The gazette (Portland, Me.), 1798-12-31 00:00:00

N.G. E.A. Jenks Brownville Me 1842
The Gazette.
[NUMBER 36.]
By ELEZER ALLEY JENKS, Portland, Maine.
[VOLUME 1.]
Portland.
Monday, December 31, 1798.
Communication.
WE shall step out of our prescribed direction this day to give an opinion of the President's Speech so far as the same relates to France. Jacobins may call us by hard names, but it is some satisfaction to know their hearts better than they do themselves, and to be certain that they can find no fault in this speech, however they may vilify it, while at the same time every honest American is perfectly satisfied with it. May we not indulge a hope that a considerable number of the ridiculous enemies of their own country and of their own selves, will take this opportunity of expressing some diminution of their temper, and some reconciliation with principle and honesty? This is really to be desired, though the season for petitionary hopes and argumentative remonstrance is far gone by, and will never again return. They will for the future be only consulted by each other, and the time they choose to lose will be nobody's time, thank God, but their own.
There will always be in all such contests such a time as the present, when there is no longer any question but such a defeated error may continue to raise from trifling circumstances and fractional doubts. To be sure, this is the only country where such doubts could maintain the character of party, because in all others the Executives have an immemorial customary authority become so habitual as not a moment to be resisted, to enforce whatever the deliberation of the respective nations, under whatever form it exists, may have determined. Thus in England, the King, the Executive of that nation so beautifully illustrated by Montesquieu and De Lolme, however his prerogative may have amassed in many reigns a vast number of inconsiderable and obsolete particulars, has justified in this great and momentous period whatever the admirers of that government have ever anticipated. It would not be doing me justice for this observation to answer me with French unprincipled reflections upon the kingdom of England by the mouths of Jacobins who understand no government at all in respect of the utility of power; nor in fact, perhaps in any respect whatever. We must reason on such governments as the world affords, for we have no other. England is a free government though a qualified monarchy—and it is enough for my present purpose to say that whatever its mode of action or constituted authorities may be, it has better answered the interest of the subject and the nation than any other which exists, not excepting our own. It has an executive, which when supported by act of parliament, can crush rebellion, repel invasion, and secure prosperity. In the course of these communications it has been shown that all the American governments are emulations of the English form, and whatever may yet be said, they are none the worse for that, especially as the long accumulated prerogatives of the English executive, are rejected in our more juvenile constitutions. Long may they continue pure; but that the Executive shall not be trampled upon because he is not a King, the people have had the good sense to say repeatedly, and yet will say.
I admire the just judgment of Mr. Adams in exercising the office of President of the United States, as much as I glory in the fine sense of our nation upon which it has so boldly, yet I trust so safely, been made to depend. The beautiful characteristic of the speech by which it declines the triumph of the President and Congress for a mere manly, sensible, and adequate statement of our affairs with France, must give pleasure, and for my own part I can say unexpected pleasure. We see in the correct conduct of the officer the reward of our support, and the promise of safety. We see that the American people need not now be afraid of France nor of themselves, and this is enough for us to see. We behold a mere President of the United States untainted with political theories and personal considerations, doing for the nation what he ought to do, and leaving undone what he ought not to do, possessing a perfect conception of the subject, and regarding nothing else. Long may the process which the people have adopted for selecting this officer have the success which it has yet had of producing to their unexperienced eyes the officer itself instead of barely honors to men! May we none of us see the time when the oppression and vexation with which it is so liberally endowed shall make the people sensible that they must go the way of all the earth and have a King!
This my countrymen may depend upon, that while we live, nothing will tend so much to the prevention of arbitrary power as a true discernment and decided support of the presidential office. Is this a problem? With her foreign influence and domestic faction tended but to destroy its precious consequence? And what
is clearer than that if it could be annihilated, there must either be none, or one much stronger? Had there already been none, what would have become of us? And certainly no person will contend for any thing like monarchy, supported by armies, if it can possibly be avoided. Let us hope that the House of Representatives will never be so misguided as to bring about monarchy by aging Europe in contending against Executives; as if they understood nothing but what they had read, and that only in a pedantic manner.
It seems as if the diabolical influence of France had been conducted with a most artful discernment and a lighted steadiness of aim. How dreadful are excellent talents in bad causes! Though the politics of that most wretched nation have so often been mangled by pretty ridiculous fellows as to give here and there an opening for a return of their own lances, yet such, in sober sadness, has been the sweeping tendency, deadly calculation, and unblushing urgency of the measures of this tremendous revolution, and so uniformly has party (the highest motive in common cases) been forgotten by extirpation, or lost in the superior sentiment of universal sway, that the vast phenomenon has beclouded or totally eclipsed the ordinary powers and economy of the world. Nature has been no longer nature. This political comet has rapidly traversed the metaphysical system, and superstition has bent the knee, while philosophy has shuddered as it passed. The gravity of sentiment will again find its center, and even poor Religion to contemptuously repelled in the mad career, will yet be heard with a mixture of dreadful regret and inadequate consolation when she declares THE VANITY OF ALL THINGS!
Jacobins may say what they please, and think whatever they can—but neither France nor they are going to govern the world. If the pitiful consequence of perplexing it is what they seek, they may obtain it, and are even now in actual possession. But it is another thing which will expel the mischief and keep the reins—a thing superior to France and Jacobinism, and I hope to the Devil, I mean THE NATURE OF MAN! who can be, but what he can be, will never be perfect, and must be modest before he can be happy! (To be continued.)
FOR THE GAZETTE.
SUCH THINGS ARE.
NUMBER III.
"To be—or not to be"—at War, "That is the question."
IT was the observation of the celebrated BURLEMAQUI in his treatise on political law (vol. 2, p. 224) that the law of God no less enjoins a whole nation to take care of their preservation, than it does private men. The same writer adds—"It is just to employ force against those who seek to violate the law of sociability towards us, to deprive us of our advantages, and even to destroy us. It is therefore for the good of society, that a people should be able to suppress the malice and efforts of those who subvert the foundations of it; otherwise the human species would become the victims of robbery and licentiousness;—for the right of making war, properly speaking, is the most powerful means of maintaining peace."
This observation, the truth of which, is so obvious to our reason, and so fully justified by the experience of all nations, bears conviction with it. It is also true that indignity offered to national flags; insults to ambassadors of peace and friendly negotiation, who bear the authority and represent a whole people; violations of national treaties solemnly entered into; unlawful depredations and piracies on the property of merchants, belonging to a nation at peace, and in alliance; public attempts by foreign ambassadors to foment discord and disaffection among the people towards their government; secret intrigues to subvert the principles of government and stimulate sedition and rebellion—ever have been, and ever ought to be considered as violations of national duties even if they are not stipulated for by treaties of amity, alliance and commerce. And in the history of all nations they are considered as just causes of war—they have even been deemed to render it absolutely necessary and indispensable—the necessity is indeed dreadful; but, alas!—Such things are!
Now though we deprecate war as the worst of all human calamities, yet, as Americans, we should not hesitate by an appeal to Heaven, to seek justice by the sword, rather than by patient suffering to augment the iniquity of an enemy. War should never be declared on slight grounds; nor is it on trivial pretences, so often waged, as many seem to suppose.
We would not be understood to advocate war, neither do we justify nice delicacy, or extreme principles of honor among nations; but when a people whose national privileges have been invaded; whose independence has been threatened; and more especially, when every solemn tie has been broken, their treaties in-
fringed, or, their commerce plundered, their citizens imprisoned, maltreated and even murdered, by a nation who were bound to respect and protect them;—and when the humane policy of its government endeavoured in vain by friendly negotiations to check those alarming excesses—it is the duty of that people to stop the ravages of such an enemy by efficient means, and to resort to the last measure by which a nation can compel justice; left by a tame and cowardly endurance of suffering, they sanction greater evils, and hazard every national right and privilege.
We have before observed, that the crimes of France are unequalled in the annals of human depravity; it has already been seen, that neither religion, morality nor humanity have power to check her insolence. What indeed can be expected from a people whose religion is atheism , whose morality is murder, piracy and every vice , and whose policy is dominion !
