The gazette (Portland, Me.), 1798-10-22 00:00:00

The Gazette.
[NUMBER 26.]
By ELEZER ALLEY JENKS, Portland, Maine.
[VOLUME 1.]
Monday, October 22, 1798.
DISPLAY OF TRUTH AND ARGUMENT!
[The subsequent paper, so replete with forcible and spirited Argument—irrefragable Truth—and sound Politics, claims the undivided attention of every American citizen. Read, and be convinced!]
From TIMOTHY PICKERING , Secretary of State, To P. JOHNSTON , Esq. of Prince Edward County (Virginia.)
SIR,  Trenton, Sept. 29, 1798. I HAVE received your letter of the 21st of August, covering a paper without a signature, purporting to be an address from the Freeholders of Prince Edward county, in the state of Virginia, to the President of the United States, to whom, you inform me, it was their request that I should present it.
Addresses to the President being personal to him, and not connected with any of the subordinate departments of the government, it is not necessary that they should pass through my office; and perhaps not one in twenty has come to my hands. Hitherto, however, I have forwarded all (yours excepted) which I have received: and the address from Prince Edward county would not have formed an exception, if the respect for the President of the United States, professed in the beginning, had appeared in the progress of the address. But conceiving it not to be any part of my official duty to forward addresses, I will not volunteer in transmitting one which is calculated to insult the Chief Magistrate of my country. Such addressers must choose some other medium of conveyance.
The freeholders of Prince Edward county profess, that it is not their design to approach the Chief Magistrate of the United States without respect; and yet they call his dignified resolve "never to send another Minister to France, without assurances that he would be received, respected, and honored, as the representative of a great, free, powerful and independent nation," a "rash resolution!" and they insinuate, that the majority of the members of each house of Congress, and the President, for concurring in certain of their public acts, have a design to overthrow the rights, and to destroy the liberties, of the people of the United States! As I know the integrity and genuine patriotism of the great and leading characters by whom the formation and adoption of those acts were accomplished, I hesitate not to call that insinuation a calumny; and in which I should think I participated, if I gave it a passage to the President. Therefore, Sir, I return to you the address of the freeholders of Prince Edward county, that if they shall finally determine to insult the President and Congress, by persisting to offer the address, they may commit it to some person who is capable of debating himself by presenting it. Here, Sir, I might close this letter; but the liberty claimed and used by the freeholders of Prince Edward county, of examining the proceedings of the President and Congress (a claim which while exercised with decency, without insult to the constituted authorities, and without a design or tendency to excite discords and disobedience to the laws of our country, will never be questioned) I trust may be used by me in examining the public proceedings of my fellow citizens.
The freeholders of Prince Edward county say, "obedience to the laws, and attachment to the government established by the choice of our country, we esteem as the primary duties of good citizens." But is the calumnious insinuation above noticed, consistent with this declaration? They also say, that certain acts of Congress are "flagrant violations of the supreme law of our country!" Is this decent? Is this a proper way to manifest their sense of the "first duties" of good citizens, "obedience to the laws, and attachment to the government of their country's choice?" On the contrary, do not such declarations tend to excite disobedience to the laws, hatred to the government, insurrection and revolt?
The freeholders of Prince Edward county ask, "Can we, for an instant, flatter ourselves that the strength of America, destitute as she is of the means of attacking a distant enemy, is competent to the great scheme of humbling the haughtiness and the power of France? or of compelling her to a compensation for injuries which has been sought in vain by negotiation?" Allow me to ask, in my turn, who in the United States has proposed this scheme? Who has declared or intimated that the object of our government, in providing an army and ships of war, was to "humble the haughtiness and the power of France?" Who has urged any other motives for those measures, than these: To prevent that "haughtiness" and that "power" from further humbling us; from trampling on our necks; from totally destroying our commerce; from levying discretionary contributions; from crushing us with an ignominious tribute, a tribute to be measured only
by her wants, and our utmost ability to pay; from subjugating us, as she has done Holland, and Switzerland, and other republics; and while as falsely as impudently boasting of giving them liberty, ruling them with a rod of iron: Yes, the bayonets of her soldiers, directed by ferocious generals and insolent ministers, are the instruments of her tyranny in those wretched republics, which partly by force, and partly by her "diplomatic skill," have been reduced under her controul; and finally, to prevent her inflicting on us, what she has threatened to inflict, the miserable fate of Venice! that is, to be partitioned, bartered, & sold our persons with our cattle and other property to the European powers with whom France could make the most profitable bargain for herself!
It is true that "compensation for past injuries has been sought in vain by negotiation" but so desirous was the government of the United States to effect a reconciliation with France, the Envoys were instructed not to insist on compensation, or even a stipulation that compensation should ever be made: They were only, after pressing them in vain not to abandon our just claims of retribution for the many millions of which her iniquitous rulers had caused our citizens to be plundered; a hope was entertained that a sense of justice might hereafter return, and concurring with national policy, restore to our fellow citizens their honest dues. But the freeholders of Prince Edward county, know or ought to know (for the documents have been published) before they censure their own government, that instead of making, or stipulating to make such compensation, the French made their own unfulfilled contracts, and the monstrous depredations they had committed, and would continue to commit on our commerce, the measure of their demands of tribute! And although the United States had borne a thousand insults and injuries from that "haughty" power, and had repeatedly sought, and were then, by the solemn and extraordinary mission of three Envoys, respectfully and earnestly seeking a perfect reconciliation; yet those Envoys were not received! they could not obtain permission to see the Directory without previously stipulating to bind the United States in ignominious chains as tributaries! tributaries to a government which, regardless of justice, makes the extent of its power the only rule of its conduct! and yet the addressers, freeholders of Prince Edward county, so remarkably alive to their rights and liberties should be touched by any act of their own government are not satisfied with the concessions which have been made to France; with the past sacrifice of so many millions of the property of their commercial fellow citizens; and of the rights and dignity of their country! They still "entreat" the President to submit to further indignities; to make new overtures, "and to adopt some speedy and effectual plan for conciliating the differences between the two Republics!"
