the amount of thirty millions of dollars—a duty on which at fifteen per centum, the average proceeds, would bring into the public Treasury Four millions, five hundred and thirty thousand Dollars—whereas the whole tax assessed on the United States is no more than Two millions of Dollars.
But this land tax, so much complained of, is of no great burthen to us. Congress has so wisely contrived it, that most of it falls on the rich; and I venture to say, that not more than four tenths of the country people will be taxed so much as a single cent. Nothing but the want of information has made this tax-act unpopular. I will endeavor to explain its principles and operation.
In the first place all lands are exempted from taxation. A valuation is to be taken of all the dwelling houses and out-houses in the United States, and the lots on which they stand to the extent of two acres; and, to make them objects of taxation, they must be valued at more than 100 Dollars. A house worth more than 100, and less than 500 Dollars, pays only two tenths of one per cent. on the valuation: If, for instance, it be valued at 400 Dollars, it will be assessed the enormous sum of Eighty cents, and no more. Very few houses in our back towns, including two acres of land round them, are worth 400 dollars—of course the tax falls lightly on people of moderate property—and the poor, whose houses are not worth 100 Dollars, will be totally exempted. We will now see how the tax operates on the more wealthy part of the community. A house valued at a sum between 500 and 1000 dollars, pays three tenths of one per cent. on the valuation: Therefore if worth 1000 dollars, it will pay precisely 3 dollars. A house valued at a sum between 1000 and 2000 dollars, pays four tenths of one per cent. on the valuation: If, for instance, it be valued at 2000 dollars, it pays 8 dollars; so that a property of 2000 dollars, only five times greater than one of 400 dollars, pays ten times as much tax. There is the same ratio of increase till a property valued at 11,000 dollars pays seven tenths of one per cent. which is 70 dollars—a property worth 30,000 dollars pays one per cent. on the amount of the valuation, which is 300 dollars. Hence the rich are assessed a much greater sum in proportion to what they are really worth than people of much less property. And who does not see, that this tax must be principally paid by the rich towns, where houses, out-houses, and lots, are very high in the valuation? The sum of one hundred and thirty thousand dollars, and some fiscal heads have calcu-
lated, that this mode of taxation will raise a much greater sum.
Having closed these expositions and calculations, I beg leave to remark, that these several Acts of Congress have grown out of our present troubles. These troubles have partly been excited by designing men, and partly by the want of information among the people on some of the most important political concerns of America. All the measures of our Government for several years past will bear the time critical examination; and nothing so much tends to unfold their enlightened and upright policy as the discovery of truth. A recurrence to events must convince us, that there exists a set of professed patriots in this country, of superior Illumination, who have steadily aimed to drag us into the vortex of European politics. The principles of these men are of a popular nature—but, like the ignis fatuus, they will eventually, if nourished and pursued, lead us to barter our dearest interests, and perhaps our existence as a nation. Believe me, my readers, when I say, that these professed patriots, these illuminated politicians, are the last to give you correct and useful information, and the first to desert you in the hour of danger. The part they now act is behind the curtain;—and such is their pernicious influence, that they embarrass our Government, deceive and irritate the minds of the people.—These are the choice friends, to whom is committed the secret flamma of revolution. They received it from the French Government—which, by a public and solemn decree, has denounced the christian religion as a cheat—established Atheism as the national creed, and seriously plotted the destruction of every civil system in the Universe. They have a settled plan of operation in these States, openly practiced among the people under the deceitful mask of public virtue. We felt the effects of their intrigues without knowing precisely from whom they proceeded. Some time elapsed before we could discover that furious Alcmbe, from which evaporated the poisonous effluvia. The "precious confessions" of RANDOLPH gave us the clue;—and the subsequent conduct of France, openly espoused by Jefferson, and by a horde of suspicious characters in each State of the Union, eventually more fully unfolded the mysterious plan—which was no less than the utter subversion of our own Government—the introduction of French fraternity, and the slavery of the American people. To check the growth of these dangerous schisms, the Alien and Sedition bills were made; and God grant they may have the desired effect.
Fellow citizens! Let this truth sink deep in your minds, that all the battle about the alien, sedition, and tax bills, arises wholly from foreigners, and from those who have been in the habits of venting their spleen against the Government in publications of evil tendency, and from those who are inclined to seditious practices. These men are materially interested; and therefore their objections ought to be received and examined with great caution. The sober part of the community will duly appreciate the motives of Government—consider the alarming situation of our country—and contribute all in their power to its safety and preservation.
NUMA.
Highly Interesting!
[The following News, so very important to the political world, was published in a HAND BILL on the evening of its arrival, and forwarded to most of my patrons on the different post roads, and to many in this town; but as a considerable proportion of them have not seen it, I republish it for the information of all.]
BOSTON, Nov. 12.
Nelson victorious, & Buonaparte defeated.
Some time has elapsed since the above intelligence was announced to the public thro' the channel of the Commercial Gazette; at that time it did not gain the universal credence which its very probable aspect merited. The fact was, that the news was of too momentous consequence to be believed without a more official confirmation. We have now the satisfaction to assure our readers, that anticipation has proved the precursor of truth: For Buonaparte has been Defeated by the Arabs—and his Fleet Captured by Nelson.
Yesterday afternoon, the armed ship Foxwell, capt. Stevens, arrived in 37 days from Bristol, with London papers to October 1. We were immediately favored with a file of the Courier (an anti-ministerial print) which, to every person in the least acquainted with the
politics of that paper, must afford the amplest corroboration of Nelson's victory. We particularly refer our readers to the hand-bill posted at Lloyd's Coffee house, which places the account in the strongest point of credibility. The defeat of Buonaparte by the Arabs, between Rosetta and Grand Cairo, completes the frustration of that arch-bucanier's schemes to subjugate the east. Another important branch of the intelligence received by this arrival, is the article from Constantinople which confirms the former account, that a coalition is actually forming between the Porte, Russia, and England, against the arms and intrigues of France.
LONDON, OCT. 1.
THE Hamburgh Mail which became due on Wednesday last, arrived this morning, and brought a corroboration of the defeat of the French fleet by admiral Nelson. Some particulars of the engagement are contained in letters from Constantinople and Vienna. Dispatches have also been received at the admiralty, which state admiral Bruery's fleet to have been almost completely destroyed.
Courier-Office, Oct. 1.
POSTSCRIPT.
The dispatches received at the admiralty office are from Sir M. Eden, at Vienna, which confirm the very important intelligence of the Victory obtained by Sir Horatio Nelson over the French fleet near Alexandria. Report says, that all the French ships, except two, which escaped to Malta, were either taken or destroyed.
