The gazette (Portland, Me.), 1798-04-16 00:00:00

The Gazette.
By ELEZER ALLEY JENKS, Portland, Maine.
NUMBER 1]
[VOLUME I.]
Monday, April 16, 1798.
TO THE Inhabitants of Maine.
FROM the earliest establishment of periodical publications, it has been a custom, with the EDITORS, on issuing their first number, to address their patrons. In obedience to this precedent, I shall offer a few words to those who may become the readers of this GAZETTE. But on a subject that has been so often descanted—so ingeniously treated, by the ablest writers, as the usefulness of these publications, can I presume to say any thing new?
IN every part of the world, where reading has found its way, and penetrated the shades of ignorance—where learning is encouraged, and science fostered, these publications are esteemed the most powerful instruments for disseminating knowledge among all classes of men. And shall they not be encouraged by the wealthy, the enlightened citizens of Maine?
WE are to attribute to them the rapidity with which all distant transactions are brought before us—That the public and private concerns of our own, and every other nation, are at once made known to us—and the politics of our country, are freely and fairly discussed. They are the medium through which we learn the discoveries in the arts and sciences. Proficiencies in agriculture are collected from every quarter, and laid before the farmer. The busy mechanic may find in them a summary view of the world, with which to indulge his leisure moments. The mariner hears from his absent brothers, scattered over the globe—and the merchant is informed of the prices, the rise and fall of every article of traffic.—The literati, of every profession, through them, can devote their talents to the amusement and profit of themselves, and the community. —In fine, so many, and so great, are the advantages to be derived from these publications, that they have justly received the patronage of the greatest, and best men.
As a young man, anxious to establish myself a member of society, in a calling that will be beneficial to myself and others, I confidently solicit the patronage of all liberal men.—I boast not of abilities; but in return, I pledge the exercise of those faculties given me in common with others.
BUT it is necessary to publish my intentions, in order that you may see, whether or not, I shall merit your support.—Permit me then, to ask your attention to what follows :
To publish a paper weekly, on a sheet of this size and quality, and on a type of which this is a specimen ; at the moderate price of ONE DOLLAR & FIFTY CENTS a year, exclusive of postage. No objection to receiving the FIFTY CENTS, on delivery of the first number.
EVERY measure will be taken to collect the earliest and most important information of every kind.—Original and selected essays, political and speculative, will be assiduously sought for.
THE PAGES of the GAZETTE, shall ever be shut to the enemies of order and government, and to the defamers of our laws and country.
As politics to be FEDERAL—that is, such as will accord with the feelings of every AMERICAN, solicitous for his country's welfare.
THE EDITOR, will hold himself personally responsible for whatever the GAZETTE shall contain.
THESE are my proposals. Should they be sanctioned by your names ; or a sufficient number of them to furnish a support, my pride will be, to become
Your devoted servant.
E. A. JENKS.
POLITICS.
“Judge me not ungentle, Of manners rough—and turbulence of spirit, If when the public cause demands my aid, The raptur’d flow warm and eager from my pen.”
INTERESTING as is the present crisis—so interwoven is our destiny with other nations, from our present political situation & connections—that the Editor conceives it his duty, to devote a large portion of the Gazette, to politics.
We find the American Union , so circumstanced, that it requires the greatest wisdom and energy, to rescue it from its political entanglement. The clashings of French and English influence, which have been long struggling for ascendancy, have excited partizans ; and in some instances found way in our councils—which is the infinite regret of all virtuous men. While this throws a temporary dejection on our feelings, every patriot bosom must glow with pleasure at the unshaken firmness of our excellent President—at the independent spirit that begins again to pervade all classes of citizens, to rouse and unite them in support of their laws and country. Happy will it be for us, if we can thus rid ourselves of all foreign relations. The wickedness of the French, in endeavouring to enslave us, is far more detestable, than were the former views of England. Let us avoid the fraternal hug, as we would the embraces of a serpent. Let us be Americans , and we answer the purpose of our existence.
In Europe, ‘the clouds are so dark, the storms so capricious & terrible in the political horizon, that it belongs not to the human capacity to predict, when the sun shall again shine on the peaceful rest of nations. The most formidable confederacy, amongst governments, has been dissolved by a train of events, splendid as uncommon ; and we now find the most violent antipathies, rivited in the closest sentiment ; and we may soon expect a crisis that will either sheath the reeking sword, or unravel scenes peircing to the already agonizing bosom of philanthropy.