The addressers complain of the "odious Alien and Sedition Bills." I will therefore take the liberty to state the objects of those bills, now become laws; and this having been done already, in an excellent address to the citizens of New Jersey, now before me, I shall content myself with making the following extracts, with some small variations:
"The ALIEN LAW has been bitterly inveighed against as a direct attack upon our liberties, when in fact it affects only foreigners who are conspiring against us, and has no relation whatever to an American citizen. It gives authority to the first magistrate of the Union 'to order all such aliens as he shall judge dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States, or shall have reasonable grounds to suspect are concerned in any treasonable or secret machinations against the government thereof, to depart out of our territory.' It is only necessary to ask whether, without such a power vested in some department, any government ever did, or ever can, long protect itself. The objects of this act are strangers merely—persons not adopted and naturalised—a description of men who have no lot nor interest with us, and who even manifest a disposition the most hostile to this country, while it affords them an asylum and protection. It is absurd to say, that in providing by law for their removal, the constitution is violated: for he must be ignorant indeed who does not know that the constitution was established for the protection and security of American citizens, and not of intriguing foreigners."
"The SEDITION ACT has likewise been shamefully misrepresented, as an attack upon the freedom of speech and of the press. But we find, on the contrary, that it prescribes a punishment only for those pests of society, and disturbers of order and tranquility, 'who write, print, utter or publish any false, scandalous and malicious writings against the government of the U. S. or either house of the Congress of the United States, or the President of the U. S. with intent to defame or bring them into contempt or disrepute, or to excite against them the hatred of the good people of the United States, or to stir up sedition, or to abet the hostile designs of any foreign nation.' What honest man can justly be alarmed at such a law, or can with unlimited
permission to be given for the publication of malicious falsehoods, and with intentions the most base? They who complain of legal provisions for punishing intentional defamation and lies, as briding the liberty of speech and of the press, may with equal propriety complain against laws made for punishing assault and murder, as restraints upon the freedom of men's actions.—Because we have the right to speak and publish our opinions, it does not necessarily follow that we may exercise it in uttering false and malicious slanders against our neighbour or our government, any more than we may, under cover of freedom of action, knock down the first man we meet, and exempt ourselves from punishment by pleading that we are free agents. We may indeed use our tongues, employ our pens, or carry our cudgels or muskets, whenever we please; but at the same time we must be accountable and punishable for making such improper use of either, as to injure others in their characters, their persons, or their property." "We would on this subject only add, that so tender and regardful have Congress been in this instance of our rights as citizens, as to have expressly declared in the law, that any person prosecuted under it may give in evidence, in his defence, the truth of the matter contained in the publication, & that the jury before whom the trial shall be, shall have a right to determine the law and the fact, under the direction of the court, as in other cases. Hence there can be no conviction, unless it appears, not only that the matter written, printed or published, was false, but that it was scandalous and malicious, and done with wicked intent."
Allow me once more to turn your attention to France.
You will recollect that in the dispatches from our Envoys, it appears that the person designated by the letter Y, accompanied Mr. Gerry, on the 17th of October, to Mr. Talleyrand's office, were Mr. Gerry having observed to Mr. Talleyrand, that Mr. Y had that morning stated to him, some propositions as coming from him, Mr. Talleyrand declared "that the information given him by Mr. Y was just, and might always be relied on." Looking back one page in the dispatches, we find the propositions stated that morning by Mr. Y. to Mr. Gerry thus recited, "He (Mr. Y.) then stated that two measures, which Mr. Talleyrand proposed, being adopted, a restoration of friendship between the republics would follow immediately; the one was a GRATUITY of fifty thousand pounds sterling; the other a purchase of thirty two millions of the Dutch rescriptions." The dispatches that have been published in the United States of America, having been republished in Europe, were translated into French & other languages, and thereby obtained a general circulation; except in France, where all the presses being under the absolute controul of the Directory, they have not allowed the dispatches to be published, but where, however, it was impossible but that some copies should be introduced; and the French Directory and their Minister Talleyrand, being aware how detestable their conduct, as represented in the dispatches, must render them in the eyes of all mankind, wished to wipe away their ignominy, and especially the reproach of CORRUPTION, in respect to the duceur or GRATUITY of fifty thousand pounds sterling demanded for their own pockets, by calling their agents, who informally conferred with our envoys, "CERTAIN INTRIGUERS as if they were unauthorised and unknown.—With this view Mr. Talleyrand affects an utter ignorance of the persons designated in the dispatches by the letters W. X. Y. and Z. and in his letter of May 30th, with solemn grimace requests Mr. Gerry immediately to communicate to him the names for which those letters stand. And Mr. Gerry, although he knew that Talleyrand was much better acquainted with X. Y. and Z. than he was himself, having complied with this insulting request, Mr. Talleyrand makes a formal record of their names; and then publishes the correspondence between him and Mr. Gerry on this subject, in order to blind the eyes of the French people, and amuse the world with the idea that the French government held in abhorrence "the scandalous proposition (as Talleyrand calls it) made by X. and Y. with respect to the payment of any sum whatever, intended to be pocketed in a corrupt manner." Now the person designated by Mr. Y. has since openly avowed himself, and is a Mr. Bellamy, a Genevan, belonging to a commercial house, and residing in Hamburg—Mr. Bellamy, in a paper published there on the 25th of June in his own vindication, declares that "he had done nothing, said nothing, written nothing, without the orders of citizen Talleyrand."
But there is one other important fact relative to this business not mentioned in the dispatches from the Envoys, which ought to be universally known, and of the truth of which I have incontrovertible evidence: It is this, "The company at the private dinner to which Mr. Gerry was invited by
Mr. Talleyrand, consisted of X. Y. and Z. After rising from table, X. and Y. renewed to Mr. Gerry, in the room and in the presence (though perhaps not in the hearing) of Talleyrand the money propositions which the Envoys had before rejected! And yet Mr. Talleyrand has affected ignorance who were meant by X. Y. and Z. What unexampled effrontery!