It is not our intention to prove that France has broken every engagement of alliance, amity and friendship with us;—alas, with what nation have they adhered to any principle of national honor or to any tie which binds one community to any other?—With what indignation does every one, once a citizen of Geneva, of Switzerland, of Rome, and even her own oppressed citizens, exclaim such things are! Neither is it our intention to open the volume of crimes she has committed towards us—to those who are yet unbelievers , we do not endeavor to convince—the attempt must be fruitless.—Our design is briefly to show the duty and justice we owe to ourselves by a public declaration of war, and the advantages of such a measure.
But the limits of a periodical publication compel us to be brief—we will therefore concisely state some of the advantages we should gain, and the evils we should avoid by a war.
1st. There is a material difference between offensive and defensive war; and if war be now declared against France, it must be of the latter description. If any war can be just, it is that in which conquest and plunder bear no part, and to which self preservation is the sole motive.
2d. Such is now the crisis of our exterior affairs , that should we not declare war, the several acts of our government permitting our vessels to arm, and in restraining all commerce with the French West India islands will have an effect to injure ourselves. These acts were designed to manifest our zeal to preserve our rights, and as a prelude to an open declaration of war, unless France should be disposed to do us justice. Should we therefore recede from the policy which dictated those laws, it will be inculcating the idea that we have been precipitate, and that France has a cause of complaint against us, and very much tend to augment the number of her partisans in this country.
3d. Such is the crisis of our domestic divisions , that nothing short of a declaration of war will tend to unite the people. So long as there is any appearance of compact between France and America, the partisans of the former may manifest their attachment, and inculcate their principles, with greater security, and with apparent honesty. If therefore war be formally declared, they must relinquish those attachments and principles, or be treated as traitors, and viewed in the same degrading light with the late American Tories. This would tend much to our union and give additional weight to the measures of our national government.
4th. War would give a spring to our national interests abroad. Our resistance to the common enemy of mankind, would propagate exalted ideas of our power and resources. The advantages to be derived from such a character are almost incalculable. Other nations would be careful of their conduct towards us, grant us many favors not in our power to acquire; and our trade, the very life of our government, would be more extensively courted, and on more advantageous terms.
5th. To preserve and encrease our private and pecuniary interests, war must be declared—Our merchants have already suffered by the depredations of France to the amount of fifty millions of dollars; and should peace take place, there is no great probability of her ever being able (even if she had the inclination) to refund us this sum. If war be declared, these depredations would in some measure cease, because our commerce would be more amply protected by convoys, and we should be allowed the privilege of making reprisals on the commerce of France. Altho' the property of France on the ocean is but small; yet, now and then, our enterprising merchants would reimburse themselves the expence of arming; and many of them perhaps make up the losses they have sustained. Such a state of things, would reduce the number of French armed vessels, and the residue, most probably, would be kept within their own harbours, and the ports of their own islands. This must necessarily occasion much distress to the islanders—their want of provisions, and other articles of our growth, would induce them to declare themselves independent.
6th. We should consider the blessings we en-
joy, as a kind of legacy intrusted to us for posterity. We are therefore prompted by every motive worthy the breaths of free men, to use our best endeavours to preserve our rights and privileges, and the crimes of France towards us, should inspire the belief, that nothing short of an eternal war with French measures and French principles , can any longer entitle us to the blessings of American citizens.—With robbers and atheists the most solemn engagements are idle farces, only calculated to deceive and amuse; if they make a compact they conform to it, only so long as convenience may dictate, and they are not in for, long enough to justify the most flagrant breaches of faith.
In fine, in our present situation, we suffer all the evils we could suffer in war, without any advantage which any nation has ever derived from it. D.
National U.S.A. Concerns.
Legislature of the Union.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THURSDAY, DEC. 13.
Mr. Kittera was appointed a manager of Blount's Impeachment, vice Mr. Stiggeaves, resigned. The Senate by message, informed that, William Blount had been summoned to appear before the Senate to take his trial the 3d Monday in December, to answer to his Impeachment. Mr. Nicholas announced that he meant to move for the repeal of the Alien and Sedition laws. Adjourned.
FRIDAY, DEC. 14.
The General Bankruptcy Bill was brought in and read. When the hour arriving for waiving on the President, the House in a body accordingly repaired to the President's house, & presented him the following
ANSWER TO THE SPEECH.
SIR, THE House of Representatives unite with you in deploring the effects of the defoliated malady, by which the seat of government, and other parts of our country, have recently been visited. In calling our attention to the fatality of its repeated ravages, and inviting us to consider the expediency of exercising our constitutional powers in aid of the health laws of the respective states, your recommendation is sanctioned by the dictates of humanity and liberal policy. On this interesting subject we feel the necessity of adopting every wise expedient for preventing a calamity so distressing to individual sufferers, and so prejudicial to our national commerce.
That our finances are in a rpo'perous state, notwithstanding the commercial derangements resulting from this calamity, and from external embarrassments, is a satisfactory manifestation of the great extent and solidity of the public resources. Connected with this situation of our fiscal concerns, the assurance that the legal provisions for obtaining revenue by direct taxation will fulfil the views of the legislature, is pecuniarily acceptable.
Defirous as we are that all causes of hostility, may be removed, by the amicable adjustment of national differences, we learn with satisfaction, that, in pursuance of our treaties with Spain & Great Britain, advances have been made for definitively settling the controversies relative to the southern and north eastern limits of the United States. With similar sentiments have we received your information, that the proceedings under commissions, authorized by the same treaties, afford to a respectable portion of our citizens, the prospect of a final decision on their claims for maritime injuries committed by subjects of those powers.
It would be the theme of mutual felicitation, were we assured of experiencing similar moderation and justice from the French Republic, between which & the United States differences have unhappily arisen. But this is denied us by the ultimate failure of the measures which have been taken by this government towards an amicable adjustment of those differences and by the various inadmissible pretensions on the part of that nation.
The continuing in force the decree of January last, to which you have more particularly pointed our attention, ought, of itself, to be considered as demonstrative of the real intentions of the French government—That decree proclaims a predatory warfare against the unqualified rights of neutral commerce; which with our means of defence, our interest and our honour commands us to repel. It therefore, now becomes the United States, to be as determined in resisting as they have been patient in suffering, and condescending in negotiation.

While those who direct the affairs of France persist in the enforcement of decrees hostile to our essential rights, their conduct forbids us to confide in any of their professions of Amity.
As therefore the conduct of France hitherto exhibits nothing which ought to change or relax our measures of defence, the policy of extending and invigorating those measures demands our sedulous attention. The sudden & remarkable advantages which this country has experienced from a small naval armament sufficiently prove the utility of its establishment. As it respects the guarding of our coast, the protection of our trade, and the facility of safely transporting the means of territorial defence to every part of our maritime frontier, an adequate naval force must be considered as an important object of national policy. Nor do we hesitate to adopt the opinion, that, whether negotiations with France are resumed or not, vigorous preparations for war will be alike indispensable.
In this conjuncture of affairs, while with you we recognize our abundant cause of gratitude to the Supreme Disposer of events for the ordinary blessings of Providence, we regard as of high national importance the manifestation in our country, of a magnanimous spirit of resistance to foreign domination. This spirit merits to be cherished and invigorated, by every branch of government, as the estimable pledge of national prosperity and glory.
Disdaining a reliance on foreign protection; wanting no foreign guarantee of our liberties; resolving to maintain our national independence against every attempt to despoil us of this inestimable treasure; we confide under Providence, in the patriotism and energies of these United States for defeating the hostile enterprises of any foreign power.
To adopt with prudent foresight such systematical measures as may be expedient for calling forth those energies wherever the national exigencies may require, whether on the ocean, or on our own territory—and to reconcile with the proper security of revenue, the convenience of merchantile enterprise, on which so great a proportion of the public resources depends—are objects of moment which shall be duly regarded in the course of our deliberations.
Fully as we accord with you in the opinion, that the United States ought not to submit to the humiliation of sending another minister to France, without previous assurances sufficiently determinate, that he will be duly accredited, we have heard, with cordial approbation, the declaration of your purpose, steadily to observe those maxims of humane and pacific policy by which the United States have hitherto been governed. While it is left with France to take the requisite steps for accommodation, it is worthy the Chief Magistrate of a free people, to make known to the world, that justice on the part of France will annihilate every obstacle to the restoration of a friendly intercourse, & that the executive authority of this country will respect the sacred rights of embassy. At the same time, the wisdom and decision, which have characterised your past administration, assure us no illusory professions will seduce you into any abandonment of the rights which belong to the United States, as a free and independent nation.