Russia, is now governed by a prince of little activity, whose feelings are not much interested in the concerns of other nations. Secure in the strongest government in Europe, in a remote corner, his vast armies probably will remain unemployed.
Prussia, possessing a cabinet base and intriguing, will, from her situation, ambition and views, watch the motions of the emperor of Germany, and not espouse any of the belligerent powers, without a view of injuring the emperor. Her troops are brave, and under good discipline.
Sweden and Denmark, are too much interested in their lucrative carrying trade in the Baltic & Mediterranean, to interest themselves in the cause of others.
Holland, swallowed up by her fraternizing allies, is so shamefully susceptible of French influence, that she deserves to be erased from the list of nations.
Italy, which has ever been ‘the restless and sanguinary theatre of inhuman
action, has experienced a change none could have expected. The Pope, whose bulls once made Emperors tremble, can now scarcely sleep in his tottering chair—and we expect the dross of that religion will be refined, whose errors have so long polluted the world.’
Spain, deprived of the qualities and energies of her ancestors, cannot long sustain her fabric of superstition, and we may soon expect to see her torn in pieces by a revolution. Led by the hand by France, the prince of peace, seems to be preparing plans in the dark, which must subvert the present order of things.
Portugal, almost lost in the bustle, is insulted by every party. She must lean on France for protection, tho’ her ports must be exposed to the ravages of the English marine.
Switzerland, that brave nation, now dreads the force of France, or an extension of democratic principles. She is disgracefully altering her counsellors at the request of a French minister.
Germany, forced to a peace, to save herself from ruin. She still possesses the talent of partitioning others. Venice has been divided between her and France. The provinces of Illyria and Dalmatia, will be the barriers between the emperor and the Turks. In the treaty with the emperor no mention is made of the Cis-Rhinean republic—it is probably no more.
Turkey is fully occupied in suppressing the insurrections of her colonies, excited by French ties.
France, grown imperious and insolent from her victories, like ancient Rome, seems to be aiming at universal dominion. But while this is the aim of her ambitious rulers, we cannot but cast a pitying eye over the miseries of her distracted citizens—a ruined trade, deranged finances, and the appearance of fresh parties sullenly striving for ascendancy, keep them in a continual ferment. The wonderful Buonaparte, who like a comet, has dazzled the political shade ; after wresting so many plumes from the Austrian eagle ; after trampling upon the mighty fabric of superstition, & crushing all opposition, will not content himself to retire from the scene in its present state. This man, if he continues his career, will form a new epocha in the annals of the world. May he restore order to his unhappy country—and may a calm ensue that will close her sanguinary scenes.
England, long esteemed the bravest nation in the world, is now left alone to resist the virulence of an exasperated and insatiable enemy. From a French invasion she fears nothing, for her floating bulwarks will repel it. The dread of a worse slavery will excite the patriotism, strengthen the union, and animate the courage of her defenders. Should an invasion be attempted, the waters that separate the two countries, must be crimsoned with the blood of thousands of our fellow beings. The peace of the United States, is materially involved with the fate of England. Those interested for her success, and the welfare of her citizens, whose situation is interesting, must admire their firmness—their bravery—the wonderful facility with which they collect in their isle, the treasures of the world—and their determination rather to bury themselves in their own ruins, than yield to the dictates of the imperious Directory.
BIOGRAPHY.
[The characters, and the actions of those great men, who have arrested attention in the different periods of the world, should be handed down to posterity, that they may excite imitation. While they are recorded in the volumes that adorn the shelf, and which are too costly to be procured by every one, they ought to be inserted in that ‘man of busy life,’ a newspaper. The following character of the late Mr. Pitt, is so elegantly drawn, that it claims a place, in less for these reasons, than for its being a handsome literary treat.]