The preceding observations and statements have been made with the view of communicating correct and useful information to the freeholders of Prince Edward county; and I might have contented myself with transmitting them to you, for that purpose: but this evening I have seen, in a Philadelphia newspaper, an address from the freeholders of Prince Edward county, in the state of Virginia, which upon comparing, I find to be the same with that you requested me to deliver to the President. This premature publication of the address seems to show that the object of the addressers was not simply to urge the President "to exert his constitutional powers, on the earliest occasion, in the repeal of the acts" which the address had censured, and which could not be done until the next session of Congress, but to procure partisans to their unfounded opinions, among the people. I therefore think it proper, and my duty, since the occasion has been offered, forth with to cause this letter to be published.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant,
TIMOTHY PICKERING.
BOSTON, OCT. 10. AUTHENTIC.
The following extract of a letter, is from a well informed and patriotic American in Europe, whose situation enables him to judge correctly of the French government.
"***** , Aug. 4, 1798.
"MY DEAR SIR, Although the policy of the Directory towards our country has not yet succeeded according to their hopes, they are by no means discouraged: on the contrary they will practise new arts against which it is more difficult to guard ourselves, than against their arms.—Every arrival from the United States brings us a long list of volunteer associations and contributions for the public defence;—these are precious proofs of the patriotism and good sense of the people, and shew that the country might be saved if the Government is true to its trust. But I confess to you, I see with infinite uneasiness the deadly opposition that still continues in the House of Representatives, to every measure which is calculated to ward off ruin; and this uneasiness is by no means mitigated by seeing the new elections in New-York state. It is in vain that the people offer their property and their lives to support the Executive Administration, if they do not purge the Legislative of those foolish or traitorous men, who could betray the country into the hands of its enemies. On this side the Atlantic, the American elections are critically marked as the surest evidences of public opinion, and it is foreseen here that unless the elections in other states are much better than those of New-York, our government must fall, & our country like the Republics of Europe, must be delivered up to the Rapinats, the Talleyrands and the Merlins of France."
"I am glad to learn that you have more confidence in our affairs, but I cannot think the danger is materially diminished. You may rely upon my information, that the Directory and their agents know perfectly well, how to shape their conduct agreeably to the present state of things—they have played this game with success among the people of almost every nation—they see their error in managing the United States, and will rectify it without delay;—you will soon read in your newspapers that the French government has no disposition to injure the United States; they will be represented as full of moderation, equity, affection, and

even repentance, for their inconveniences they have occasioned—and those artifices, which Devils themselves practice towards those they mean to destroy, will amuse and deceive some of the firmest patriots of our country.”
FOR THE GAZETTE.
To the Electors of the third Eastern District.
FELLOW CITIZENS,
THE choice of our public rulers being the only direct act of national sovereignty reserved to the people, and the spring from which the good or bad administration of government must flow, it is matter of astonishment that we pay so little attention to a subject of so great consequence. We with whom the name of liberty is so sacred—we who are so jealous of our privileges—we who glory in the attribute of sovereignty—we who have shed our richest blood to establish it—We are the people who wave the exercise of the all important right of suffrage as a matter of indifference, or a task—an ignoble drudgery, worthy only the intriguing activity of the sedulous partizan! Happy in an excellent constitution of government, and, hitherto, fortunate in its administration, we have reposed under its influence—we have esteemed its uncommon blessings as common things. Habituated to tranquility we have become secure—we have forgotten the obligations we owe to ourselves and society—we have forgotten, alas! that it is our duty to exercise our right of election.
But it is time to arouse from our slumbers—our country is in danger, and the intriguing, the active, the sedulous partizan, the Jacobin, is still in the midst of us. Altho' few in number, indeed, and of no strength when compared with the true friends of government; yet, if we awaken not to our duty as citizens—if we improve not our right of suffrage—if we prefer the call of private business or indolence to the call of our country on the approaching election of federal representative, we shall have reason, when too late, to repent our folly.
I presume, fellow citizens, some of you are informed that a plan is in operation in several parts of our district to effect the election of the Rev. Mr. Fairfield of Pepperellborough, as delegate to Congress, in room of Mr. Thatcher. A plan, the success of which its projectors well know, depends on the usual remissness of the qualified voters in the district, and the too great confidence in which they rest of Mr. Thatcher's election without their individual voice in his support. The object of this address is to stimulate your attendance on the meetings, by convincing you that it is of the last importance this plan should be frustrated.
I have no expectation of preventing Mr. Fairfield's election by aspersing his character, or of procuring that of Mr. Thatcher by eulogy. Men only can represent the interests and feelings of men; and a candidate without some exposable fault or imperfection, would be something other than man. The political and private character of Mr. Thatcher are, and long have been, too well known to require any illustration of mine. With the private character of Mr. Fairfield I am in some measure acquainted. It is that of a learned and worthy man, intitled to both my respect and esteem. It is said by some that he is a jacobin—by others that he is a federalist. His politics and qualifications are not certainly known to but very few in the district. I myself am ignorant of them.—If, however, we may judge from an age between sixty and seventy, destitute of the least experience in public business, we may with much propriety conclude that he neither is nor ever can be according to the course of nature very well qualified for a member of Congress. But his political creed is at this time the main consideration. This, if we may reason from the known character of his supporters, can be nothing short of a most glowing tissue of French heresy.
But, my fellow citizens, the great question before the district is, not which of the two proposed candidates will best represent us; but whether any change whatever, is expedient under existing circumstances?