Dispatches are also said to have been received from Sir William Hamilton, which state, that the Mutine Cutter had arrived at Naples with an account of admiral Nelson's having burnt two French ships of the line, and captured seven, with all the transports.
SECOND EDITION.
We stop the press to insert the following copy of a paper posted up at Lloyd's:—
"In Dispatches received from Sir Morton Eden, at Vienna, dated the 15th of September, he mentions having received an official communication from the Neapolitan Charge d'Affairs, that the Mutine Cutter had arrived from admiral Nelson's fleet, on the 3d, at Naples, the Captain of which declared, that the whole of the French Line of the Battle Ships were taken, burnt, or destroyed, except two.
HAMBURGH MAIL.
CONSTANTINOPLE, AUG. 25.
Last night the Turkish ministry received important dispatches from the Pacha of Rhodes. They bring advice that several French frigates had arrived at that island; which had been seized by the Pacha, according to the orders lately received from the Grand Signior. The Pacha has likewise transmitted the following intelligence.
The English admiral, Nelson, having appeared unexpectedly before the harbour of Alexandria, found there the French fleet, and immediately attacked it. The French admiral's ship, on board of which Buonaparte had been, took fire, and was entirely consumed.—The French frigates, which escaped into the open sea, were not aware that the Porte was inimically disposed towards France, and that hostilities had already commenced: they therefore came to anchor in the harbor of Rhodes and were immediately confiscated. From the Captains of these frigates the Pacha of Rhodes received the account of the destruction of the French fleet, and the principal circumstances of that event. The Porte immediately communicated this intelligence, by their interpreter to the foreign ministers. This day the English minister, Sir Spencer Smith, received the confirmation of this account. With respect to the army of Buonaparte we have received the following intelligence:—It had for some time maintained a position between Rosetta and Cairo; but suddenly retreated to Damietta. In the vicinity of this town the French were attacked by an army of 20 000 Arabs, the greater

part Cavalry, under the command of Mustafa Bey, and two other Beys. An obstinate battle ensued, and the Arabs say in their account, transmitted to the Pacha of Damascus, that they forced the enemy to retire with considerable loss, and that the French afterwards made a stand a few leagues from Damietta. These accounts do not say why Buonaparte, at first, instead of advancing against the residence of the Beys, should have retreated so soon: but this is ascribed partly to the numerous cavalry that covered the city of Cairo, partly to the inundation of the Nile, which at this time is at the highest, and partly to the difficulty which the French found in obtaining provisions where so many of the roads were laid under water.
The Porte has taken great offence at the invasion of Egypt by the French, and regards it as an act of open hostility. It considers the project of Buonaparte as very degrading to its dignity, injurious to its government, and contrary both to the claims it has to Egypt, and the relations which long existed between it and the Beys, who govern Egypt in its name. The French Charge d'Affaires, citizen Ruffin, and all those in employment under him, have in consequence been put under arrest, and confined to their houses. The French residents here, have been forbidden to wear the national cockade in the streets and public places. They had, indeed, before laid aside the cockade, from fear of being ill treated by the populace, who are violently incensed against the French. The French Charge d'Affaires in consequence of an intimation from the Porte, has likewise been obliged to take down the insignia of the French Republic, which he had put up over the door of his hotel. Similar orders have been sent to all the towns in which French Consuls or Vice Consuls reside, as the Porte fears attempts at revolutionary movements. Particular orders have likewise been sent to Jassy and Bucharest relative to the French Consuls there, as the Porte believes a suspicious correspondence is carried on there with some Polish malcontents.
Councils of State and conferences between the Turkish and Foreign Ministers, especially those of England and Russia, who have now great influence, are held almost daily. The Austrian Internuncio has not yet been invited to these conferences. It is certain that a grand project of alliance is now in agitation.
The utmost diligence is used in equipping our fleet for sea; but it will now find no enemy to contend with.
VIENNA, SEPT. 12.
Official accounts from Constantinople, which were yesterday brought by couriers to the English and Russian Envoys in this city, bring advice that admiral Nelson had attacked the French fleet before Alexandria, and partly burned & partly sunk almost the whole of it. Some ships, which made their escape, fell in the hands of the Turks, and met a similar fate; so that of this great French Fleet, scarcely a single transport is left.
The Turkish merchants here have likewise received letters from Constantinople (but of an earlier date than the above official dispatches) which mention that the Turkish nation is highly incensed against the French, and that the populace have clamorously demanded that the French Charge d'Affairs shall be sent to the prison of the Seven Towers. In the mean time, orders have been given by the Porte to arrest all the French ships in the Turkish harbours. The embargo on all French property has been carried into execution, and the Consul at Jassy has been the first arrested.
The Turkish merchants here have likewise received letters from Smyrna, which state, that Buonaparte had advanced with his army towards Grand Cairo, and published his invitation to Liberty in the Arabic language; but that the inhabitants had only been the more enraged against him, and that he had been forced to retreat.
[The customary mode of early communicating important intelligence, is from the Duke of Portland to the Lord Mayor and to Lloyd's Coffee House, this circumstance renders the above official.]
[The London papers do not contain any further material accounts. The rebellion in Ireland was tapering away—and the negotiations at Rastadt still wore more a war like, than a pacific aspect—The Austrian deputation have positively refused their consent to the French demands on Khel and Cassel. The news of the defeat of the French fleet is official, and has been celebrated in England—that of the defeat of Buonaparte, though not official, obtained general credence.]
Account of Egypt.
[The interesting expedition to Egypt being the present political topic, it is presumed the following account of it will be acceptable to many of my readers.]
IN the year 651, Amrou, the General of Omar, took Alexandria from the Romans, after a siege of fourteen months, and the loss of 23,000 men. All the brave Alexandrians perished sword in hand; and the city does not contain 6000 inhabitants, though in the time of Augustus it contained 30,000 free people besides slaves. When the Turks seized it from the Mamlucks, in the year 1517, they hung up its king, who was the twenty second of the Circassian descent.
The population of Egypt is about four millions; two thirds of these are Arabs, and their tyrants do not exceed 800,000.
An Egyptian is chief judge and pontiff in his own family, by all of whom his rights are held in the most sacred respect; in business, or in office, he transacts his affairs during the morning, & almost always without dispute or noise. Chicanery is unknown amongst them; and attorneys are unknown in Egypt. Their whole code of laws consists in a few clear, precise commands, contained in the Koran, and each man is his own pleader. An Egyptian is not so proud of any other appellation, as that of father; on the birth of a son he immediately relinquishes his own name, and is called the father of such a one.
The brightest, gayest colours, are reserved for the aged; to see a young man wear a sumptuous habit, would stamp him a profligate: they mourn the loss of a parent a long time, and strew his tomb every week with flowers.—In our polished country, where a family is divided, and seldom friendly in all its branches, old age does not receive the respect that is so justly due.