REPLY:
GENTLEMEN, MY sincere acknowledgements are due to the House of Representatives of the United States, for this excellent Address, so consonant to the character of Representatives of a great and free people. The judgment and feelings of a nation I believe were never more truly expressed by their representatives, than those of our constituents, by your decided declaration, that with our means of defence, our interest and honor command us to repel a predatory warfare against the unquestionable rights of neutral commerce—That it becomes the United States to be as determined in resistance as they have been patient in suffering and condescending in negotiation—That while those who direct the affairs of France persist in the enforcement of decrees, so hostile to our essential rights, their conduct forbids us to confide in any of their professions of amity; that an adequate naval force must be considered as an important object of national policy, and that whether negotiations with France are resumed or not, vigorous preparations for war, will be alike indispensable.
The generous disdain you so coolly and deliberately express, of a reliance on foreign protection, wanting no foreign guarantee of our liberties, resolving to maintain our National Independence against every attempt to despoil us of this inestimable treasure, will meet the full approbation of every sound understanding, and exulting applauses from the heart of every faithful American.
I thank you, gentlemen, for your candid approbation of my sentiments on the subject of the negotiation, and for the declaration of your opinion, that the policy of extending and invigorating our measures of defence, and the adoption with prudent foresight, of such systematical measures as may be expedient for calling forth the energies of our country, wherever the national exigencies may require, whether on the ocean, or on our own territory, will demand your most sedulous attention.
At the same time I take the liberty to assure you, it shall be my vigilant endeavour, that no illusory professions shall seduce me into an abandonment of the rights which belong to the United States, as a free and independent nation.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, Dec. 14, 1798.
Committees were raised on various parts of
the President's Speech.—A committee of Ways and Means was chosen.—Mr. Dawson moved to amend the motion for printing 20,000 copies of the Sedition Law, by adding certain parts of the Constitution supposed to be influenced by it. Negatived 41 to 35. Mr. Harper's motion for printing the laws passed 45 to 34.
MONDAY, DEC. 17.
The Speaker laid before the House a report received from the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, containing the accounts for the last year which were ordered to be printed.
Mr. Nicholas moved a resolution, that the Secretary of the navy be directed to lay before the house an account of all the armed vessels employed in the service of the United States, and of all those preparing, their expense, and annual support. This was postponed till tomorrow.
Mr. Dawson moved that the committee of ways and means be instructed to bring in a bill providing for the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, which was carried.
TUESDAY, DEC. 18.
Mr. J. Parker willed his colleague (Mr. Nicholas) would withdraw his motion, in order that it might be renewed on an enlarged scale; Mr. N. consented and a motion for causing an estimate to be laid before the house, of all armed vessels employed by government, all preparing for the said purpose, where the said vessels were built, by what contracts, their respective sizes, force, and number of men, with the names of the commanders, &c. was made, and agreed to by the house.
Messrs Otis, Rutledge, Goodrich, S. Smith, Champlin, Spaight, & Dent are the committee appointed for considering that part of the President's Speech which relates to the extending and invigorating the measures of a national defence.
Messrs J. Parker, Pinckney, Sewall, Champlin, Baldwin, Griswold and Van Courtland, are the Committee for the naval establishment.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19.
Mr. Claiborne, moved a resolution to have printed and circulated a large edition of the Constitution of the United States; which was committed to a committee of three members the number of copies was fixed at 40 000.
Mr. Harper reported the enumeration act, which was twice read.
The house, on motion of Mr. D. Foller, decided against the petition of John Daniels.
Adjourned.
HIGH COURT of IMPEACHMENT.
PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 18.
This morning the managers on the part of the House of Representatives for conducting the impeachment of William Blount, and Messrs. Dallas and Ingeroll, as counsel for Mr. B. appeared in the Senate. On motion of Mr. Harper, chairman of the managers, on the part of the Representatives, further proceedings were postponed until Monday next.
The process was served on Mr. Blount, at his residence in Tennessee in the month of August last. But he not having appeared, the question whether the impeachment shall be conducted in his absence, will be decided upon by the House of Representatives, previous to further proceedings.
From J. Russell's Gazette—Dec. 24.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Virginia, to his friend in Philadelphia, dated Nov. 23.
"J. Brackenridge made a journey last August, from Kentucky to the eastern parts of Virginia, and brought back with him, ready pended, the nine resolutions, that are now so much talked of in the western parts of the country."
[These resolutions have been published in the southern papers, and while their incongruities have excited the contempt and ridicule of the learned and sensible, their novelty and unparallelled boldness have astonished the weak and timid. Should they be concurred in by the Legislature, the suspicion of a coalition between the States of Virginia and Kentucky to secede from the federal government, would be highly strengthened. In the old dominion, a spirit of ambition and domination, has long been its distinguishing feature; and Kentucky, formed for the most part of renegades and daring adventurers, from the old and new world, is a fit tool for the most corrupt purposes. A letter from a choice Kentucky spirit has been published, which gives a clue to their dark machinations. "We look up to Virginia" (says this son of anarchy) "as the head of a respectable opposition to the most diabolical laws that were ever attempted to be imposed on a free and enlightened people."—Can we now be surprised at the opposition and industry of Jefferson, Giliatin, Logan, the Braker ridges of the mountain, and their numerous dupes, who have all their promised reward. A system begins to appear—the light is breaking forth.]
IMPORTANT!
Mr. Jacob Mayer, American Consul at St. Domingo, has arrived at Philadelphia, accompanied by a French gentleman, bearing an important mission from Gen. Touissant to our Executive.
An extraordinary meeting of the members of the Legislature of the state of Tennessee, was summoned by the Governor, to convene on the 1st of
Fresh Intelligence.
Received by the ship Liberty, Capt. Jenkins, arrived at Newburyport, from Hamburg.
The Fate of Buonaparte!
GERMANY.—VIENNA, OCT. 13.
AN official account from Constantinople to the Turkish ambassador here, announces, that the Bays of Egypt having embodied a very strong army near Cairo, under the direction of several English officers, on the 9th Sept. attacked the army of Buonaparte. The Bays met, as they expected, a bold resistance; but succeeded so far as to dislodge them from the capital of Egypt, and its neighborhood; and obliged them to retreat to Rosetta. This battle continued during the whole day; and the loss on both sides was very great. The Divan of Constantinople were in daily expectation of receiving the information that Buonaparte had capitulated; as they could neither advance nor retire; and were in want of necessaries. A confirmatory account mentions, that the French army was reduced to 10,000 men. After those repeated losses, Buonaparte proposed a capitulation to the Turks; stipulating for a safe passage from Egypt; but the Bays refused it, as they were convinced of forcing him to surrender at discretion.
FRENCH ACCOUNT.
PARIS, OCT. 18.
The Directory have received dispatches from Buonaparte. The courier was two months on his journey. On the 7th July he left Alexandria for Cairo; and on the 20th, arrived at the Pyramids—where he ordered the names of the warriors who had fallen in the capture of Alexandria, to be engraved on the Pyramid of Pompey; and their bodies buried at its foot. In marching from Alexandria he had battles with the Mamelucks, at Rahmania, Chebreiss, near the Pyramids, and at the gates of Cairo, which he entered the 22d July. After entering Cairo, he employed himself in the organization of the Egyptian provinces.
His adversaries, Marat Bey had retired to Upper Egypt; and Ibrahim Bey in Lower Egypt.—Against the former he had thrown up intrenchments five leagues in front of Cairo, and had sent a strong detachment against the latter, who had retreated to Gaza. What has since happened to Buonaparte the Redacteur does not say.
Destruction of the French Transports.
The official dispatches also announce, that admiral Nelson had completely destroyed the French ships in Alexandria harbour, to the number of 366, including those of Venice and Ragusa. When the wind favoured, the admiral directed his bomb vessels to assail the French forts on the shore, and then sent fire ships amongst them, which taking the windward ones, immediately communicated the flames to the whole squadron. It is said two Venetian ships of the line, were of the number.
Malta opposing the French.
VIENNA, OCT. 17.
The rising of the Maltese against the French, is confirmed. They are driven to St. Elmo, and have been summoned to surrender. The Maltese flag is every where displayed. The French force left by Buonaparte is greatly reduced.
We learn from Malta, that the French garrison of St. Elmo was destitute of provisions, and could not stand a long siege. Admiral Nelson is forming measures for the blockade of Malta.