It is a fact not to be controverted, though hitherto not manifest in the extent it ought to be, that a very large majority of this district approve, in the most unqualified manner, the measures adopted by the Executive in regard to our foreign relations. It is also not only as true, but universally known, that Mr. Thatcher has, with the utmost activity and firmness, supported the effusion of the same system of policy in Congress. He has therefore, intitled himself, and (if we are consistent with ourselves) must necessarily possess in the highest degree, our approbation and confidence. But, as yet, we have had no public opportunity as a district, of testifying to him and the world our satisfaction in his conduct. It is by his re-election only that we can direct to him the plaudit, “Thou hast deserved well of thy country”—It is by this method alone that we can evidence an uniformity and constancy of character—a character that, while it untrammels the representative, animates him with a boldness in discharge of his duty, and stimulates him to merit the repetition of our suffrages—in fine a character equally removed from puerile fickleness and an heedless dereliction of the right out of changing rulers so often as safety and found policy shall dictate.
But our obligations to rechoose Mr. Thatcher, do not terminate here. It is of infinite importance at this crisis that the district should in
the most public and solemn manner declare its unity with the federal government. This unity can by no regular act be completely authenticated, but by his re-election. If I believed an exchange for another person would more effectually establish our federalism in the opinion of the world, I would vote for that person altho' I should know him to be a man far inferior to Mr. Thatcher—I would in such a case oppose to the utmost of my power the choice of Mr. Thatcher. But as circumstances now are, should we make any one else the object of our choice, even though a staunch federalist, we should fall short of our true interest in a most capital point: For we ought to consider that the federalism of the person elected must remain in some degree equivocal (except to the district perhaps) until he had taken a decided part against the French system in Congress. Some time must elapse before this could happen. It might then be too late for the many beneficial effects we may promise ourselves from the influence the choice of veteran federalists into the House, will have on Talleyrand and the French Directory. United we stand, divided we fall—This they well know—It belongs then to our district to embrace, by re electing Mr. Thatcher, the means of demonstrating to those tyrants, to the greatest extent, and by the highest evidence in our power to afford, that America is not a divided people.
Again, should we drop Mr. Thatcher at this decisive moment, does it not evince in the most pointed manner possible, that we are dissatisfied with his late public conduct? I say late, because for eight or ten years successively prior to the late election, he has continued our sole and highly approved delegate. And what has been his late conduct? What has he done to forfeit our confidence thus suddenly? He has done this, citizens—He has, with a constancy becoming an American, supported the system of sound policy, justice, and national defence, adopted by the Federal Government—a system which a respectable part of his constituents have joined their fellow countrymen in approbating by addresses to the Executive, couched in terms the most ardent and patriotic—a system which, together with the popular voice already arisen in its favor, being known in Europe, has struck the nations with admiration, and confounded, in a great measure, the hopes of our enemies.—It is for this we are dissatisfied with Mr. Thatcher! For this we have dropt him!—For this will be the only construction which, at a time like the present, a procedure of this nature would admit. Hence inevitably arises the inference, that we are detached from our government, and opposed to its measures. We hereby most publicly and directly give the lie to every sentiment contained in those addresses—addresses, in which, but a few weeks ago, we so heartily concurred; at the same time forcibly impressing the belief that, instead of the genuine voice of the people, they were but the mere breath of faction. In a word, we shall assume, in the view of the world, an attitude perfectly hostile to the constitution and authorities of our country; to uphold and defend which, to the last extremity, we have so solemnly pledged ourselves.
Fellow Citizens, let us think on these things—Let us not by our absence from town meeting on the coming election, or by directing our votes for another, allow the choice of Mr. Thatcher to be defeated. Let us not suffer a change of men at this momentous period. Let us not thus give new grounds and new incitements to France and her emissaries to recommence their diabolical intrigues, or continue their depredations. Let us not revive their hopes of yet conquering us by our divisions. Let us not lead them into new errors as data on which to calculate our destruction. Let us not thus prolong the day of our vexations. Let us no longer keep them in the dark as to the public sentiment; but let the light of our Federalism at once strike and blast them.
MENTOR.
County of York, October 18, 1798.
VARIOUS ACCOUNTS Of Nelson & Buonaparte.
BOSTON, OCT. 15. On Saturday arrived in this port, ship Orono, Capt. Jameson, from Ireland, by whom we have received Cork papers to the 6th Sept. They contain the following intelligence:
BUONAPARTE TAKEN.
LONDON, AUGUST 31.
A French paper of the 26th inst. entitled Le Clus du Cabinet , received in town yesterday, has the following important detail, which we can say obtains very general belief in the highest and best informed circles:—(Sun.)
The articles is dated from Frankfort, and states, that by advices from Trieste, and likewise from another port in Italy, an account had been received of an action having taken place between the English and French ships in the Mediterranean. The circumstances which are particularly detailed, are as follows:
“On the 17th Messidor, July 5, the hostile fleets met in the morning. A very close and warm engagement ensued,
which lasted the whole day, and ended at night, without victory having been declared on either side. The two following days, the 6th and 7th of July, were calm, and the fleets lay in sight repairing their damages. On the 8th the English fleet being favored with an easterly wind, succeeded in cutting off eight French ships of the line, with which a very close and desperate action immediately took place. It ended, however, by a victory declaring in favor of the British, the whole eight ships being taken or sunk.
“The action was extremely bloody on both sides, the crew of the L'Orient, (Buonaparte's ship) having been repeatedly reinforced by drafts from other ships, which were not so closely engaged.—The L'Orient at last sunk, as well as Sir H. Nelson's ship, (the Vanguard.) The British Admiral, who was badly wounded, was removed on board the Culloden where he had the satisfaction of receiving, Buonaparte, and his whole Etat-Major, about two hours before he [Sir Horatio] died of his wounds.”
Such is the detail of this article in le Clus du Cabinet , to which as we have already observed, great credit is attached here and which seems to be too circumstantial to be wholly the fiction of a French editor, for which he would be liable to pay the forfeit of his life.—We leave it to our readers however, to form their own opinions and conclusions.
The article likewise states the English force very correctly—twelve 74 gun ships, one 64, and a 50, besides frigates.
We yesterday evening received, by express, Paris, papers to the 29 inst.
[Sun.]