The Arabs claim their descent from Abraham, by Ishmael, and held him in great veneration.
The aversion of these people to Europeans in general, is very great, and they particularly dislike the French. Monsr. Eschafferaux, seems to forget that the descendants of those who took Louis the Ninth and his whole army prisoners in the Delta, are at this day inhabitants of that country; where a bloodless conquest is not at all probable.
The Delta is the richest district in the world, perhaps, and never over-flowed; the cultivator has two crops of rice every year, and three of lucerne. The Nile is not, in any of its branches, navigable for European vessels. To Grand Cairo, from Rosetta, is four days' sail, with a steady north wind, which indeed prevails nine months in the year.
The canal erroneously called Amnis Trajanus, was dug by order of Omar, after the reduction of Alexandria, in the seventh century, and did extend to the Red Sea; but now it flows no further than the birque, (pond) of the Mecca pilgrims, about three leagues beyond Grand Cairo; and to open it either to Colsoum, or Suez, would cost an immense sum; after which, to hope for the Asiatic trade to flow through that channel, would be very visionary.
Rosetta is the store house of Egypt; for the canal of Faoua at Alexandria, is choked up with mud and sand. At the top of the Delta the Nile is two miles over. Here it divides and is called Baten el Bakaras, (the cow's belly.) The Delta is divided into two provinces, Menoufia and Garbia. Meponi is the capital of the first, or upper province, and Mahala el Kbira of the lower. Each province is governed by a Bey; and though these governors levy taxes sword in hand, they can bring great numbers into the field. The rice of Rosetta is reckoned the best in the world, except that of Patna in India, and it is sent to Stambul, (Constantinople) for the use of the emperor and his court.
They coin gold at Cairo every year, to the amount of about 150,000. sterling; it is in pieces called sequins, of the same value with the Sultanas of Constantinople, about six shillings and three pence sterling. They have not any silver coinage, and only one denomination of plated copper, called a medin, value about three farthings. You may buy a couple of very fine pigeons for three medins. The gold dust from which they coin their gold, is brought by the Abyssinian caravan, which traverses the desert every year.
OF ALEXANDRIA.
The following particulars are taken from Volney's late travels in Egypt.
In time of war, Alexandria is of no importance; no fortification is to be seen; even the Pharos, with its lofty towers, cannot be defended. It has not four cannon fit for service, nor a gunner who knows how to point them. The five hundred Janissaries, who should form the garrison, reduced to half that number, know nothing but how to smoke a pipe. It is fortunate for the Turks that the Franks find their interest in preserving this city. A single Russian or Maltese frigate would suffice to lay it in ashes; but the conquest would be of no value. A foreign power could not maintain itself there, as the country is without water. This must be brought from the Nile by the Kalidj, or canal of twelve leagues, which conveys it thither every year at the time of the inundation. It fills the vaults or reservoirs dug under the ancient city, and this provision must serve for the next year. It is evident, therefore, that were a foreign power to take possession, the canal would be shut, and all supplies of water cut off.
It is this canal alone which connects Alexandria with Egypt; for, from its situation with-
out the Dalia, and the nature of the soil, it really belongs to the deserts of Africa; its environs are sandy, flat and fertile, without trees, and without houses, where we meet with nothing but the plant which yields the Kali, or a row of palm trees which follows the course of the canal.
THE POOR SWISS!
A letter from Zurich, in Switzerland, dated June 10, gives the following circumstantial account of the carrying away of the treasure of that town—"On the 5th of June, the French war commissary, Pommier, gave notice that citizen Rapinat would come in the evening to inspect the treasury, and that therefore the deputies of the chamber of administration might hold themselves in readiness. About six o'clock, Rapinat, Rochiere, and Pommier made their appearance with soldiers, and required the keys of the treasury. These were refused him, and secretary Metz hastened to fetch the stadthalter Pfenniger, and the president of the chamber of administration, Wifs; both of whom came and protested against such a proceeding.
"Rapinat then demanded the keys, saying menacingly, "Voila les bayonettes. You see the bayonets;" to which the stadthalter Pfenniger, replied, "Had we as many bayonets as you, we would dispute it with you. I shall immediately send an account of this proceeding to Arau." "You will?" said Rapinat, "then do not forget to add, that we shall carry it away in four days time." He then broke off the seal and ransacked the treasury, which was yesterday carried away in waggons by the French."
Genuine American Patriotisin.
General PINCKNEY, in his Answer to an Address from the mayor and corporation of the city of Trenton, thus nobly expresses himself:
"THE anxieties and humiliations with which I was overwhelmed, whilst engaged in my foreign mission, have produced, at least, the effect of rendering me more sensible to the delight of once more revisiting the shores which are the habitation of a free and enlightened people.
"The sentiments which you are pleased to express in relation to peace, are the effusions of virtuous minds. Peace should be dear to all nations; but there exists a price at which it may be too highly rated. It is with pleasure I observe, that you are impressed with the justness of this observation, which the history of the present day has served more strongly than ever to illustrate.
"You remark with propriety, that the government of the United States, in the instructions which it gave to its envoy, was in an eminent degree mindful of what was due to the pacific habits of our citizens. It did not rest the ultimatum of a treaty on a compliance with simplest rules of justice. The envoys of the United States have proved, by the forbearance of their conduct, how much they were impressed with the views of their government. They received with humility and patience, the insults which were offered through their persons, to the people whom they were deputed to represent: but humility and patience claim no merit in the eyes of the nation to whom they were dispatched. Force and hostility are the only titles which it is accustomed to respect, and the only titles by which we must presume to preserve our safety and our honor. If we would have peace with France it must be obtained, not by negotiation, but by the sword. We must convince her, that we are united, and determined, at every hazard, to maintain our independence.—To produce this conviction, declarations and words will not be sufficient, we must prove it by action.
"At this important crisis it is incumbent on us plainly to declare our sentiments. For my own part I believe that the French Directory are not sincere in the pacific declarations made by the minister of foreign affairs to Mr. Gerry. I have never deceived my countrymen, and I never will. If we would secure the independence of America, free from the ambition and intrigues of France, I am convinced we must fight for its preservation. Universal dominion is no less, at present, the invariable object of the French government, than it was the system by which were directed the councils of Lewis XIV. It will depend alone on ourselves, that we should be exempted from the list of states, who have been and shall be, the victims to her nefarious ambition.
"Should the spirit which I now behold roused in my fellow citizens still continue to animate their councils and their actions, I shall need no other proof that America is not doomed to fall beneath the attacks of her aspiring foe.
CHARLES C. PINCKNEY."
Return of Health to Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA, NOV. 2. HEALTH-OFFICE.