HE stood alone. Modern degeneracy had not reached him. Original and unaccommodating, the feature of his character had the hardness of antiquity. His august mind over-awed majesty, and one of his sovereigns tho’ royalty so impaired in his presence, that he conspired to remove him, in order to be relieved from his superiority. No state chicanery, no narrow system of vicious politics, no idle contest for ministerial victories, sunk him to the vulgar level of the great ; but overbearing, persuasive, and impracticable, his object was England, his ambition was fame. Without dividing, he destroyed party ; without corrupting, he made a venal age unanimous. France sunk beneath him. With one hand he smote the house of Bourbon, and wielded in the other the democracy of England. The fight of his mind was infinite ; and his schemes were to effect, not England, not the present age only, but Europe and posterity. Wonderful were the means by which these schemes were accomplished ; always laudable, always adequate, the suggestions of an understanding animated by ardor, and enlightened by prophecy.
The ordinary feelings which life amiable & indolent, were up to him. No domestic diffidence, domestic weakness reached him aloof from the sordid occur life, and unsullied by its int he came occasionally into ou to counsel, and to decide.
A character so exalted, so serene so various, so authoritative, astonished a corrupt age, and the treasury trembled at the name of Pitt through all her classes of venality. Corruption imagined, indeed, that she had found defects in this statesman, and talked much of the inconsistency of his glory, and much of the ruin of his victories ; but the history of his country, and the calamities of the enemy, answered and refuted her.
Nor were his political abilities his only talents. His eloquence was a era in the senate, peculiar and spontaneous, familiarly expressing gigantic sentiments and instinctive wisdom ; not like the torrent of Demosthenes, or the splendid conflagration of Tully ; it resembled sometimes the thunder, and sometimes the music of the spheres. Like Murray, he did not conduct the understanding through the painful subtlety of argumentation ; nor was he like Townshend, ‘forever on the rack of exertion ; but rather light on the subject, and reached the point the flushings of the mind, which, those of the eye, were felt, but could not be followed.
Upon the whole, there was in the man something that could create, convert, or reform ; an understanding, spirit, and an eloquence, to summon mankind to society, or to break the bonds of slavery asunder, and to rule the wilderness of free minds with unbounded authority ; something that could establish or overwhelm an empire & strike a blow in the world that would resound through the universe.

National Concerns.
[At this crisis, it is highly essential that all public affairs should be made known to the people, in order that they may judge of the uprightness of our administration. It shall be the aim of the Editor to give a review, and detail, so far as the limits of his paper will permit. The following Message from the President, though generally published, will form a beginning. It cannot be read too much, as it awakens those feelings which will prove the salvation of our country.]
MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.
THE Dispatches, from the Envoys Extraordinary of the United States, to the French Republic, which were mentioned, in my Message to both Houses of Congress, of the fifth instant, have been examined and maturely considered.
While I feel a satisfaction in informing you, that their exertions, for the adjustment of the differences between the two nations, have been sincere and unremitted, it is incumbent on me, to declare, that I perceive no ground of expectation, that the objects of their mission, can be accomplished, on terms compatible with the safety, honor, or the essential interests of the nation.
This result, cannot with justice, be attributed, to any want of moderation on the part of this government, or to any indisposition to forego secondary interests, for the preservation of peace. Knowing it to be my duty and believing it to be your wish, as well as that of the great body of the people, to avoid by all reasonable concessions, any participation in the contentions of Europe, the powers vested in our envoys were commensurate with a liberal and pacific policy, and that high confidence, which might justly be reposed in the abilities, patriotism and integrity of the characters to whom the negotiation was committed. After a careful review of the whole subject, with the aid of all the information I have received, I can discern nothing, which could have been omitted or contributed to success that has been omitted on my part, and further which can be attempted, consistent with maxims for which our country has at every hazard, and which consist of our National Sovereignty.
Under these circumstances, I cannot forbear to make the recommendations which have been heretofore made, and to exhort you to adopt promptitude, decision and unanimity, such as the ample resources of the country, for the protection of our sea-faring and commercial citizens; for the defence of any exposed portions of our territory; for replenishing our Arsenals, establishing Foundries and Military Manufactures; and to provide such efficient Revenue, as will be necessary to defray extraordinary expenses, and supply the deficiencies which may be occasioned by depredations on our commerce.
The present state of things, is so essentially different, from that, in which instructions were given to collectors to restrain vessels of the United States from sailing in an armed condition, that the principle, on which those orders were issued, has ceased to exist. I therefore deem it proper to inform Congress, that I no longer perceive myself justifiable in continuing them, unless in particular cases, where there may be reasonable ground of suspicion, that such vessels are intended to be employed contrary to law.