Parisians have at length received intelligence of the arrival of Buonaparte at Alexandria. No official information of this fact has yet been published nor are any additional circumstances known at Paris respecting the destination of the expedition. An article in a Frankfort paper copied into L'Echo de la Republique Franchoise of the 28th inst. contains an account of seven ships of the line, seven frigates, and a brig, part of Admiral Nelson's squadron, having from the course which the Admiral steered, reached Alexandria on the 28th June, 10 days before the squadron of Buonaparte arrived at that port, and not meeting with the French fleet there, having put to sea. This intelligence is stated in a letter from Constantinople, and it is said to have been brought there by an Imperial vessel, which left Alexandria on the 30th of June, and which was the bearer of official dispatches on the subject.
This intelligence we understand, is confirmed by dispatches which have been received by the East-India Company. The Imperial vessel which brought it, sailed from Alexandria on the 30th June, & afterwards saw the same English squadron bearing towards Candia.
[FURTHER—By another arrival.]
LONDON, SEPT. 4.
Although we did not give much credit to the articles inserted in some of the latest foreign Journals, concerning the action said to have taken place in the Mediterranean between the French and English fleets, yet we think it necessary to state, that this news is corroborated by other advices much more entitled to credit, though by no means conclusive. Private letters from Paris state, that the Directory was under great uneasiness in not having received any kind of authentic information respecting Buonaparte; and it was generally believed that a most bloody conflict had taken place in the Archipelago, which had proved decisive in our favor. We are not yet disposed to believe that any body of French troops has landed at Alexandria.
[Times.]
CONTINUATION OF ACCOUNTS.
Boston, October 18.
Under the foreign heads we have detailed many particulars respecting the opposing fleets in the Mediterranean, but regret that no official accounts have come to hand. The dates
and circumstances, however, of the following, are pretty satisfactory evidence of the
Defeat of Buonaparte.
LONDON, SEPT. 8.
This morning two of the Hamburgh mails that were due reached town. They contain from a variety of places, accounts of an action having actually taken place between the English & French fleets in the Mediterranean. News from Naples of the 31st July, from Leghorn of the 3d, from Florence of the 5th, from Venice of the 4th August, and from Trieste of the same date, all concur in the same account, That on the 5th of July, Sir Horatio Nelson, with 13 ships of the line, came up with the French fleet, consisting of 17 ships of the line, off Candia, and that a most bloody battle ensued. The circumstances that are related in these accounts agree exactly with those in the articles which we gave some days ago from the French Journal La Chef du Cabinet . The article from Venice of the 11th, says briefly, that the account of the sea action, is confirmed.
Articles from Constantinople and Smyrna, however, positively assert that Buonaparte landed on the 28th at Alexandria.—This seems merely a repetition of the first account which we had sometime ago of this event, and which we are inclined to think not of sufficient authority to counterbalance the repeated accounts which we have subsequently had of an action taken place between the two fleets.
The accounts state that seven ships of the line and thirty seven transports fell into the hands of the English, and that both admirals' ships were sunk. —Private letters from Italy received this morning, further state that several French ships had reached Citta Vecchi , at which place they had landed an immense number of wounded men.
Letters from Hamburgh of the 28th ult. are likewise filled with accounts of the engagement; but these are doubtless founded upon the details from Italy, which we have noticed above.
To the consideration and judgment of our readers we commit the contending accounts, expressing merely our own confident hope, that the interesting details from the ports of Italy will very speedily be confirmed by positive and official information.
Besides the above, an arrival at Charleston from Teneriffe states, that two days previous to sailing from Maratava, intelligence was received that admiral Nelson had captured 2 sail of the line from the French.
Again. An American vessel was boarded at sea by his majesty's ship Aurora , Capt. Digby, who informed, that at Lisbon information had been received of admiral Nelson's falling in with the French and capturing 4 sail of the line and 5 frigates, and destroying their transports with 70,000 men.
From the Salem paper of Oct. 16.
From the various accounts of a Naval Engagement, between the French and English fleets in the Mediterranean, fleets in the Mediterranean, in the former part of the month of July, many people are induced to believe that one has really taken place, however differently the issue may be reported.—In our last we mentioned an account from Madrid, by the way of Lisbon; since which, we have received the account under the London head in this day's paper. These two accounts nearly agree in point of time. Besides these, two vessels have arrived at Halifax from the Straits, which, on the 30th of August, fell in with the Andromache frigate, from which they were informed that she was then bearing dispatches from Admiral Nelson's fleet to England, with intelligence of an engagement, in which the British had been victorious.
Other Foreign Affairs.
LANDING OF A FRENCH ARMY IN IRELAND, AND THEIR DEFEAT.
DUBLIN CASTLE, SEPT. 3, 1798.
“Advices were this day received from the Lord Lieutenant's head quar-

ers, at Knockhill, dated the 1st inst. His excellency was advanced towards the enemy; and Colonel Crawford is pushing his patrols to Chattlebar. It appears, that the numbers of the enemy [the French troops landed] have been exaggerated, and that they have been joined by a very inconsiderable number of the inhabitants!
The French have landed 1500 men in Ireland, and they have succeeded in an attack on a part of Gen. Lake's division. The French took 6 field pieces in the contest: But at the last dates they were, according to the Irish accounts, surrounded by a very superior force. All parties in Ireland appeared opposed to this foreign interposition.
The Paris Journals mention the sailing of the three frigates from Rochefort, with 1500 troops, which we have already stated to be the same which we believe to have reached Ireland. The French accounts agree in stating, that the armament at Brest was, as we have already suggested, destined also for Ireland; the most of them agree also that they had been prevented from sailing, though one Journal states that it has actually failed. Should this be the case, it is by no means likely it will reach the place of its destination unobserved by our fleet.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head Quarters, near St. John- stown Sept. 9.
Lord Cornwallis cannot too much applaud the zeal and spirit which has been manifested by the army, from the commencement of the operations against the invading enemy, until the surrender of the French forces.
The perseverance with which the soldiers supported the extraordinary marches which were necessary to stop the progress of the very active enemy, does them the greatest credit; and Lord Cornwallis heartily congratulates them on the happy issue of their meritorious exertions.