FELLOW CITIZENS,
The period so ardently desired by us all has at length arrived.—Our best information and judgment corroborated by the opinion of the physicians, we believe warrants us in announcing to you, the restoration of general health to our afflicted City and Liberties; and that the citizens may return with safety, if proper precautions are taken in cleaning and airing the houses, bedding, and clothing; correcting the exhalations from the privies by the plentiful use of lime, and working copiously the private as well as public pumps.
In the termination of a painful duty we cannot repress our sentiments of respect and veneration for the unexampled benevolence and chari-
ty which you have displayed—the sick, the widow and the fatherless have been cherished; and hundreds of grateful little creatures have been wrested from the grasp of disease and death, by your bounty. These virtues are a certain pledge that the objects which you have safely conducted through the tempest of disease, will not be abandoned to the miseries of an inclement winter.
By order of the Board of Managers, WILLIAM JONES, President. Attest—TIMOTHY PAXON, Clerk.
THE GAZETTE.
Portland.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19th, 1798.
REVIEW OF NEWS.
ABROAD.
THE complete destruction of Buonaparte's armament, as contained in official accounts, is placed beyond the appearance of doubt. The vast importance of this event is obvious to every person of common reflection. It may be considered as a finishing blow to the French naval force; which must expose, and finally destroy the remaining commerce of the terrible republic . Americans cannot too much rejoice in an event of such great consequence as the destruction of the only marine that molests the "free charter of trade": and the world cannot too much admire and applaud that persevering activity and enterprize of the British naval commanders for their interesting victories.—That Buonaparte and his host are overwhelmed in the land of Egypt, is considered as certain; tho' not officially corroborated. It appears, however, in a great measure confirmed by the following letter from Mr. Harwood, agent for the British packet at Cuxhaven, to one of the Post-offices, dated Sept. 29: "I have the satisfaction to inform you, from the most authentic information, that the army under General Buonaparte, has been attacked by an immense body of Arabs, who have killed 8000 men, and taken 2000 prisoners. I have not the good fortune to be able to give further particulars of this important event, but hope that the truth of the whole will amply compensate for it." Thus then terminates this secret expedition , which has so long excited the attention of the world. And here let us date the era when it was rescued from the ravages and pillage of a horde of sanguinary cut-throats.—Hostilities have not yet recommenced on the continent of Europe; but it is probable the late important events will decide them.—The change in politics of the Turkish Porte and their hostile dispositions to the French, will shut the door to their intrigue in that quarter; and the emperor may prove an active enemy.—Spanish politics are extremely fickle. It is uncertain what policy she will adopt. Whether to continue her present connection or join a new coalition to oppose the progress of jacobinism, is now the question.—The Portuguese are said to be again treating with the French Directory. Their weakness renders them subservient to the strongest party. Tuscany is busy in preventing the introduction of French habits.—Disturbances are apparent in Poland. It is possible she may make one more attempt to gain her national sovereignty.—The Swiss display symptoms of uneasiness under French tyranny.—The proceedings of Buonaparte in Egypt, have been communicated to the council of 500 in a message from the executive directory; which message attempts a justification of the undertaking, and details many fore grievances which the immaculate republic have experienced in that quarter. This curious paper is in modern democratic style, and paints the perjured nation as the avenger of grievances, and promoter of virtue.—The last London accounts assert, that the Brest fleet, composed of 8 ships of the line, and frigates, had slipt out of Brest waters and put to sea; supposed to be destined for Ireland: the British fleet under admiral Bridport put immediately after

them, and was to be joined by 4 ships under admiral Thompson, 1 of 100 guns, 1 of 98, and two 74's. Several other English squadrons being at sea, another naval victory may soon be expected. Lord Duncan's squadron is in port. The British have captured the French frigate La Flora of 36 guns. —Count Rumford is appointed minister to England from the Elector Palatinate.—The Batavian expenditures for one year exceed by 36,000,000 of guilders the amount of their national revenue. To remedy this a direct tax is contemplated to be called a free gift , to be exacted in four installments. So much for fraternity ! —Naples is making preparations for active war.—The German deputation at Rastadt continues firm for the restoration of Khel and Cassel on the left bank of the Rhine.—Russian accounts say, that Prince Repnin has gone to Vienna to negotiate a passage for 60,000 Russians through Gallacia and Austria to unite with the Austrians on the frontiers of Switzerland. Several Russian regiments had already arrived at Gallacia. In Europe the jacobin Logan is considered as agent for the French faction in America.—The Emperor of Germany is determined to support the independence of the Grisons.—The engagement between the British Lion man of war, and four Spanish frigates, was, perhaps, the most gallant ever recorded. The 4 Spanish ships mounted 168 guns, and had 2400 men. One was captured and the other three beat off. —A general exchange of prisoners has been agreed upon between the English and French. 4,000 seamen will be thus added to the British navy.
AT HOME.
Our affairs wear a most favorable aspect. The increasing unanimity of sentiment, as displayed by the daily emanations of patriotism from all quarters of the Union, presage the most happy and successful opposition to foreign force or intrigue. The strong arm of French democracy which so lately threatened our peace, is palsied, by the unconquerable spirit of Americans; and the miserable few who have been opposed to their country's prosperity, are held up to the contempt of mankind. It is probable our national legislature will be much more united than heretofore; but great caution is requisite to keep out those restless and unstable characters who are the great source of our danger. —The general assembly of Rhode Island have unanimously concurred in the resolution proposed by this state, for excluding foreigners from our councils.—The sheriff of one of the Vermont counties was lately attacked by some of Lyon's friends, who attempted to disarm his federal cockade, but the sheriff bravely defended himself, and killed one on the spot: he gave himself up for trial.—Isaac Clark, a notorious jacobin, has been expelled the Vermont legislature for collusion in counting the votes for the first offices in that state.—The President of the United States sat out on Monday last, from his seat at Quincy, for Trenton.—Lieut. General Washington, Generals Lee & Hamilton, and some other military characters, were to meet at Trenton, on the organization of the army.—The President's birth day was celebrated with great splendor at Alexandria, in Virginia.—A Rutland (Vermont) paper, of the 23d Oct. mentions as fact, that fresh strawberries were picked at Newhaven, in that State, on the 14th of last month; that twenty four cabbage heads were growing on one stalk, in a garden in Rutland, and that an apple tree in an orchard in that town then had apples on it of a second growth, as large as pigeons eggs, and other trees were in blossom.—Capt Thondrike has arrived at Beverly, from Copenhagen, with 80 pieces of Cannon, 200 muskets, 200 pair of Pistols; and "other articles, suitable to the present and approaching seasons."—The Spaniards near our frontiers, are extremely jealous of an invasion from us, and in consequence keep their troops in constant exercise.
FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES.