In all your proceedings, it will be important to manifest a zeal, vigour and concert in defence of the national rights, proportioned to the danger with which they are threatened.
John Adams.
United States, 10th March, 1798.
On the 21st of March, the following instructions were issued to the Collectors of the Customs.
IT has been determined by the President of the United States, that under the present circumstances, it has become necessary to modify instructions issued from this department on the 8th day of April 1797, in such manner as to restrain vessels of the United States from sailing in an armed condition, when destined to be employed in a regular and lawful commerce.
But though you are to consider the general prohibition as no longer remaining in force, it is the express command of the President, that you seize and detain all vessels respecting which there may exist reasonable ground of suspicion, that they are intended to be employed contrary to law, and particularly to the act of Congress passed on the 5th day of June, 1794, entitled An act in addition to the act for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States,
the act passed the 14th of June 1797, entitled "An act to prevent citizens of the United States from privateering against nations in amity with, or against citizens of the United States."
You will also consider it to be your duty to prevent evasions of the act passed the 14th of June 1797, entitled "an act prohibiting for a limited time the exportation of arms and ammunition, and for encouraging the importation thereof;" by confining the quantities of the said articles which may be returned as constituting the equipment of any vessel, within reasonable limits.
A confident reliance is entertained that all your proceedings under these instructions will be marked with decision and impartiality."
A PROCLAMATION,
By THE PRESIDENT of the United States of America.
AS the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of ALMIGHTY GOD; and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him, but a duty whose natural influence is favourable to the promotion of that morality and piety, without which social happiness cannot exist, nor the blessings of a free government be enjoyed; and this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of difficulty and of danger, when existing or threatening calamities, the just judgments of God against prevailing iniquity, are a loud call to repentance and reformation; and as the United States of America are at present placed in a hazardous and afflictive situation, by the unfriendly disposition, conduct and demands of a foreign power, evinced by repeated refusals to receive our messengers of reconciliation and peace, by depredations on our commerce, and the infliction of injuries on very many of our fellow citizens, while engaged in their lawful business on the seas: Under these considerations it has appeared to me that the duty of imploring the mercy and benediction of Heaven on our country, demands at this time a special attention from its inhabitants.
I have therefore thought fit to recommend, and I do hereby recommend, that WEDNESDAY the 9th day of May next to be observed throughout the United States, as a day of Solemn Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer:—That the citizens of these States, abstaining on that day from their customary worldly occupations, offer their devout addresses to the father of mercies, agreeably to those forms or methods which they have severally adopted as the most suitable and becoming:—That all religious congregations do, with the deepest humility, acknowledge before God, the manifold sins and transgressions with which we are justly chargeable as individuals and as a nation; beseeching him, at the same time, of his infinite grace, through the redeemer of the world, freely to remit all our offences, and to incline us, by his holy spirit, to that sincere repentance and reformation which may afford us reason to hope for his inestimable favour and heavenly benediction:—That it be made the subject of particular and earnest supplication, that our country may be protected from all the dangers which threaten it; that our civil and religious privileges may be preserved inviolate, and perpetuated to the latest generations; that our public councils and magistrates may be especially enlightened and directed at this critical period; that the American people may be united in those bonds of amity and mutual confidence, and inspired with that vigour and fortitude by which they have in times past been so highly distinguished, and by which they have obtained such invaluable advantages:—That the health of the inhabitants of our land may be preserved, and their agriculture, commerce, fisheries, arts and manufactures be blessed and prospered:—That the principles of genuine piety and sound morality may influence the minds and govern the lives of every description of our citizens; and that the blessings of peace, freedom, and pure religion, may be speedily extended to all the nations of the earth.
And finally I recommend, that on the said day, the duties of humiliation and prayer be accompanied by fervent Thanksgiving to the bestower of every good gift, not only for having hitherto protected and preserved the people of these United States in the independent enjoyment of their religious and civil freedom, but also for having prospered them in a wonderful progress of population, and for conferring on them many and great favours conducive to the happiness and prosperity of a nation.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal of the United States of America, at Philadelphia, this twenty-third day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight, and of the Independence of the said States the twenty second.
John Adams.
By THE PRESIDENT, TIMOTHY PICKERING. Secretary of State.