The Corps of Yeomanry, in the whole country through which the army has passed, have rendered the greatest services, and are peculiarly entitled to the acknowledgements of the Lord Lieutenant, from their not having tarried that courage and loyalty which they displayed in the cause of their King and country, by any acts of wanton cruelty towards their deluded fellow subjects.
Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition taken.
 3 light French 4-pounders.  5 ditto ammunition waggons, nearly full of made up ammunition.  1 ditto tumbril; 700 stand of arms, with belts and pouches; with a great number of knapsacks.  Officer wounded—Lt. Stephens of the Carbineers. 
Return of the French army taken prisoners at the battle of Ballinamuck, Sept. 8, 1798.
 General and other officers, 96  Non commissioned officers and soldiers, 748  Horses, about 200  N. B. Ninety six rebels taken, three of them killed General Officers by the names of Roach, Lake, and Teling.
The enemy, in their retreat before the troops under my command, were compelled to abandon 9 pieces of cannon, which they had taken in the former actions with his majesty's forces.
G. LAKE, Lt. General.
War and Invasion.
BRUSSELLS, AUG. 13.
Several corps of French and Batavian troops are on their march to the coasts of North Holland, which are threatened by several formidable fleets composed of English and Russian ships; the second division of Russian ships of war has joined the first before the port of Texel, the third division is expected by the 29th or 30th Termidor [16th or 17th August:] on board of that division is a corps of land troops, composed of six battalions of picked infantry; it is much feared in Holland that the enemy will attack the Texel.
All the letters from the right shore of the Rhine and the interior of Germany speak of the immense warlike preparations carrying on there, and of the apprehension of a new coalition in the North directed against the French
Republic. The conduct of Prussia is wary and politic; that power however, is at present augmenting its army very considerably. The French Government, on its part is preparing for any event that may happen. The armies of the Rhine daily become more formidable, upwards of 60,000 men are already collected between the Lahn, the Sieg, the Wupper and the Nidda. Two hundred pieces of Ordnance are assembled on the plain of Neuwied.
LONDON, AUGUST, 27.
The great event which we have so confidentially anticipated, appears to us to be hastened, to its completion. The French by their own conduct, will force the whole of the rest of Europe to rouse and unite in one Grand Confederacy against them. The declaration of War by the Porte we consider as a most important circumstance, for it must decide ultimately the fate of Buonaparte and his army. That enterprising man must now begin to find himself in a very dangerous and critical situation. The Turks will be able to harass his army at least, if not at once to subdue it, and they certainly have it in their power to prevent the French from having any supplies of provisions; and, pent up in Alexandria, or pursuing a most difficult march, their army must hourly diminish by the climate, famine, or sword.
LONDON, SEPT. 7.
An embargo is laid on all ships, vessels and boats, for three days
THE GAZETTE.
Portland.
Monday, October 22, 17, 1798.
On the 12th inst. the Prussian ship de Hoop, Capt. Hendrickson, arrived at New-York in 60 days from Bourdeaux, having on board General Pinckney, and family. On the following day he set out for Trenton.
DEATH OF THE DEY OF ALGIERS. Extract of a letter from Mr. O'Brien, the American consul at Algiers, dated May 20.
"On the 13th, in the morning, Hassan Bashaw bid us adieu, after a reign of 6 years and a half; he was immediately succeeded by the prime minister Caba Mustapha who was proclaimed by the Divan on the 19th.
"On the same day, we the Consuls waited upon him and were all well received. The new Dey said the Americans were friends to the Algerines, & might rely on his friendship, but he must have presents to make it lasting.
"On the 17th the American Treaty was renewed, and the Treaty with Tripoli and the United States was also renewed and guaranteed by the Dey."
From a Boston paper of Thursday last.
Capt. Dana, who came to town last evening from Rutland, was present at Lyon's trial for treasonable expressions and libelous publications against our government. The Jury, returned a verdict of guilty, soon after the action was committed to them; and he was sentenced to be imprisoned four months in Vergennes jail, and to pay a fine of 1000 dollars. The Marshall took him into custody immediately after sentence.
From a Portsmouth paper of October 17.
Spirit of ship building.
On Monday next, Jacob Sheafe, Esq. as public Agent, and col. Hacket, as Naval Director, unitedly raise in the same navy yard, a six and thirty gun frigate, to be completely finished of live oak. And such is the contemplated spirit of enterprize and energy, of industry and exertion, that said frigate is to be launched in 230 working days.—When every circumstance is maturely considered, European navy-yards; exhibit not more expedition in building; and the superiority of our work is confessed by all judges, on both sides of the Atlantic.
On Thursday last, a most beautiful copper bottomed 20 gun ship, called the Portsmouth, and built for the service of the United States, was launched
from the Continental Navy Yard, Langdon's Island. The launch was conducted on the best principles of the complete ship-builder, and the ship deposited in her future native element with safety.
On Friday last, the ship built at Newburyport, by subscription, for Government, went off the ways under a discharge of artillery. She is pronounced to be as good a vessel as ever was built—is called the Merrimack—is well coppered, and will mount 20 nines and 8 sixes. Capt. Hacket was the constructor, and Major Cross the contractor.—The Merrimack's head is a group, composed of an Eagle perched upon the globe, supported on one side by an elegant figure, representing Commerce, and on the other by a beautiful female, strikingly emblematical of Justice, and in front is borne the arms of the United States. Mr. Dearing, of Portsmouth, designed it.
From a Correspondent.
This day about noon arrived in town from "going up and down in the earth," the celebrated QUEEN OF SHEBA—we'll known in the crazy world for her distraction and folly. Her head bore the Cap of Liberty, which was adorned with the tri-coloured, jacobin Cockade—a badge which at this day distinguishes those of her character from the sober and rational part of the community.—We understand she is last from Buxton, where she has been engaged for some time in reviewing her troops and making arrangements for the approaching election of the Parson!
Friday, Oct. 19th.