ITALY.—PADOVA, OCT. 11.
Yesterday two couriers passed through this city for Vienna, from Naples. Their dispatches contain the fate of Malta. The English and Russian fleets had appeared before, and commenced bombarding the capital. They had landed troops, and had taken Valetta.
Destruction of the Brest Fleet!
Translated from the Hamburg Correspondent, Oct. 26, 1798.
LONDON, OCT. 19.
Dispatches from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, were yesterday received, stating, that on the 12th inst. a sea engagement, between 16 ships, was seen from the Isle of Tery [Isle of Ireland, county of Denga.] It began at three o'clock, P. M. and continued between five and six hours. One vessel was totally dismantled; one had all her masts and rigging shot away; five took flight, and steered off westerly; which were pursued;—and two vessels sunk at the close of the engagement.
It is without doubt, the above ships were part of the fleet which sailed with troops from Brest. One squadron under Sir J. B. Warren, on the 10th was off Brandhaven; and the squadron under Commodore Home, consisting of three sail of the line, and two frigates, passed the Shannon the 8th. One or the other of these squadrons must have been in this engagement; and we have reason to believe that not a single enemy's vessel has escaped.
The following contains further information. On the 12th, there was a sea-fight between one of our squadrons (probably Warren's) and the French; and as we believe a decided one. The
account is from a person, who, from the shore, saw the battle; who adds, that three French frigates anchored in the bay of Donegal, and landed their troops; which were driven back by the inhabitants—That six transports were taken. These frigates, and these engaged off Tery, are supposed to constitute all the Brest squadron.
Warlike Appearances.
ITALY.—FLORENCE, SEPT. 18.
The French army of Italy has entered the Neapolitan dominions in a hostile manner, tho' without a formal declaration of war.
TURKEY.—CONSTANTINOPLE, SEPT. 21.
IMPORTANT DETECTION.
Jean Bon St. Andre, late French resident at Smyrna, was this day, with his suite, brought here, and lodged in the Castle of the Seven Towers. Among his papers was found a plan for revolutionizing the Ottoman Empire. In consequence of which, 30,000 men are ordered to march to certain places, where French politics have been favoured. Thirty seven cannons were found in the Palace Francaise, lately occupied by the French minister at Constantinople, but now converted into a prison, where the non emigrant French, who have not taken an oath of fidelity to the Grand Seignor are confined.
An expedition against the south of France, in retaliation for the invasion of Egypt, is contemplated. Our Court is to furnish 30,000 men.
The Russian and Turkish fleets, late in our waters, presented the grandest spectacle ever seen in this city; and it is conjectured this armament has for its objects the possession of the French in the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, and the Gulf of Genoa. The places particularly contemplated are Ancona, Civitta, Vecchia, &c. and the city of Genoa, in which the Turks expect to find great booty. Before the Russian fleet failed, admiral Ushchakow received dispatches from his Court at St. Petersburg, upon which he had a long conference with the ministry. The greatest degree of union and secrecy prevails between the Russian and English ministers, and our Divan; and the former are even present in the private Councils, on our internal state affairs. The entry of the French in Egypt, has drawn the cords of friendship between us and Russia more close.
HAMBURGH, OCT. 18.
The French have detached 8000 men of their army in Switzerland, to the Austrian territory; which they have entered, and commenced ravaging. The Emperor considers this as the first act in the renewed tragedy of war.
The crews of eight French ships in the harbour of Constantinople, have been made prisoners of war.
PARIS, OCT. 18.
The Turkish Minister has been arrested, and committed to the Temple.
VIENNA, OCT. 13.
As nothing further is to be apprehended from the rebellion in Turkey, the Russian troops which were marching through Moldavia and Wallachia, for Widdien, have continued their route towards Italy. For the other two columns destined for Germany, the Emperor has directed magazines to be provided in his hereditary dominions.
The Russian fleet which has passed the Dardanelles, has a great number of troops on board.
Miscellaneous Articles.
LONDON, OCT. 19.
The two French frigates Justice and Diana, which escaped from the battle off the Nile, have been taken by the Colossus, Capt. Murray, of 74 guns, off Malta.
From Lisbon, Oct. 6th, we learn, that advices from Lord St. Vincents, state, that since the battle off the Nile, the situation of Buonaparte had changed greatly; and that he had now more enemies, than he ever had friends. Six of the French ships taken off Nile, are now equipped, and taken into the British service. In addition to this, the Colossus, besides the two frigates, has taken 250 transport ships, and destroyed many.
The Jasin, of 38 guns, Capt. Sterling, in chasing 6 vessels into Brest, got upon a rock and beat to pieces. The Captain and crew were made prisoners, except six seamen, who jumped into a boat, and after many difficulties reached England.
The Dutch have in the Texel, a fleet of 11 sail of the line, and nine frigates. The Admiral's ship is the Washington, of 74 guns. In the Maes at Amsterdam and Rotterdam, they have 12 more of line, and six frigates.
Rear Admiral Orde has demanded a Court-Martial on Lord St. Vincents, for neglect of duty, as an Admiral; but the Admiralty has refused the request.
NAPLES, SEPT. 26.
Yesterday the King gave a grand dinner to Admiral Nelson, and his officers. The Admiral has recovered from his wounds. His ship, the Vanguard, of 74 guns, came in dismasted, towed by two frigates.
The English squadron which has been cruising off Sicily, has now gone to the coast of Egypt. Another division cruises off Malta.
HAMBURG, [Imperial City] OCT. 12.
The Grand Seignor has made rich presents

all the British naval officers, and 85,000 dol- lars to the seamen engaged in the battle off the Nil. He considers them as the preservers of the Ottoman Empire in Africa. The Grand Seignor lately went in person on board the Russian fleet, which lately arrived from the Euxine. An instance of confidence unparalleled in history. The Russians were hos- pitably treated in Constantinople.
HOLLAND.—HAGUE, OCT. 23. The severe decree against all English goods is no more. It was decreed on the 31 Oct. that no confiscation of goods by land or sea should take place on the account of their having been English, in the republic. This decree is sanc- tioned, and the Directory has made a proclama- tion of it to the people.
From the Newburyport paper, Dec. 25. Capt. Jenkins informs that it was reported and generally believed at Hamburg, that a French squadron from Brest, bound to Ireland had been captured and destroyed by the English fleet, but have not received any translation from the Ger- man papers respecting it. Perhaps we can be more particular in our next. The measures of our government respecting the French Repub- lic, were highly applauded at Hamburg, and had encouraged the Hanse towns to think and speak in a more decisive manner against the in- equitous proceedings of the French government. The American Consul at Hamburg informed Capt. Jenkins, that nothing could be gathered from French prints with respect to America; but that they continued to condemn all Ameri- can vessels carried into their ports. It was re- ported about a fortnight before he sailed, that the Directory had sent Commissioners to this country to negotiate a settlement of the subsis- ting differences.
BOSTON, DEC. 26. In the second edition of the "Hamburg Cor- respondent" of the 27th October, it is announce- d:—"By an extraordinary opportunity, we have received OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS from London, that on the 12th October, Sir John B. Warren's squadron, had defeated the French Brest fleet, and captured the French ship Hoche of 84 guns, and four frigates. Sir John further writes, that the French ships which fled from the battle, will not be able to reach the ports of France. The above may be relied on. "
THE GAZETTE.
Portland.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1798.
The foreign news given in detail this day, will be found highly interesting. It augurs favorable to the rapid diminution of French power, and French intrigue.—The disasters of Buonaparte—the def- eat of his transports—the opposition to France by Malta—and the destruction of the Brest fleet, are among the most prominent articles. The te- nors Congress of Rastadt seems drawing to a close, and the crisis is at hand for an insulted world dreadfully to avenge the unnumbered crimes of peace-destroying Frenchmen.
The local matters in this day's Gazette, are well worth attention.
THE YEAR, Which ends this day, has been replete with the most astonishing vicissitudes, that have for ages arrested the attention of man. Future generations will doubt the veracity of the historian, and scarcely credit the events which mark the close of the eighteenth century. —The United States of America now rank high in the scale of nations; and, having shaken off their foreign connections, may they ever remain the free, sovereign, and independent EMPIRE OF THE WEST.