The late election in the second and third eastern districts, in Maine, has terminated abundantly successful to the federal interest; and proved that the jacobins can get no hold of the well-informed citizens of this District: For, notwithstanding the secret and industrious exertions of the jacobin junto, with all their terrible bugbear stories about oppressive taxes, &c. Messrs. THATCHER and WADSWORTH are actually re-elected by large majorities.—By a schedule of the votes in Mr. Thatcher's district, which has been obligingly handed me, it appears that Mr. Thatcher had 853—the Parson 403—and there were 34 scattering votes, which leaves a federal majority of 411.
In Mr. Wadsworth's district, I have not yet obtained a statement of all the votes; but it appears that Mr. W. will have as many as six sevenths of the whole.
But few towns have yet been heard from in the lower district, and those principally in Dearborn's focus—but by the best information, Mr. Lee, a federal character, will undoubtedly be chosen, if there is a choice.—Thus we have escaped the disgrace of a jacobin representation.
BOWDOIN COLLEGE.
On Wednesday last, the Overseers of Bowdoin College at their semi-annual meeting, met in this town, and after the Rev. Mr. Kellogg had addressed the throne of grace in prayer, the Board proceeded to attend to the communications made to them from the Board of Trustees; after which, the election of officers demanded attention, when upon sorting and counting the votes, the Hon. Daniel Davis , Esq. was chosen President; Rev. Samuel Eaton , Vice-President; and Mark Langdon Hill , Esq. Secretary, in the room of Rev. Jonathan Ellis , resigned.—Messrs. David Hale , Samuel Thatcher , and Rev. Daniel Marret , were chosen members of the Board.
It is distressing to a benevolent mind (says a late writer) to survey the struggles of parties, the proscriptions, the massacres, that have been guided by popular villains, ever issuing in their own, and their country's ruin, not an instance can be found, of one who fostered and misled the people, but either he perished in the storm he had raised, or ended in the gallacious glory of a Cæsar. Indeed,
"'Tis in common proof, That lowliness is young ambition's ladder, Whereto the climber upwards turns his face: But when he once attains the utmost round, He then into the ladder turns his back, Looks into the clouds, scorning the base degrees By which he did ascend."
In a very ingenious memoir to determine the most economical method of procuring light from the different combustible substances usually employed, a French chemist has demonstrated that the cheapest illumination is that, which is produced from oil and cole feed, burned in Argand lamps. The general introduction of these lamps into this country would add much to our useful pleasures. The studious and the sedentary, now wear out their eyes and their lungs, with the imperfect flame of a flaxen wick, or the poisonous factor of rancid tallow.
The Aurora , and Argus , have reappeared under names of the widows of the deceased Editors. I admire this scheme of having lady printers ! They will undoubtedly succeed in obtaining a liberal share of custom, and frequent communications!
The question, "Shall we declare war against America?" was lately discussed in the French legislature! After a very warm debate, in the course of which a member ludicrously moved to refer the question to Victor Hugues, peace was resolved upon, by a large majority.
The unfortunate persons on board the Sufannah , wrecked a short time since near Cape Ann, were Capt. Daniel Jamison of Penobscot, Mr. Robert Treat, jun. do. Francis Haynes, do. Seth Noble, jun. do. Richard Hall, Medford, Jonathan Brown, Cambridge, Joshua Bangs, Harwich; Oliver Devenish, Boston; Master John Pulling, do. Miss Sufannah Hichborn, Penobscot; Miss Sarah Hichborn, do.; Miss Elizabeth Hichborn, Boston; Miss Sarah Pulling, do.; Mrs. S. Stevenson, do. And four other persons, whose names are unknown.
ELECTIONEERING ANECDOTE.
It is said, much to the credit of Mr. TUCKER, that the first knowledge he had of being a candidate at the late election, was at the town meeting. Having met with his fellow citizens for the purpose of voting, he discovered votes handing about for himself; and with much surprise informed the meeting that he had no intention of being put up, and that even should he be chosen, his age would prevent his going to the seat of government; therefore requested them not to vote for him. They accordingly voted for Mr. Wadsworth.
Some deluded citizens in the town of Vassalborough, lately revolutionized by the Demagogue General, are about erecting a French liberty pole !—Perhaps the General intends to fix his head quarters there. Would it not be advisable to dispatch the Monmouth Colonel to aid his crazy tools in this town? The poor fellows are miserably chop-fallen since their late defeat.
It has been intimated to me that certain persons, feeling galled at the publications in the last GAZETTE , were determined to demand their author, and in case of a refusal, to consider me as such, and treat me accordingly.—Amazing folly and absurdity! These are the blockheads who complain of the sedition law as abridging the liberty of Speech, and of the press !—When such menaces intimidate me from exposing the unprincipled abettors of jacobinism, then shall I be unworthy of conducting a public paper.
"Public Spirit," came too late for this day's paper. It is written with spirit, and shall appear next week.
The observations over the signature of Numa, in the first page, deserve attention.
A Pamphlet has been kindly handed me, containing the conduct of the French in Geneva. Some extracts will be given.
MARRIED —In this town, Mr. NEWMAN NOYES , to Miss Nancy Homer .
DIED —At Topsham, Nov. 6, Dr. EBENEZER EMERSON , aged 34, after many months languishment with a consumption. He left a wife and three children to lament his loss.
In this town, Mrs. EDINCE STORER , aged 39, the amiable consort of Mr. EBENEZER STORER , and daughter of the late Deacon Benjamin Titcomb .
Miss Mary Shaw , aged 19, daughter of Capt. Shaw . On his passage from the West Indies, Mr. Moses Lunt , jun. aged 22, oldest son of Mr. Moses Lunt of this town. He was an enterprising and promising young man.—Also died on board the same vessel, Mr. Richard Macghee , and Mr. John Webster , of this town.
Marine Articles.
Port of Portland.
Wednesday last arrived Schooner —, Capt. John McLean , 9 days from Norfolk. Just as he failed, Capt. Strong of this port, Capt. Watts of Portsmouth, and several other Americans had arrived there from Guadaloupe, having been stripped of their vessels and every article besides. Most of our seamen are impressed at Guadaloupe. The trial of the Constitution's prize, at Norfolk, was to come on in a few days.
Thursday, arrived, brig Lion , Capt. Jordan , 41 days from Barbary. Lost three of his men.
Portsmouth, Nov. 14. Capt. Moulton , lately arrived here from Jamaica, Nov. 8, spoke Schooner Rachel , two days from Portland, being short of water and provisions boarded her, supplied us with twenty gallons water, eight biscuit, half dozen poultry—for the powder the Captain made us pay five dollars, and for one barrel potatoes four dollars, and for a few other small matters at the same extravagant rate, saying he would not supply us unless we would pay him the same price he could get in the West Indies . Was he not a Jacobin ?