About Congress.
Every sentence of the Congressional debates on the subject pending is interesting to the public—but the thousand different subjects which necessarily occupy a weekly paper, precludes the possibility of giving more than mere sketches.
Since receiving the President's message, the attention of Congress has been occupied in
discussing the most suitable measures to be taken for the safety and protection of the United States. The important question as to the expediency of resorting to war, has not yet been decided upon.
An embargo was proposed, but almost unanimously rejected. Arming is the popular question—Not to provoke war, but to repel it. The Senate have before them a bill to authorise the executive to procure twelve ships of 22 guns each, for the protection of our trade. It is to be regretted that party spirit is too apparent in some members. Like the beastly Lyon, the turbulent Giles insinuated that Mr. Brooks had only served his country as clothier general. To which Mr. B. retorted "if the gentleman doubts my being a soldier, I am here to answer him." But may these boyish things pass, and may God grant them wisdom to pursue their country's good.]
On the proposed resolution "that under existing circumstances, it is not expedient for the United States to resort to war against the French republic," Mr. Sewall was opposed to the proposition as it now stood, and hoped it would be amended. What effect it would then have, he left those to judge who introduced it. Mr. S. said, he, and those who on all questions of defence had voted with him, had been endeavouring for some time to go into some measures of that kind; and to determine whether these measures should be confined to our own limits, or be extended to the ocean. These measures ought now to be decided upon, as this is a moment in which our commerce is depredated upon in a most unprecedented manner. We are now, said he, called upon to consider the hazards of our situation. [Mr. S. then quoted a part of the President's message as to the situation of our affairs in France, and as to the decree which was proposed respecting the taking of English goods on board of neutral vessels, and the carrying of which was declared to make neutral vessels good prizes.] This last regulation Mr. S. said, was a direct violation of the law of nations, and amounted to a declaration of war on the part of France against this country. But, instead of making any defence, gentlemen call upon the committee to declare we are not disposed to resort to war against the French Republic; so that after we have been injured and abused, and denied the common rights of humanity, we are not to complain, but make a declaration that we will not go to war. Was, then, a question of war, he asked, a card of politeness? Did a nation ever make a declaration that it was not at war? It could not say so, except it were in so degraded a state, that it had no rights capable of injury. To say we are not at war, was to say no more than it is light when the sun shines; but to call upon the committee to say at this time, was to degrade the nation from its independence, and below its character. The present state of things, Mr. Sewall said, ought to be considered as a state of war, not declared by us, but against us, by the French republic; and if, said he, we want spirit to defend ourselves, let us not say so—We may refrain from acting, but let us not say we receive injuries with thankfulness. But this proposition goes still further. In a moment of public danger, it goes to divide and separate this house from the United States. The gentleman from Virginia had well explained this resolution, when he said it was intended to interrupt the views of the President of the United States. That gentleman considered the message of the President as a declaration of war, and this resolution was to be in contradiction to it. If this was the sense in which it was to be understood, it was false in point of fact; for the President had neither declared war, nor called upon Congress to declare war; no such sentiment could be found in the message. To agree to the proposition as it stands, would be to give countenance to the assertion of the French government that we are a people divided from our government; but taking it with the amendment, he looked upon it as a harmless thing. Mr. S. concluded by saying, that he considered the conduct of France in the light of war. How far we would resent it, was the question, whether offensively or defensively.—He was in favour of defensive measures, as we were not equal to offensive measures (he wished to God we were.) It was our weakness, and the division which had appeared in our councils that had invited these attacks. He trusted they would now unite, and repel them.
PRESIDENT ADAMS.
At the time congress were about to appoint a commander in chief, to the American army, a number of the southern members, together with some of the northern, were for putting the commission upon General Lee. Among the northern members who espoused this side, were the two late Governors of Massachusetts; Hancock and Adams. President Adams, who was then in congress, a member from Massachusetts, espoused the other side, in favour of General Washington, and spent one whole night, in shewing to his colleagues, the impolicy of their measures. Whether they knew General Lee's character at that time, I know not; but his subsequent conduct proved that he was a very unfit person for that appointment. It is, also, a singular fact that Hancock and Adams, who were in favour of his appointment, were both French partisans, and unfriendly to the federal government. They were both in the southern interest exclusively—the former until his death, and the latter is still so, for aught that appears to the contrary.