Where is Jefferson ?—and what is he about? It is high time to investigate these questions. His almost continual absence from the post of duty, leaves strong ground to doubt his solici- tude for his country—unless, indeed, he should think with the great body of his countrymen that his services are no longer necessary. But if he is engaged in conspiracy let him be expo- sed.
When the Address of the House of Repre- sentatives, in answer to the President's speech, had been agreed on, Mr. Thatcher wished, as no objection was made to the address, that it might be entered on the Journals as unanimously agreed to; but on the question being put, a few voices being heard, the speaker declared it not car- ried.—May the Jacobins never be more than a few now!—The choice in the States of N. Caro- lina, S. Carolina, and Georgia, of 14 federalists in lieu of 14 demots , at present in Congress from those States, it is hoped will soon crush the in- tolerant opposition party.
Mr. BALDWIN, the correspondent of JOEL BARLOW, has lost his election.
STATEMENT of the VOTES for FEDERAL REP- RESENTATIVES in MAINE.
FIRST EASTERN DISTRICT. Total votes 1455. HON. SILAS LEE had 867, and is chosen. Residue for Messrs. Dearborn 479, Dummer 96, Rice, Neal, and Sewall.
SECOND EASTERN DISTRICT. Total votes 1246. HON. PELEG WADS- WORTH had 897, and is chosen. Resi- due for Messrs. Turner, Longfellow, McLellan, Wedgery, Russell, Hiley and Thacher.
THIRD EASTERN DISTRICT. Total votes 1214. HON. GEORGE THATCHER had 772, and is chosen.— The residue for Messrs. Folsom, Tucker, Clark and Cuts.
Randall Rice, who in August term of the Supreme Judicial Court, held in Boston, was declared guilty by the jury of breaking open Nantucket Bank, and stealing, has been pardon- ed by the Governor. [Bank robbers are lately treated with a surprising delicacy!]
TO CORRESPONDENTS. Verses "To the New-Year," shall be published in my next.
MARRIED —At Newbury, Major Thomas Noyes, aged 67, to Mrs. Sarah Chase, aged 66.
DIED —At Kittery Mr. Joel Haley, aged 58.—Mr. David Pope—Mrs. Jane Keene—and Miss Sukey Far- nall, a young lady of an amiable disposition and en- gaging manners.
In this town, Mrs. Abigail Riggs, aged 50, wife of Mr. Joseph Riggs.
Marine Articles.
Port of Portland.
Wednesday, arrived sloop Harris , Jones, from Boston.
Thursday, arrived sloop Argo , McLellan, and sloop Hail , also from Boston.
The following was landed by a correspondent in Biddeford.
BIDDEFORD, DEC. 28.
Tuesday morning the 25th inst. the Schooner Dolphin of Marblehead, burthen 63 tons, James Bowles of said Marblehead, sole owner, John Johnson master, was discovered on the rocks near a little island at the entrance of Winter- harbour, in the district of Biddeford and Pep- perellborough. Mr. Bunker the inspector there went on board, no person to be found, deck sweep, hold full of Wood, her rudder gone, keel pretty much gone, sails loose, one anchor on her bow, the other was thrown off a little before she struck—Mr. Bunker has taken a number of articles out of her cabin, such as the Captain's chest, in which were his papers, a chest of Cabinet maker's tools, &c. &c.
The Fortitude , Dyer , and Caroline Strong , of this port—the Neptune , Moulton , and Har- riot , Rynes of Old York—Union, Larrabee , of Northyarmouth—and Friendship , Bucking , of Kennebec, are all condemned at Guadalupe.
Portsmouth, Dec. 22.—Capt. Charles Trend- well, who was captured in the ship Caroline , of this port; and carried to Guadalupe, has got home, and gives the following information.
Victor Huges is sending off all the property he can to St. Thomas. (It is computed that he sent off five vessels within 12 days, upon his own account.) and about 25 or 30 privateers on different stations. He had one ship of 385 tons, loaded at the time of our de- parture: there was also from 12 to 20 sail of private armed merchant vessels getting ready for St. Croix & St. Thomas. The Le Ponce frigate of 44 guns was ready for sea, and (an English prize ship of 22 guns, 6, 9, and 12 pounders, destined for the coast of Bra- zils) A French cutter lately arrived from France was also ready to sail from St. Thomas. The priva- teer Deux Amies , of 44 guns, went into Basseterre with a Schooner of 12 guns, from Bal- timore, who fought the French privateer two hours. AMERICAN NAVY.
Besides the national armed ships which are built, commissioned, equipped, and now in the service of the United States, there are now building—4 of 44 guns—2 of 36 guns—4 of 32 guns—4 of 24 guns—and 2 of 18 guns.
NOTICE TO MARINERS.
All the merchant and other vessels, that sail from Point Petre, sail from the point early in the morning, run along shore, and anchor at Basse- terre or one mile to leeward of that port, and on the following night, if no English cruisers are in sight, they get under way and steer W. S. W. or S. W. 12 or 15 leagues to avoid or clear the Montserrat channel, then haul up for the east or west end of St. Croix.
Samuel Waldo's Estate.
NOTICE is hereby given to all con- cerned, that the subscriber has been duly appoint- ed Administratrix to the estate of SAMUEL WALDO, late of Portland in the county of Cumberland, Mer- chant, deceased; and has taken upon herself that trust by giving bond as the law directs. She therefore re- quests all persons, who have any demands on said estate, to bring in the same for settlement; and all those who are indebted to said estate to make payment without delay, to
SARAH TYNG WALDO, Administratrix. Portland, December 18, 1798.
William Cogswell's Estate.
NOTICE is hereby given to all con- cerned, that the subscriber has been duly ap- pointed Administratrix to the estate of WILLIAM COGSWELL, late of Portland in the county of Cum- berland, Merchant, deceased, and has taken upon herself that trust by giving bond as the law directs.— She therefore requests all persons, who have any de- mands on said estate, to bring in the same for settlement; and all those who are indebted to said estate, to make payment without delay, to
HANNAH P. COGSWELL, Administratrix. Portland, December 4, 1798.
Asa Sanborn's Estate.
THE subscriber hereby gives notice to all concerned, that he hath been duly ap- pointed Administrator on the estate of ASA SAN- BORN, late of Gorham, in the county of Cumberland, yeoman, deceased, and given bond as the law directs. As such he hereby calls upon all persons who have any claims against said estate, to exhibit the same, and up- on those who are indebted to said estate, to make im- mediate payment to
ELISHA SANBORN. Gorham, Dec. 20, 1798.
SALES AT AUCTION.
COUNTRY TRADERS AND OTHERS ARE IN- VITED TO ATTEND!
On Thursday, 3d of January (if a fair day, if not, the first fair day)
At the Auction-Room in Fifth-Street,
Will be sold by order of the Judge of Probate.
The stock in trade of a
Gentleman lately deceased—consisting of Broadcloths, Baizes, Flannels, Cam- lets, Calamancoes, Durants, Tammies, Shalloons, Sat- nets, Lustings, Wildbores, Mullins, Cambrics, Lawns, Irish Linens, Silk Gloves and Mitts, Satin, Mules, Ribbons, Sewing Silks, Scotch Threads, with a variety of other articles, too numerous to be particularized.
Sale at 10 o'clock. EDWARD OXNARD, Auctioneer. Those that purchase to the amount of 100 dollars, 60 days credit, giving a note with good endorsements.
AT THE SAME TIME WILL BE SOLD. A Feather Bed and four post Bedstead, mahogany foot posts—2 Bedquilts and Rugs—2 mahoga- ny Tables—Kitchen Chairs—Pine Chest of draws and Table. Portland, Dec. 29.
TO BE LET— OR SOLD ON GENEROUS CREDIT,
A Convenient Tene-
ment, for a family, with a Shop in front; together with a garden, yard, and convenient out house.—Situated opposite Market-square in this town.—Inquire of the PRINTER. Dec. 24.
20 Dollars Reward.
LOST, on the 27th Nov.
on the road between the Southwest Bend in Dur- ham and Freeport Corner, ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY DOLLARS in Bank Bills, and Nine Dollars in Silver. The Bills were tied up in a piece of writing paper, with a twine string—the whole contained in a light coloured Jane purse.—Any person having found the same, and will return it to the subscriber, shall be entitled to the above reward, and all necessary charges paid by me. JOHN CONVERSE. Durham, Dec. 17, 1798.