Boston Nov. 13th.
This day arrived, the armed brig Orlando , capt. Henderson , from St. Petersburg, 53 days from Elsinore. Mr. Wm. Macartney , from East-Indies, via Copenhagen, who informs, that there is a Court of Admiralty, established at the Cape of Good Hope, in consequence of which, all neutral vessels are closely examined, particularly those from Batavia and Isle of France. All was peace and quietness at the Isle of France; it was reported that a severe skirmish had taken place, at the Cape, between the English and Blacks, the particulars of which were not known.—Capt. H. failed from St. Petersburg, with nine armed American vessels, (being all in port) under commodore Thorndike , in the Sally , of Beverly.
Nov. 14. Arrived, sloop Friendship , capt. Elisha Snow , from Jamaica, 78 days. On the 4th Sept. in lat. 22, 30, long. 84, capt. Snow , was boarded by the French privateer Revenge , belonging to Cape Francois, who took out all his bands except a black man, his steward, and put on board six men, ordered the vessel to proceed to the Havana for trial. On the 10th Sept. capt. Snow and his steward rose upon the Frenchmen, and after killing one of them, and wounding three others, took the command of the vessel, and ordered the survivors to hoist out the boat, and go where they pleased, giving them a supply of provisions and water. While pursuing his voyage home, capt. S. experienced frequent and heavy gales of wind, and lost almost all his stores and rigging; he was frequently in want of provisions, but was providentially supplied several times through the humanity of those he met with at sea.
Jonathan Bryant, Has for Sale as his Store near the Hay-Market, Portland, A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF Eng. & W. India GOODS. Also, a quantity of excellent Rhode-Island Cheefe. Nov. 12th.
Coopers' Business, A stout, active LAD, about 15 or 16 years of age, who may wish to learn the above business, and receive good encouragement, may hear of an opportunity by applying at this Office. Nov. 19 1798.
Cow for sale or exchange. FOR sale, a likely COW, about six years old, that will probably calve about April next. The owner will take a fat Cow or Bullock in exchange. Apply at this Office. Nov. 19.
Deacon Titcomb's Estate. THE subscribers hereby give public notice to all concerned, that they have taken upon themselves the trust of Executrix to the last will and testament of Deacon BENJAMIN TITCOMB , late of Portland, deceased.—All persons who have any demands upon said estate, are requested to bring in the same; and those who are indebted thereto, to make payment without delay, to ANDREW TITCOMB, Executrix. JOSEPH TITCOMB, Trustee. Portland, 9th November, 1798.
Jacob Gray's Estate. NOTICE is hereby given, that the subscriber has been duly appointed Administratrix on the Estate of JACOB GRAY , late of Northyarmouth, mariner, deceased, and given bonds as the law directs.—All persons having demands upon said estate, are hereby called upon to settle; and all persons indebted to said estate, are requested to make immediate payment, to APPHIA GRAY , Administratrix—or to SILVANUS DRINKWATER , her Attorney. Northyarmouth, Nov. 5th, 1798.
Thomas Goold's Estate. THE subscriber hereby gives notice, that he has been duly appointed Administrator on the Estate of THOMAS GOOLD , late of Falmouth, in the county of Cumberland, yeoman, deceased, represented intestate, and given bond as the law directs.—He therefore calls upon all persons indebted to said estate, to make immediate payment, to ROYAL LINCOLN. Nov. 6, 1798.
Notice. THE subscribers, Commissioners on the Estate of THOMAS GOOLD , late of Falmouth, in the county of Cumberland, yeoman, deceased, appointed by the Hon. William Gorham , Esq. Judge of Probate, &c. for said county—give notice, that we shall attend, for the purpose of examining the claims of the several creditors to said Estate, at the house of the widow of said deceased, on the last Monday of this, and the first Monday of the two following months, and the first and third Mondays of February, March and April next. BENJAMIN BAYLEY, ENOCH FREEMAN. Falmouth, Nov. 10th, 1798.
Maps for Sale. A few Maps of Massachusetts and the District of Maine, separate, taken by order of the General Court, on a very large scale, may be had at the Book-store of STEPHEN PATTEN. Nov. 5th.
A good bargain may be had. To be sold. SEVENTY-five acres of LAND, five miles from Portland, on the road to Saco, about 40 acres under improvement—the other well filled with wood and timber; one quarter of a mile from a double saw mill. A house in Portland would be taken in pay, or otherwise the payment made easy to the purchaser. Judah Delano. Portland, Oct. 15, 1798.
A HOUSE wanted. WANTED to hire immediately, in a central part of the town, a House convenient for one family.—Enquire at this Office. Nov. 12.

POETRY.
ODE TO FLATTERY.
[From the last volume of PINDAR'S Works.]
WHEN Flatt'ry sings, Age opens his eyes to clear, And clasps so bulk the trumpet to his ear, So roundly infpires he lists, and fees! When Flatt'ry sings, pale Colic's pains are off; Consumption pants not, but forgets his cough; And Athhm's laded lungs forbear to wheeze,
Stung is the soul with Hip's rope off'ring evils? Flatt'ry's a talisman to drive the devils,
Sweet on the list'ning ear of silly Night, As warbling dieth Philomela's song; So on the ear of man, with rich delight, The lulling music flows from Flatt'ry's tongue.
Brew me the man, and I will thank thee for it, Who says, with truth, "Poh! Flatt'ry! I abhor it." 'Tis a nondescript—by Sir Joseph bred— A Soho member, born without a head.
Flatt'ry's a perfect mistress of her art; With picklock keys to open ev'ry heart.
What mortal can withstand the fire of Flatt'ry? No one! 'tis such a most successful batt'ry, No head, however thick, resists its shock; Yet each pretends to mock it!—what a lot!
PROSPECT OF WINTER.
[By R. SOUTHY.]
THE dark cloud looms, and thence the chilling storm Sweeps o'er the bosom of the shiv'ring vale: Nature unbod'd displays her dreary form, And dismal moanings float upon the gale.
No time for friendship's gentle evening walk, When genial Spring sweet kiss'd the budding flow'r; Ah then, beguill'd by mirth, and social talk How quickly sped away the passing hour.
Yet still around the blazing happy fire, Our minds may then by converse grave improve: Then gen'rous FITY may the breast inspire, And CHARITY may share the Heart with LOVE.
Though the dark storm may rustle thro' the sky, Yet may our spirits melt at mis'ry's servid sigh.
MISCELLANY.
Amorous Aerial Voyage!
From a late French Paper.
THE public, who have been so much interested about the fair citizen who accompanied me in my aerial voyage, will doubtless read the following account of it with pleasure.