PORTLAND, MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1798.
Later than the Mail
Defensive War—Inevitable!
THE President has transmitted to Congress, in compliance with the request of the House of Representatives, the instructions to and dispatches from the envoy extraordinary, to the French Republic.
Substance of their content
From Philadelphia—April 4.
"Our Commissioners, soon after their arrival at Paris, addressed a letter to the minister of foreign affairs, informing him of the object of their mission and requesting an opportunity of delivering their credentials and being presented to the Directory. To this they had not received a letter when they left Paris (from September to 8th Jan.) no official notice had been taken of them, either by the directory or minister of foreign affairs; but that during that time they had several conferences with two persons, whose names our envoys promised to conceal, who said they were in the confidence of the latter, or the subject of their mission; it seems these persons did not act officially but were understood informally to speak the language of the minister.
They expressed the great irritation the directory had against the United States, and particularly the speech of the President at the opening of last summer session, and that some disavowal must be made by way of atonement. Upon our commissioners representing that by our constitution it was the duty of the President to inform Congress of every thing that concerned the interests of our country, and therefore any disavowal of sentiments was not only improper but impossible, they gave the impression after some hesitation that money, money would make the atonement; that if they would stipulate to give 50,000 pounds sterling, by way of douceur to the minister, take of them thirty two millions florins of Dutch paper, which they said was then worth ten shillings in the pound, & give them par for it (and which might eventually be worth par) and loan them a further sum equal to the supposed value of their depredations on our commerce, estimated at fifteen millions dollars (leaving our merchants their claim on France for eventual indemnification) that then the minister of foreign affairs would use his influence, which they said was great with the directory, to have them received, enter on the negotiation, and endeavor to have the depredations on our commerce cease. They urged these propositions with vehemence, said the money was wanted for general purposes as well as to satisfy particular officers of government; that Merin, one of the directory, had a sufficiency from his share of prize money, but others had not such a resource. On our envoy observing, that they had no powers of that kind, and that as we had not offended, the proposition was unreasonable, their reply was, that MONEY was what they wanted, and that inasmuch as they had made peace with the emperor and bro't other neighboring nations to their own terms, we ought to think ourselves well off with a slight requisition, and warned us by the fate of Venice and what would soon be that of Switzerland. On our envoys remarking that they came to appeal to the principles of justice to adjust our disputes, they replied with a pob! Don't you give money to the Indians and dey of Algiers when you make peace with them; and that they had better engage for those terms now while they could for if they subdued England, as the

pected, the terms would be much more severe, and that unless we did they should ravage our commerce and coast with their cruisers. Our envoys replied to this, that such conduct would unite our people to repel such aggression, and that being united, no nation on earth could subdue us. To this they said they were not afraid of our union, for they had so many friends in this country as would prevent it, and throw the blame on what we call federalists and what they call the British party, for it was well known the French were adepts at intrigue, &c. Mr. Gerry, in order to be satisfied that those two persons spoke the sentiments of the minister of foreign affairs, asked the minister Tallyrand the question, who replied, "they did."
N. B. The above is the substance of the communications as nearly as I can recollect. It needs no comment; the papers when published will evince abundantly what I have stated, with many aggravating circumstances."
Union of Parties.
Another communication of the same date says, "you may rest assured the papers read in the house of representatives yesterday, will be productive of the most beneficial effects. I have it from the best authority, that there is now but ONE SENTIMENT in the house with regard to the views and conduct of the French; all concur that their views upon this country are of the most hostile nature; and that they are a set of unprincipled people, upon whom no dependence can be placed. We may now, however, felicitate ourselves upon an UNION OF ALL PARTIES; for certain it is, that the dispatches lay open a scene of iniquity, that the most prejudiced fools among us will not attempt to vindicate."
APRIL 5.
"Some of the most uniform and ardent opposers of the President have assured me with their own lips, that they are perfectly satisfied with the sincerity and anxiety which he has discovered to preserve peace with the French republic, and that he could have done nothing more. This is a pretty candid confession from those who so lately have appeared so jealous of the executive, and who have professed a want of confidence in his measures. When these papers are published, the President will stand confessed, the friend of his country, & the great statesman; such as all impartial men, acquainted with his services and character, have pronounced him to be, these twenty years past."