William Hudson,
Returns his thanks to the public for past favors, and informs them that he has removed to the NEW STORE at the head of Mr. IN GRAHAM's Wharf, where he solicits a continu- ance of their commands, and offers for Sale, AN ASSORTMENT OF
W. I. Goods & Groceries,
AMONG WHICH ARE,
Allspice, Allum, Awls and Hasts, An assortment of Crocker- ry Ware, An assortment of moroc- co, cloth, and leather Shoes, for men, women & children, Brown Sugar, Butter, Black ball, Bellows, Bed Cords, Bindings, Brads, Brals and wood liquor Cocks Coarse and fine Salt, Cask steel Bits, with flocks Cast steel Chisels & Files; Candles, mould & dipt, per box or lb. Chocolate, No 1 and 2, Cheese, Cotton, Coffee, Cart boxes, Cards, playing, Codlines, Currants, Cloves, Casks, Wool and cotton, Coppers Cinnamon, Chest and pad locks, Coke Soap, Cake ink, Cloth Lines, Elkott's Sunfl. English Mustard, Flour, Fish, Flint, Fluff, &c. Figs, Fax, Florens Oil, Fogg Tobacco, per cask or single pound, Flat Irons, Fish Hooks of all sizes, Gimblets, Ginger, Glafs, window, 7 by 9 and 8 by 10 German Steel, Gun Powder, Hard Soap, per box or lb. Hair Ribbon, Iron and blocktin Table & Tea Spoons, Ivory and Horn Combs, Iron Squares, Dividers India Sugars, Iron Shovels, Knives and Forks, Long Wood, Long and short Pipes, Men's women's, muffs & childrens Hat Molasses, Mackerel Lines, Mace, Nutmegs, Netting Twine, Nails, 4d, 6d, 8d, 10d, & 20d, Oiled Umbrellas, Proof Glafses, Poland Starch, Pen Knives, Pallboard, Pepper, Pins, Pigtail Tobacco, Paper, writing and wrap- ping, Pomatum, Powder Flasks, Raisins, Rules, Rice, Redwood, Rappe Snuff, Razors, Ra and Moule Traps, Scissors, Segars, Slates, Shot of all sizes, Shoe Brushes, Sieves, Spanish, French and Caro- lina Indigo, Sewing Twine, Shaving Boxes, Sewing Silks, Ston. Ware, Stand Stones, Smoking Tobacco, No. 1, 2, and 3, Thumb L. tches, Tacks, Tobacco Boxes, Tapes, Threads, Thimbles, Twils of all colours, TEAS—Hyson, Souchong and Bohea, of the best qualities, Violin Strings, Webster's Spelling Books, Warming Pans,
LIQUORS. Best French Brandy, Common ditto, W. I. and N. E. Rum, Hollands Geneva, Annoised, Clove Water, Snake Root, Cherry Rum, Draft Porter, Vinegar, Medicars, Sherry, Lisbon Wines, pure Port, & as imported. Malaga,
Portland, Dec. 24.
Justices' Blanks, for fa
at this Office.
To the Public.
THE President and Directors of the MASSACHUSETTS FIRE INSURANCE COM- PANY, anxious to keep in view the principle of public benefit, which gave origin to their institution, and to lessen, as far as in their power, the severity of misfortunes, consequent from those devastating fires to which we are exposed, have determined to reduce the Rates of Insurance, so far as they presume will meet the circumstances of every class of citizens. For a trifling sum annually, every individual can now have it in his power, to secure to his wife and family, a part of the earnings perhaps of a long life, from the grasp of this merciless tyrant, and to equalize his losses on the community. By these cautionary means, while he prefers the reward of his industry, he saves his feel- ings from the shock of humbling himself to petition, and secures the right boldly to demand compensa- tion.
The present rates of Insurance are as follows, calculated on a scale of reduction of 25 per cent, from the former rates, viz
1st Class —Houses or Stores, with brick or stone walls, and slate tile, lead, copper, or composition roofs, standing separate from other build- ings—50 cents on 100 dollars.
2d Class —Houses or Stores, with brick or stone walls, and slate, tile, lead, copper, or composition roofs, connected with other buildings, having brick partition walls of one or more feet above the roof—55 cents.
3d Class —Houses or Stores, with brick or stone walls, and wooden roofs, that stand separate from, or connected with other buildings, with brick partition walls of one or more feet above the roof —60 cents.
4th Class —Houses or Stores, with brick or stone walls and wooden roofs, connected with other buildings, without brick partition walls—65 cents.
5th Class —Houses or Stores, of wood or plaster walls, standing separate from other buildings—70 cents.
6th Class —Houses or Stores of wood, connected with other buildings—80 cents.
Where buildings are occupied for hazardous trades, or for storing hazardous merchand- ize, the premiums are regulated by the materials of the buildings, their situation, and the purposes to which they are applied. Homes, &c. in the country, situated remote from external hazards, are insured at reduced rates. All losses are paid by the Company in CASH, without any deduction, in thirty days after proof.
For Order. WILLIAM SCOLLY, Sec'y. N. B. Letters directed to the Secretary (Post- age paid) will be duly attended to. FIRE OFFICE, No. 16 State-Street, Boston, 27th Dec. 1798.
Simeon Quinby's Estate.
THE subscribers hereby give notice to all concerned, That having been duly ap- pointed administrators upon the estate of SIMEON QUINBY, late of Falmouth, in the county of Cumber- land, clothier, deceased, have taken upon themselves that trust, and given bond as the law directs. They therefore request all persons who are indebted to said deceased's estate to make immediate payment, and those who have any demands thereon to exhibit the same to SALLY QUINBY, ELIZABETH BURDICK, } Administratrices. Falmouth, Dec. 29, 1798.
JENKS'S SHEET ALMANACK. A few of the above Almanacks may be had at this Office. Dec. 31.
FRESH GOODS.
FRYE POOR,
Respectfully informs his customers and the public in general, that he has just received, and has ready for sale, at his Store in Fifth Street, opposite the Insurance Office, Portland, a general assortment of English & Hard Ware Goods, which he is determined to sell on as low terms [FOR CASH] as may be had at any store in town. among which are
Superfine & second Broad- cloths, Cashmers, Elafiks, Plains, Devon- shire Kerseys, Duffles; Swan-dow n, Blankets, A- merican manufactured Bedticking, Red, yellow and green Baizes, Black, white and yellow twilled Flan- nels, India Cottons, fustian for shirting and sheeting, Diapers, Linens, Brown Holland, Mullins, Mul- linets, Dimots, Pattee colored and purple Mull Shawls, Silk ditto, Silk Hankerchiefs, Black Moles and Satins, Colored ditto, Black, white and changeable Lustings, Perians, Sarinets; an as- sortment of long and short Kid Gloves, Men's leather and silk ditto, Men's f. ft. worked and gauze Stock- ings, Russels, Juranets, Shalloon and Caliman- coes, an assortment of Ribbons, Fashionable Calli- coes, Sewing Silks, Twils, Threads, Ladies' bark red and green Saper; an assortment of men's, boy's and children's Shoes, &c. &c.
HARD WARE.
4d, and 6d Nails; 3d, 4d, 5d, and 6d Nails, 14 oz. Tacks, and 2d. count Nails Thumb Latches, H and HL Hinges, Skets, cur- riombs, Wedging, Floor, hearth, cloth, furniture, shoe and comb Brushes, Bellows, Knives and Forks, Shovels and tongs, Brals and iron Candlesticks, Buckles, Buttons, Buck tin Teapots, Iron and block tin Spoons, Pewter Plates, Hammers, Flat Irons, Br. & Chimney Hooks, Brals Chaffing dishes, Dividers, Paint Brushes, Ivory, crooked and horn Combs, Gunter and pocket Rules, Augers, Adz, Chisels, Brass Nails, Spectacles, Screws, Razors, awls and pocket Trays, Looking Glafses, a sort- ment of Tin Ware, 9 by 7 Window Glafs, per box or square, Tea Canners, Knob and Ring locks, Bed Keys, Plain Irons, Polished Snuffers, Snuffer stands, Chopping Knives, Hand Vices, Saw Sets, Cupboard Tens, Small brass and iron Table Hinges, Flyes, crew drivers, Cutting Nippers, Awls and Tacks, Elastick and common Kutting Needles, Gun Worms, Cooper's Bits, Clafs, Sleeve Buttons, &c. &c. An assortment of Crockery Ware.