The trial balloons being sent up, and the experiment of the parachute having been successfully performed, citizeness Henery placed herself in the car. Citizen Lalande handed her to it. Her firm and undaunted countenance I much admired, and it inspired me with the greatest confidence. She refused to take any of the liquors that were offered to us. At last citizen Lalande and my brother left the balloon and we ascended in the midst of music and public acclamations. In rising, our machine made several revolutions round its axis. In proportion as the celestial globe was unfolded to our eyes, I examined the aspect of my interesting companion; she appeared to me to experience only astonishment and admiration. Indeed there is nothing so delightful as the sensation one enjoys in rising in a balloon. It is impossible to resist the inexpressible charm it gives. All the faculties of the soul seem to be suspended, and the mind is filled with admiration. There can be nothing so fine, nothing so magnificent, as the spectacle of the universe, increasing in beauty and extent before the eyes of the Aerial Navigator.
All was soon obscured around us. We passed through thick vapours, and rose above the clouds. In proportion as the spectacle was beautiful of which we lost sight, so was that horrible which now presented itself. Represent to yourself two beings suspended on a furiously agitated ocean, when the enormous waves dash against each other, break and present on every hand immense abysses, and you will then have but a faint idea of our situation. My beautiful and brave companion, however, was not alarmed. Our elevation was at this time about 800 toises. With her consent we rose to 660 toises above the clouds, which sometimes permitted us to see the earth between them. According to the barometrical observations which I made, and the calculations of citizen Lalande, we were elevated to the height of 1460 toises.
We did not reach this great height without having suffered much from the change of temperature and the rarefaction of the air, which occasioned a very disagreeable feeling of noise in our ears.
We met with several currents in the air, some of which occasioned the rolling of our aerial machine, similar to that of a ship at sea. This made me uneasy, on account of citizeness Henery. I asked her how she did? She replied to me, that she was very well, and began to sing. Our situation, however, was far from being comfortable, for our machine made sev-
eral oscillations, & turned round very rapidly. The motion at first occasioned in me a sensation of sickness, and as it continued my indisposition increased. Becoming at last very severe, I swallowed some drops of the water of Cologne, and opened the valve of the balloon. We then descended pretty rapidly. When near reaching the earth, I threw out an anchor, and we landed in the plain of Dugny, near Le Bouquet. We were very well received by the inhabitants; but the municipal officer insisted upon seeing our passports, and we had a good deal of trouble before we satisfied him.
Such is the account of our aerial voyage, which does the greatest honour to citizeness Henery, my fair companion, who is scarcely twenty-one. Her singular courage made her brave all the dangers of the voyage, and all the disagreeable objects which preceded it, particularly the troublesome examination of the Central Bureau, before which she was summoned some days before our departure.
I ought not to pass over in silence, that her place was much envied by several fair citizens; particularly by a foreign lady, and a young citizeness of seventeen, who were in the car who received the applauses of the spectators, & could not restrain their tears when they were obliged to leave the machine.
I had announced a long voyage for the next day, but I am obliged to defer it. It shall be entirely consecrated to the sciences.
GARNERIN.
On the revival of Shakespeare's Tamworth Night , the piece received little applause 'till the following lines were recited:
"She never told her love; But let concealment, like a worm i' th' bud, Prey on her damask cheek. She pin'd i' th' bud; And, with a green and yellow mel-ancholy, She sat, like patience on a monument, Smiling at grief!"
Here the whole theatre burst into applause; but a gentleman from Oxford was observed to stand up and clap after all the rest had done; upon which a nobleman in the boxes called aloud to know what he meant by that sort of behaviour. Why, you clapped the Piece my lord, says the Oxonian, and I clap the audience for discovering so much true taste and judgment.
A LATE French paper contains an account of a lover, who certainly burnt with one of the strongest passions we ever remember to have been recorded. His mistress having proved unfaithful to him, he called up his servant, informed him that it was his intention to kill himself, & requested, after his death, that he would make a candle of his fat, and carry it lighted to his mistress. He then wrote a letter, in which he told her, that as he had long burnt for her, he might now see that his flames were real; for the candle by which she would read that note was composed of part of his miserable body!
A familiar story is related by Gibbon, of the benevolence of the son of Ali. In serving at table, a slave had inadvertently dropped a dish of scalding broth upon his master. The heedless wretch fell prostrate to deprecate his punishment, and repeated a verse of the Koran—"Paradise is for those who command their anger."—"I am not angry," said Ali, in return. "And for those who pardon offences."—"I pardon your offence," replied the master—"And for those who return good for evil."—"I give you," said the Arabian, "your liberty, and four hundred pieces of silver."
A letter from a young heir to the Probate Judge.
SIR, My father departed this life not long hence, and has left a widow and five scorpions: I understand he has died detested and I am appointed his executioner , but as the estate is likely to prove insolent , I was told that you was judge of reprobate , you must send me a letter of condemnation . As in duty bound shall never pray, Your master's servant, J. W.
Agricultural.
The following is not only interesting to our farmers, but to every gentleman of science, as controverting a long established position in the philosophy of animal life.
AT the meeting of the Holderness Agricultural Society, held at Hedon on Wednesday fortnight, the question, "Whether there is any solid objection against breeding from cattle, however near their consanguinity," was discussed by a numerous meeting of the society, consisting of several medical gentlemen, and of gentlemen and graziers of great experience in the breeding of cattle; when the unanimous opinion of the meeting was, "That there is not any solid reason whatever against breeding from cattle of the same family, was treated as mere vulgar prejudice, proceeding perhaps, from incestuous intercourse, being considered (and for very good reasons, but which do not appear to the brute creation) highly improper amongst the human species. It should seem that it is the interest of breeders of cattle to breed from the best males and females they have or can procure, however near of kin, as was the practice of that celebrated breeder, the late Mr. Bakewell, and as is recommended by that able writer and agriculturalist Mr. Marshall, in his Rural Economy of the Midland Countries , vol. 1. p. 309.
New & Valuable Almanack.
JUST PUBLISHED, And now selling at E. A. JENKS'S Office, Middlestreet, Portland, by the gross, dozen, and single,
THE FARMER'S, MERCHANT'S & MECHANIC'S ALMANACK:
OR, THE REGISTER of MAINE. For the year of our Lord, 1799.