Communications, and various other articles prepared for this day's paper, are unavoidably omitted.—The important matter that occupies its pages will amply apologize.
DIED —In this town, on Monday evening last; Deacon BENJAMIN TITCOMB, in the seventy second year of his age. For many years a respectable merchant in this town—He was a worthy character, a useful man, and an ornament to society.
 —Mrs. Mary Cammet, aged 75.  At Falmouth Mr. Simeon Quimby, aged 27.  Miss Mary Sawyer.  At Scarborough, Mr. Samuel Libby, aged 20. 
Marine Articles.
Port of Portland.
Last Thursday arrived, brig Jane, Captain Joshua Robinson, 48 days from Liverpool.
Same day arrived Schooner Sally, Captain Crabtree, from Liverpool.
The Cumberland Capt. Scott, of this port, was at Liverpool by the last accounts.
The Joseph, Capt Stone of this port, has also arrived at Liverpool.
The Foxwell, Stevens, of Pepperellboro' has arrived safe at Bristol.
Ship Rein Deer (supposed to be the same lately captured from this port) has arrived at Baltimore, under the command of a captain Frost. Just before Capt. F. failed, Hughes received information of the La Croyable's crew; in consequence of which he ordered the indiscriminate imprisonment of all Americans.
Genteel Boarding.
Two gentlemen may be accommodated with genteel board, in a very central part of the town Inquire at the Gazette-Office. Oct. 22.
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.
Cows for Sale.
A couple of good Cows may be purchased on easy terms, by applying at this Office. Oct. 22.
A good Franklin Stove for sale.—Inquire at the Gazette-Office. Oct. 22.
For Sale—A good family COW—Inquire of the Printer. October 8, 1798.
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.
Deering is removed from all demands. Discontinued, agreeably to settlement said Elibu Deering, hereby informed, that said firm being mutually dissolved, the late firm of John & Elibu Deering, are no longer persons having demands on
Bowdoin College.
THE OVERSEERS of Bowdoin College are hereby notified, that a semi-annual meeting of their Board is to be holden on the Second Wednesday of November next, at Mr. Graffam's Columbian Hall, in Portland, at 10 o'clock A. M. By order of the Board.
JONATHAN ELLIS, Secretary. Topsham, October, 1798.
THE TRUSTEES of Bowdoin College are hereby notified, that their semi-annual meeting, is to be holden at the Court House in Portland, on the FIRST WEDNESDAY in November next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon.
JOHN FROTHINGHAM, Secretary Portland, October 19th, 1798.
A List of Letters
Remaining in the Post-Office at Wells, October 20th.
 Harvey Conant, Wells.  John Denit, ditto.  John Findley, Kennebunk.  Jacob Fisher, Esq. ditto.  Joshua Gray, jun. Wells.  Jonathan Stevens, ditto. 2. 
A Large Stove wanted, immediately. Inquire at the Gazette-Office. Oct. 22.
SALES AT AUCTION.
BARGAINS! BARGAINS!
On Wednesday, the 31st inst.
WILL COMMENCE THE SALE OF
The stock in trade of a
Gentleman lately deceased, and will continue every Wednesday and Saturday until the sale is closed.
At the Auction Room in Fish-street,
GOODS consisting of the following articles:
 Broad Cloths, Baizes, Flannels,  Camblets, Calimancos, Durants, Tamies, Shal-loons,  Sattinets, Lashings, Wildbores, M'Innis, Cambricks,  Lawns, Irish Linens, Black silk Handkerchiefs,  Gloves, Muffs, Sattins, Modes, Ribbons, Sewing Silks,  Scotch Turbans, with a variety of other articles too numerous to be particularized. 
N. B. Sixty days will be allowed to those who purchase to the amount of one hundred dollars, giving a note with good endorsers. Sale at TEN o'clock.
EDWARD OXNARD, Auctioneer. Portland, Octobr 13.
NEW ALMANACKS.
Now ready for sale, Jenks's SHEET ALMANACK, for 1799.
This Almanack is calculated for the meridian of Portland, and is very convenient for public offices, compting rooms, &c.
This week will be published, and ready for sale, wholesale & retail, THE FARMER'S, MERCHANT'S & MECHANIC'S ALMANACK:
OR, THE REGISTER of MAINE. For the year of our Lord, 1799.
It is calculated for this District, and is larger than any heretofore published in this part of the country—containing besides a great variety of Useful, Entertaining and Curious matters, a Farmer's Calendar for every month in the year.—Other particulars in a future advertisement.
Shopkeepers, traders, and others, in town and country may be supplied on the most liberal terms.

POETRY.
The following truly elegant Song, is copied from the Edinburgh Musical Miscellany.
THO' Bacchus may boast of his care-killing bowl, And Polly in thought-drowning revels delight...
MISCELLANY.
A MAN OF NO PARTY.—From the Examiner—by Dean Swift.
WHOEVER gives himself this character, you may depend upon it is of a party; but it is such a party as he is ashamed to own.
Precepts of CHILO, the Grecian philosopher.
THREE things are difficult: to keep a secret; to bear an injury patiently; and to spend leisure well.
business of life and death; rapid movements indicate a kind of phrenzy. If you are great, be condescending; for it is better to be loved than feared.
DOCTOR YOUNG.
THE doctor, walking in his garden in company with two young ladies (one of whom he afterwards married) the servant came to tell him a gentleman wished to speak with him.
Thus Adam look'd when from the garden driven, And thus disputed orders sent from heaven; Like him I go, but yet to go am loth!
APHORISMS ON MAN.
THE more independent of accidents, the more self-subsistent, the more fraught with internal resources—the greater the character.
The greatest of characters, no doubt, would be he, who, free of all trifling accidental helps, could see objects thro' one grand immutable medium, always at hand, and, proof against illusion and time, reflecting every object in its true shape and colour, through all the fluctuation of things.
NEW DISCOVERIES.
A RELATION of a voyage has lately been published (London) undertaken by four Portuguese merchantmen in 1793, for the purpose of exploring an island discovered the preceding year.