Also, Hyson, Souchong, and Bohea TEAS, Coffee, Chocolate, Loaf Sugar, Cinna- mon, Mace, Poland Starch, &c. Dec. 10.

POETRY.
NEW ENGLAND DESCRIBED.
[From Dr. Dwight's beautiful Poem.]
COLD is thy clime, but ev'ry western blast Brings health, and life, and vigor on its wings; Inarves the fleecy frame, and firms the soul With strength and hardihood; wakes each bold And manly purpose; bears above the ills, That stretch upon the rack the languid heart Of summer's maiden sons, in pleasure's lap Dandled to dull repose. Exertion strong Marks their whole life. Mountains before them sink, To mole-hills; oceans bar their course in vain. Thro' the keen wintry winds they break their way, Or summer's fiercest flame. Dread dangers rouse Their heart to pleasing conflicts; toils and woes Quickens their ardour; while in milder climes, Their peers effeminate their fee, with scorn On lazy plains, dissolv'd in putrid sloth, And struggling hard for being. Thy rough soil Tempts hardy Labour, with his sturdy team, To turn, with sinewy hand, the stony glebe, And call forth ev'ry comfort from the mould, Unpromising, but kind. Thy houses, barns, Thy granaries, and thy cellars, hence are stor'd With all the sweets of life; while, thro' thy realm, A native beggar rarely pains the sight. Thy summer glows with heat; but choicest fruits Hence purple in the sun; hence sparkling flowers Gem the rich landscape: double harvests hence Load the full fields: pale Famine scowls aloof: And Plenty wantons round thy varied year. Rough is thy surface; but each landscape bright, With all of beauty, all of grandeur dress'd, Of mountains, hills, and sweetly winding vales, Of forests, groves and lawns, and meadows green, And waters, varied by the plastic hand, Thro' all their fairy splendor, ceaseless, charms Poetic eyes. Spring, bubbling round the year, Gay-wand'ring brooks, wells at the surface full, Yield life, and health, and joy, to every house, And every vivid field. Rivers, with foamy course Pour o'er the rugged cliff, the white cascade, And roll unnumber'd mills; or like the Nile, Fatten the beauteous interval; or bear The fails of commerce thro' the laughing groves. Hence every swain, free, happy, his own lord, With useful knowledge fraught, of business, laws, Moral, religion, life unaw'd by man, And doing all, but ill, his heart can wish. Looks round, and finds strange happiness his own.
Boston, December 24th, 1798.
FEAST of SHELLS,
OR, THE LANDING OF OUR FOREFATHERS.
"Festive honors crown the day, With garlands green, and votive lay, From whose auspicious dawn we trace The birth-right of our favor'd race, Which shall descend from sire to son, While seasons change, and rivers run."
SATURDAY being the 177th anniversary of the landing of our venerable FOREFATHERS, at Plymouth, the same was celebrated at Concert Hall, by a very respectable company, a considerable part of whom were the immediate descendants of the original settlers of the ancient colony. A dinner, suitable to the occasion, was provided with great taste, and judgement, being composed of wild meats, and fish, the natives of our country, which though formerly less elegantly served up, once afforded sustenance to the founders of New-England. The noble spirit of independence which marked the lives of the sires, appeared to animate their sons; and many ingenious Toasts, in which justice was done to past and present worthies, were drunk with a degree of affection, cordiality and sincerity, very different from the unmanly ferocity, and barbarous exultation of modern civic feasts.
This anniversary has been denominated "The Feast of Shells," and though the table was amply covered with the delicacies of the air, the woods, and the sea, "The Feast of Shells" was deservedly placed as the first course of the entertainment. The Hall was decorated with the revered portraits and faithful favors, of some of the chiefs of the first settlers. The guests were numerous, and consisted of several of the reverend clergy, & many of our most respectable citizens. General LINCOLN, presided.
The following elegant and patriotic Ode, written for the occasion by Mr. Thomas Paine, was repeatedly sung amidst the most unbounded applause:
O D E,
On the 177th Anniversary of the Landing of our FOREFATHERS,
At PLYMOUTH ROCK, December 22, 1620.
TUNE—"President's March."
SAINTED shades who durst to brave, In Freedom's ark, the patriot wave, Where, scarcely kenn'd by lynx-eyed fame, No traveller, but the Comet came, And, landing, on our wilds at last, Endur'd the tempest's raving blast, How rose your fail'd, when thro' the storm
Smil'd LIBERTY's celestial form. Her lyre to strains of seraph-strung, And thus the sacred paan sung!
CHORUS. Sons of Glory, patriot band, Welcome to my chosen land! To your Children leave it free, Or a DESERT LET IT BE!
II. Round the consecrated rock, Conven'd the patriarchal flock. And there, while every lifted hand Aflirm'd the charter of the land, The storm was hush'd, and round the zone Of heaven the mystic meteor shone; Which, like the rainbow seen of yore, Proclaim'd that SLAVERY'S FLOOD was o'er; That pilgrim man, so long oppress'd, Had found his promis'd place of rest.
CHORUS. Sons of glory, patriot band, Swear to guard this chosen land! To your Children leave it free, Or a DESERT LET IT BE!
III. Festive honors crown the day, With garland green, and votive lay, From whose auspicious dawn we trace The birth-right of our favour'd race, Which shall descend from sire to son, While seasons roll, and rivers run. Secur'd by CAXTON's civic skill, The sword of STANDISH guards it still, For empire's wheels an ADAMS guides, And WASHINGTON in arms precludes—
CHORUS. Sons of glory, patriot band, Swear to guard your native land! To your Children leave it free, Or a DESERT LET IT BE!
IV. Heirs of Pilgrims, now renew The oath your fathers swore for you, When first around the social board, Enrich'd from Nature's frugal board, The ardent vow to heaven they breath'd To shield the rights their sires bequeath'd! Let Faction from your realm be hurl'd; United, you defy the world: And, as a TRIBUTE, scorn to yield The Worm, that blights your blossom'd field!
CHORUS. Sons of glory, patriot band, Swear to guard your native land! To your Children leave it free, Or a DESERT LET IT BE!
Several other patriotic Songs were sung, among which were "Adams and Liberty," and the excellent anniversary Song, "Sons of Renowned Sires," first written for the Plymouth celebration, 1794.
From the Farmer's Museum.
MR. JEFFERSON.
After an experiment of some years, and after witnessing acts, which, in any other government, even that of the Barbary states, would not be followed with any thing like impunity, the mass of American citizens will refuse to re elect to the second office in this country, a man, whose attachments, objects, religion, philosophy and morals, are wholly French. Mr. Jefferson, and his dark compeers, must work hard, for the time approaches, when neither he, nor they, shall work. This vain author, false prophet, & thorough bred Frenchman, at the next election, will be REFUSED BY HIS COUNTRY. When his name is mentioned, or his pretensions canvassed, before the Federal American, he will exclaim,
"Fellow, be gone, I cannot brook thy rule, Thy arts have made thee a most ugly man!"
Even the book of the Philosopher will pass
"In siam, videntibus et clares Et per, et quicquid chartis amicitur ineptis," and the man will be remembered by those only, who advert to his impracticable, speculative, wicked politics; his intimacy with Benjamin Banneker, the black; his skill in anatomizing spiders; and his learned accuracy in selecting muddy water, as a scientific standard of weight. Indeed, the vanity, or the ignorance, of Americans has given to this man a degree of scholarship, which his French-like, superficial acquirements by no means deserve. In Europe, his philosophy would be derided, and his learning surpassed, even by a very young boy, the offspring of a Gilbert Wakefield. Those, who recollect this antimatematical report on weights and measures, his choice of rain water for a standard, and his childish and toyshop invention of an Epicurean chair as he called it, will acknowledge the farcical and beauty of the following lines:
"In latitude just forty five, Down a dark cellar did I creep; And with my onion rope could drive To measure pecks and bushels neat. Of kennel water I did weigh A pound—and thus a standard found; For, spite of dirt, dead cats, or hay, This pound will always weigh a pound. I've made a noble, wriggling chair, In which my science I retain, And sit, like POLITICIAN RARE, And move my snout, without my tail."
ANECDOTE.