CONTAINING, Besides the usual calculations, &c. a Farmers' Calendar, for every month in the year, and a greater variety and larger quantity than any other Almanack ever published in this District, of Matters
Useful, Entertaining, and Curious—viz. Complete List of the Courts, & time of holding them, in the New-England States—A Table rendering lawful money into the Federal Currency—A Table showing the value of Silver coin now in circulation—Value of Fede al money explained—Rate of postage of Letters—Holding of M. di al Lectures at Cambridge—Probate Courts in Maine—Vacations at Harvard College—Yearly and quarterly meetings of the Friends—D. delectable Lectures at Cambridge—Eclipses for the year—Common Notes—A complete list of stamp Duties, as published by authority—An Estimation of the Tax on Houses, &c.—The entire Rents of the Public Bills in Maine with the distance of the several post offices, the names of the postmasters, and mail carriers, never before published—Principal Roads and names of innkeepers in the Northern States—Ministers and Religious Societies, Justices of the Peace, Lawyers, &c. in the District of Maine—A curious Preface, explaining the meaning of prefaces, and giving the tradition of Poor Robin , with curious and odd circumstances—The celebrated song of Adams & Liberty—Valuable Observations on Husbandry—Singular method of fishing with birds in China—Curious Anecdote of Heraldry—Verses to Innocence—The Grape—A Song by Mrs. Radcliffe—Lines to Cynthia—Dean Swift on his deafness—Epitaph on a Dog—Amorous Epigram—Useful and witty observation on money—A cat mistaken for a child—A lady thinking while her head is swimming—New discovery of planets—Transit of Mercury—Wise Maxims, &c. &c.
All this may be had at the price of common Almanacks by a speedy application to this Office, where they are rapidly selling. Nov. 3.
Also for Sale, Jenks's SHEET ALMANACK, for 1799.
Very handy for Public Offices and Compting Rooms.
Elibu Deering,
INFORMS his friends and the public, that he has taken the Store directly opposite Dr. Erving's , where he keeps for sale, a variety of
English & Westindia Goods, Groceries, &c.
which will be sold at the lowest Cash prices.—Attendance at all seasons. For sale at the above Store, a good set of Maps and Charts.
Portland, Oct. 22, 1798. Deering is exempted from all demands. The late arm of John & Elibu Deering, dissolved, agreeably to settlement said Elibu hereby informed, that said arm being mutually dissolved, the late arm of John & Elibu Deering, are those persons having demands on
Nathan Sargent, Stuff & Morocco Shoe-Maker,
INFORMS his friends and the public, that he has returned to Portland, and taken a Shop in Middlestreet, nearly opposite Dr. Erving's store, where he manufactures all kinds of
Stuff & Morocco Shoes.
Those who may favor him with their commands shall receive every attention. The finallest favors punctually attended to. OCT. 29th, 1798.
Lost at Sea,
FROM the Schooner Arethusa , THOMAS REED master, on her passage from Kennebec to Boston, on Friday morning, 19th of October, at three o'clock, A. M. Atmenicus bearing nearly north, and at about three leagues distance from the land, a tow of two MASTS , intended for the frigate building at Boston, of 26 or 27 inches each, by parting the tow ropes, which were cables of 8 and 9 inches. Any person who may have picked up and secured them, is requested to give notice to JONATHAN and SAMUEL DAVIS, at Husb. on Kennebec river, or at Boston, by whom they will be compensated for their trouble. Boston, October 24, 1798.
Good Boarding,
VERY near the centre of the town, convenient for masters and mates of vessels. Inquire at this Office. Nov. 5.
APPRENTICE WANTED.
Wanted as an apprentice to the Cooper's Business, a Lad about 14 or 16 years of age, healthy, of a stout make, and robust constitution. Good encouragement will be given to one of this description. One from the country would be preferred. Inquire at this Office. Oct. 22.
General Prices Current,
PER QUANTITY. Boston, Nov. 10.
   Fr. Dls. Cts. to Dls. Cts.     ASHES, Pot, per ton 150 0 155   Pearl 140   Bread, ship, 4 6   Butter, shipping 15 16   Beef, ship stores 8 8 50   cargo 7 7 25   Beans, white, bushel. 1 1 10   Brandy, French gal. 1 67 1 75   Spanish, { 1 33 1 67   Naples, { 4 50 1 75   Bees Wax, lb 30 33   Cocoa, cwt. 17 19   Coffee, green, lb 25 26   Cotton, Foreign, 30 43   American, 20 36   Chocolate, common 16 22   best kinds, 25 39   Candles, 14   Cheese, English 25 33   American, 6 11   Cod Lins. dozen, 7 8   Fish, Table, cwt. 6 9   Merchant 3 4   W. India mar. 2 2 25   Scale, 1 87   Alcoives, bbl. 2 75 3   Salmon, 7 7 50   Herrings, 2 75 3   Mackerell, bay, 6   N. Scotia, 4 50 5   Furs, Beaver, pelt, 1 2   Bear, skin, 50 4   Fox, cross, 1 33 2 25   red, 83 1   Minks, 10 50   Musquash, 9 37   Otter, 2 4   Fishers, 33 83   Sables, 25 67   FLOUR, { Super. fresh, bbl. Al. 9 Bal. 10   Alexandria { Fine, 9 9 50   & Baltimore { X Brand, 8 8 50   Middlings, 6 7   Feathers, 17 58   Flaxseed, 83 1   Grain, Barley, bushel 83   Corn, South dull 50 56   North 59 67   Rye, 75   Oats, 41   Hops, 15 16   Hoops, 20 25   Hogs Lard, 15 15   Iron, Pig, 35   Philadelphia, bar 125 139   Russia, do 110 120   Sweden, do 115 126   Leather, pel, dried, 16 20   Lumber, Boards, clear, Th. 11   marsh. 7 50 8   Shingles 1 25 2 50   Molasses, 50 59   Nail Rods, 130 133   Nails, 4d. } cwt. 30 33   6d. } cwt. 1 5 1 9   8d. } cwt. inspe. 1 25 1 41   10d. } cwt. 1 50 1 50   20d. } cwt. 2 8 2 17   Sheathing { cwt. } cwt. 10 13   Drawing { cwt. } cwt. 10 13   Pepper, 37 40   Pork, One & 1/2 balf hog, bbl. 15 50 16   One Hog, 17 18   Middle pieces, 19 22   Pitch, 4 4 50   Rum, Jamaica, gallon, 1 17 1 27   New England, 74 75   Rosin, 2 25 2 50   Soap, American white 10 dull   Sugar, Havana, brown cwt. 14   Westindia, 10   Salt, St. Ubes, 5 5 50   Liverpool, 4 50 4 75   Steel, German, 14 15   Blistered, 13   Tea, Bohea, 75   Souchong, 1 1 10   Tobacco, 9 10   Wines, Madeira, gal. 1 66 2 6   Lisbon, 1   Sherry, 1 16 1   Teneriffe, 17   Claret, dozen 6 6   Malaga, quarter C. 25 26   Red Port, gal. 1 17 1  
THIS GAZETTE,
Is regularly published every MONDAY at E. A. JENKS'S Printing-Office, in Middlestreet, near the head of Fife 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.