The second circumstance is very extraordinary if true. The relation pretends that the Portuguese found in an island which they call Hospitable Island, a colony of French emigrants, who, flying from the horrid scenes of the revolution, have been conducted to this abode where nature is lavish of all her gifts.
A Journal of the voyage, discoveries, &c. of M. Peyrouse, has lately been published in France at public expence, for the benefit of his widow.
SIEGE OF LYONS.
From a late English paper.
EVEN those who admire the French revolution cannot view the following scene but with horror and detestation. It is a faithful picture of the memorable siege of Lyons, and may serve to show the savage ferocity of all the jacobins, when the chance of war favors their diabolical designs.
"DURING the space of sixty days, the too unfortunate Lyonefe, withstood
an army of fifteen times their strength, plentifully provisioned, and provided with every instrument of destruction.—Never, perhaps, were there such feats of valor performed as by this little army; thrice their numbers did they lay dead before their injured city.
SHOCKING MURDER.
From a Halifax paper, Oct. 2.
ON Thursday evening last, one Bembridge, a young man resident at Dartmouth, who had for some time past discovered an attachment to Miss Russel, daughter of Mr. Russel of that place, went to Mr. R's. house about 9 o'clock, entered the room where the family was sitting, and expressed a wish to see Miss Russel.
Take Notice.
STRAYED or Stolen out of the pasture of the Subscriber in Hebron, on the 15th day of September last one
Dark bay Horse,
twelve years old, with a star in his forehead, and marked with the saddle on each side of his back—and one
Black Colt,
two years old, with a blaze in her face, and both hind feet white.—Whoever will take up said Horses, and Thieves, if stolen, shall be handsomely rewarded by giving information to the Subscriber in Hebron, or to Captain WILLIAM WEBSTER, of Gray.
WILLIAM CLARK WHITNEY. Hebron, October 5th, 1798.
10 Dollars Reward.
STRAYED or STOLEN (supposed to be stolen) on Thursday the 24th ult. a HORSE, of a light red colour a little intermixed with white, with a light coloured mane and tail, light on the flank of each side; both fore feet split near the cork of the shoe.
Whoever will take up said Horse, or give information of him, so that he may be recovered, shall receive the above reward. If stolen, an additional reward will be given for the thief.
EPHRAIM SANDS. Buxton, October 3, '98.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors of lands, lying in the town of Durham, in the county of Cumberland, that their lands are taxed in the State, Town and County tax, for the years 1797 and 1798, and committed to me the subscriber to collect, viz.
Table with 5 columns: No. lots, No. Acres, State tax, Town tax, County tax. It lists tax amounts for various land lots in Durham.
Unless said taxes, with intervening charges, are paid to me the Subscriber, on or before the fifth day of December next, so much of said lands will then be sold at Public Vendue, at the dwelling house of JOSEPH PROCTOR, innholder in said Durham, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, as will pay said taxes and charges.
JAMES DYER, Collector. September 26, 1798.
District of Maine.
BY order of the Hon. DAVID SEWALL, Esq. Judge of the District Court of Maine—Notice is hereby given, that a Libel is filed in said Court by JEREMIAH HILL, Esq. Collector of the Customs for the district of Biddeford and Pepperellborough, within the said District of Maine, against the
Schooner HANNAH, of Kennebunk, of the burthen of about one hundred and five tons, together with her tackle, apparel and furniture found on board and belonging to the same, seized at Wells, within said District, on the 23rd day of August last, for breach of the Revenue Laws of the United States—That the first Tuesday of December next, at Portland, is assigned for a hearing thereon, to the end that any person claiming property in the said Schooner, may appear and show cause (if any can be shown) wherefore the said Schooner and her appurtenances aforesaid, should not by a decree of said Court, be declared forfeited.
Dated at Portland, 22 October, 1798. JOHN HOBBY, Marshal.
A good bargain may be had. To be sold.
SEVENTY-five acres of LAND, five miles from Portland, on the road to Saccarappa, above 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.
List of Letters,
Remaining in the Post Office, Brunswick, Maine.
Thomas Pennell, Brunswick.
Anne Higgens, ditto. Jacob Weston, ditto. Samuel Gross, ditto. Benjamin Metcalf, Topsham. Walter Hatch, ditto. Isaac Roth, ditto. John Hern, ditto. William Gowell, Bowdoin. Margery Soothaker, ditto. Abiah Dimmick, ditto.
ANDREW DUNING, Post Master. October 15, '98.
Clement Ficket's Estate.
THE Subscribers hereby give notice, that they have been duly appointed Administrators on the estate of CLEMENT FICKET, late of Falmouth, in the county of Cumberland, yeoman deceased, and given bonds as the law directs.
They therefore call upon all persons who have claims against said estate, to exhibit the same—and those who are indebted thereto, to make payment without delay, to
PATIENCE FICKET, JOHN BUTLER RYAN. October 5, '98.
CLOTHING MILL.
THE subscriber informs the public, that he has taken the CLOTHING MILL erected by Mr. RUST, in Rusfield, in the town of Norway; and shall commence the business of said Mill by the middle of October next, when those who will please to favor him with their commands, may depend on the greatest dispatch and punctuality.
SAMUEL MERRILL. Biddeford, Sept. 17.
Strayed from the subscribers,
On the 30th September last, a COW supposed to be ten or twelve years old, light red, with a white spot in her forehead, and one on, or near, one of her hips—Whoever will secure said cow, and give notice or return her, to the subscribers in Purdie, shall be handsomely rewarded for his trouble.
Wm. & Barnard Douglass. Portland, 15th October, 1798.
Just Published,
By David West, Boston, Numbers 6 & 7 of Count RUMFORD'S ESSAYS; or 1 & 2 of vol. 2d.
These numbers, containing 310 pages Letter Press, and 8 copperplate engravings, will be given to subscribers in boards, at 1 dol. 37 1/2 cents, which, when compared, will be found cheaper than the former numbers of this valuable work. Boston, Sept. 20.
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.