AN arch lad being at a table, where there was a very hot apple pye, putting a piece into his mouth burnt it, inasmuch that the tears ran down his cheeks. A gentleman who sat by him asked him why he wept? Because, said he, it has just come to my remembrance, that my poor old grandmother died this day twelve months ago. Ah! said the gentleman, is that all? So putting a large piece into his own mouth, he quickly sympathized with the boy; who, seeing his eyes brim full, with a malicious sneer asked him why he wept? The Devil seize you, said he, because you were not hanged you young rogue, the same day your grandmother died.
Fresh Fall & Winter Goods.
Now opening, and for sale by WILLIAM CODMAN, At his Store in Fifth Street, A LARGE & FRESH ASSORTMENT OF English Piece Goods,
Suitable for the present season, and of the latest importation, which being laid in on the best terms, will be sold very low for Cash.
ALSO, A general assortment of HARD WARE GOODS.
 4d, 6d, 10d, and 20d, Nails.  6 by 8, 7 by 9, and 8 by 10 Window Glass.  Swedes, Russia, and Philadelphia Bar Iron, of all sizes.  Hack, and Hart and Club Steel.  Nail Rods.  Iron Bots and Kettles, of all sizes.  Cart Bots.  Leaf and Brown Sugars, Linseed Oil and Paints.  Hyson, Souchong, and Bohea TEAS, fresh and imported by the last arrivals from India.  Excellent 4th proof French Brandy.  Best Holland Gin, West India Rum, New England ditto, per barrel.  Welch's Chocolate.  Candles per box.  Rice, Powder & Shot, &c. &c. 
With a great variety of other articles, all of which are well worth the attention of purchasers.
N. B. A variety of India COTTONS of all prices, by the piece or yard, BLACK MUSLINS, and a quantity of Ladies' nice long and short, French KID GLOVES—white and other colours, by the dozen or single pair.
Portland, Dec. 3, 1798.
TO BE SOLD, A small Lot of LAND, fronting the COURT HOUSE, in PORTLAND. Seventy two feet square.—For particulars, inquire of the PRINTER.
Likewise, about 600 cwt. Rigging. At JACOB NOYES'S STORE. Dec. 24, 1798.
Cumberland County.
THE Collectors of the County tax, for the year 1798, are notified, that Executions will issue against all that are delinquent on the 1st of February next.
JOSEPH MELLAN, Treasurer. Nov. 23, 1798.
THE Standing Committee of the Society of Cincinnati, of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, agreeably to the votes of the Society—Hereby give public notice to such of their brethren, as are reduced to necessitous circumstances—the widow and orphans of others, who may be in like circumstances, that all applications for relief or assistance, may be made on, or before the 2d Tuesday in January next, to any individual of the said Committee, who will communicate the same, and their respective circumstances will be duly considered. The names of the committee are as follows, viz.
 Gen. Lincoln, Dr. Eustis, Thomas Edwards, Esq. Gen. Jackson, Col. Winslow, Dr. Townsend, Col. Perkins, Maj. Gibbs, Capt. Clark, Capt. Johnson, Capt. Green, Col. Tudor, Robert Williams, John Calender, Capt. George, Capt. Forster, Maj. Drew, and Samuel Armstrong, Recorder. 
Boston, Nov. 28, 1798.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors of lands lying in the town of Hebron, in the county of Cumberland, that their lands are taxed in the State, county, and town tax, for the year 1797, and committed to me the subscriber to collect, viz.
   No. acres. State & County Tax. Town Tax.   D. C. M. D. C. M.     Jonathan Greenleaf, Esq. 600 0 33 6 1 7 4   James Prescott, Esq. 3000 1 68 0 5 40 0   James Sinefield, 200 0 11 0 0 35 8   Jonathan Greenleaf, 300 0 16 8 0 53 2  
Unless said taxes with intervening charges are paid to me the subscriber, on or before the twenty-first day of March next, so much of said land will then be sold at public vendue at the dwelling house of Seth Bearse, innholder in said Hebron, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, as will pay said taxes and charges.
BARTLETT HOLMES, Collector. November 19, 1798.
JOHN Low and Jacob Fisher, Merchants of Kennebec, in the district of Middlesex and Pepperellborough, in Massachusetts, having been severally sued in the District Court of Maine, for four hundred dollars each, for a violation of the 27th section of the Act entitled "An Act to provide more effectually for the collection of the duties imposed by law on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States, and on tonnage of ships or vessels"; for being knowingly concerned in removing and securing seventeen puncheons of foreign Rum, so that the revenue of the United States had been defrauded of the duties thereon—The Jury found a verdict against them respectively for the said penalty, upon such satisfactory evidence as induced them to give it, without going off the stand; and in obedience to the law in that case made and provided, this publication in the paper is now directed to be made, by
JEREMIAH HILL, Collector. District of Middlesex & Pepperellborough, December 24th, 1798.
General Prices Current,
PER QUANTITY.—BOSTON, DEC. 22
   From Dils. Cts. to Dils. Cts.     ASHES, Pot, per ton 160   Pearl 140 145   Bread, Ship, cwt. 4 9   Butter, Shipping lb. 17 18   Beef, Ship stores bbl. 9 50 11   cargo 7 50 8   Beans, white, bushel. 1 1 10   Brandy, French gal. 1 50 2   Spanish, { 1 4 1 58   Naples, { 4 41 1 33   Best Wines, lb. 25 30   Cocoa, cwt. 21 22   Coffee, green, lb. 27 29   Cotton, Foreign, — 33 46   American, — 20 36   Chocolate, common — 16 20   best kinds, — 25 30   Candles, — 14   Cheese, English — 25 33   American, — 6 18   Cod Livers, dozen. 7 10   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   Mackerel, bay, — 6   N. Scotia, — 4 50 5   Furs, Beaver, pelts, lb. 1 2   Beaver, skin, — 50 4   Fox, cros, — 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. 10 50 Eat. 10   Alexandria { Fine, — 10   & Baltimore, { X Brand, — 9 9 50   Middlings, — 7 8   Feathers, lb. 17 58   Flaxseed, lb. 83 1   Glass, Boston, 10 by 8, bx. 15   7 by — 12 67   Grain, Barley, bushel 83   Corn, South — dull 50 56   North — 59 67   Rye, — 75   Oats, — 41   Hops, lb. 15 16   Hops, thousand 20 25   Hogs Lard, lb. 15 15   Iron, Pig, Ton 35   Philadelphia, bar — 125 130   Russia, do — 110 120   Sweden, do — 115 126   Leather, sal, dried, lb. 16 20   Lumber, Boards, clear, Th. 11   merch. — 7 50 8   Shingles — 1 25 2 50   Molasses, gallon. 50 56   Nail Rods, T. 130 133 33   Nails, 4d. { cwt. 30 33   6d. { 39   8d. { 1 5 1 9   10d. { 1 25 1 41   12d. { 2 8 1 50   Sheathing { cwt. 10 2 17   Drawing { 10 13   Pepper, lb. 37 40   Pack, One & 1/2 half hog, bbl. 15 50 16   One Hog, — 17 18   Middle pieces, — 19 22   Pitch, — 4 4 50   Rum, Jamaica, gallon. 1 17 1 25   New England, — 74 75   Raisins, bbl. 2 25 2 50   Sup. American white, lb. 10 dull   Sugar, Havana brown cwt. 14   West India, — 10   Salt, St. Ubes, bbl. 5 5 50   Liverpool, — 4 4 75   Steel, German, lb. 14 15   Disbursed, — 13   Tea, Bohea, lb. 75   Souchong, — 1 1 16   Tobacco, cwt. 9 10   Wines, Madeira, gal. 1 66 2 66   Lisbon, — 1 10   Sherry, — 1 16 1 25   Teneriffe, — 17   Claret, dozen 6 6   Malaga, quarter C. 25 26   Red Port, gal. 1 17 1 25  
ALMANACK—1799.
   JANUARY. S. M. T. W. H. W. REMARKS.     Tuesday, 1 7 36 5 2 49 6 56   Wednesday, 2 7 35 5 3 46 7 40   Thursday, 3 7 35 5 4 54 8 42 [Born, 1643.   Friday, 4 7 34 5 6 2 9 33 Sir I. Newton   Saturday, 5 7 33 5 7 2 10 2 New Moon.   Sunday, 6 7 32 5 8 15 11 13  
THIS GAZETTE,
Is published every MONDAY, at E. A. JENKINS' OFFICE, Middle-Street, near the head of Fifth-