"Gallatin, Giles and Nicholas declare themselves satisfied with the conduct of our President, and the temper and spirit of the instructions."
It is unnecessary to speak of the instructions given to our envoys. They are said to be on the most liberal basis, that could possibly be given, from an independent nation.
APRIL 6.
"After considerable discussion the Senate has voted, to make public all the communications lately received by Congress from the President relative to our dispute with France (except the instructions which were given by the executive to our envoys) by ordering 500 copies of the dispatches to be printed."
"The house have agreed to 1200 copies."
"Merlin, the French minister of marine, being peculiarly interested in all prizes carried into their ports, it is not likely they will diminish."
Review of News.
The impossibility of detailing the crowds of foreign intelligence, renders it necessary that such a review should be given of it, as will enable the reader to have a knowledge of all that passes. Events succeed each other so rapidly as to distract the attention of the closest observer. Commotions of a violent nature agitate the Dutch convention—more
than twenty of its members are arrested and ordered to be banished—a new modelled constitution was proposed, and commissioners sent into all the provinces. It is impossible to tell when this plodding people will be settled. By the last accounts from Rome, there is no room to doubt of the French being in possession of that capital. The old Pope it was supposed was going to Malta. Attempts were making at Paris to divide the French people, by making them believe there existed a design to establish Buonaparte as dictator. Preparations for the descent on England were going on—The execrable Paine, gave 100 livres towards it; this was all the poor wretch could give, for the benevolent purpose of distressing his own country! The armada is to consist of 200 sail. It is said the English government have resolved to insure its own trade, at a premium of 7 1/2 per cent, subjecting all vessels that sail without a convoy, to a fine of 2000l. The number of French privateers captured by the English, from April to August 1797, is 107. An embargo was expected in the Spanish ports, in consequence of news from Paris. The Dey of Algiers has lost all patience by the delay of the expected frigate—but we are happy to hear that she has since been spoken with off Cadiz. War seems inevitable between France and Switzerland—the latter is preparing for defence. 15,000 French troops have passed Geneva, destined to Switzerland. Denmark has issued orders for augmenting its militia; and it is reported will put 12 ships in commission. It is expected the Dey of Algiers will immediately declare war against Great Britain. In consequence of the Spaniards detaining one of the American vessels, containing the Dey's stores, he demanded 80,000 dollars from Spain for damages; this the Spaniards refused to pay, and the Dey instantly declared war; five sail of his fleet were immediately out against the Spaniards. It is said the emperor of Germany is employed in negotiating a peace between England and France—this is very improbable. The Spanish fleet has been out, but returned again to Cadiz in six days; saw the British fleet, but came to no engagement. The French are endeavoring to harrafs the English possessions in India, by aiding the other powers against them, with the assistance of officers. The Westindies are in a confused situation. The French have been repulsed from the Mole, while Portauprinca & Jeremie have been evacuated to them.
Detached Articles—of little consequence.
A person who dealt in gun powder, at the Havanna, being lately engaged in firing out a quantity of that article (it is supposed with a lighted segar in his mouth, a spark of which must have dropped in the powder) the house was blown up in an instant, with every person in it. About twenty lives were lost. Two young ladies who were riding in a carriage by the house, at the moment the misfortune happened, were blown into the air, and not a vestige of them, their horses or carriage afterwards to be found.
The DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE, is just published at Newyork. The friends of true religion must rejoice at the increasing demand for works of this tendency. Irreligion and infidelity cannot be better repelled than by a perusal of this learned and elegant performance, in which the historical and doctrinal doubts of modern infidels are unanswerably refuted, rendering it of immense usefulness to all families in which the Holy Writings are read.
The present Empress of Russia has purchased the palace of Prince Dolgorucki, at Petersburg, and converted it into a college for the art of teaching midwifery. Twenty poor women of good character are to be instructed, and continually supported by her Majesty's private purse, and occasionally distributed over the provinces.
Blankenburgh, where Louis XVIII at present resides, had a Dutchess a great grandmother of the reigning Dukes of Brunswick, whose fortune was singular. She lived to see a posterity of 64 Princes and Princesses of whom she beheld 53 alive at one time together. Amongst this offspring were three Emperors, two Empresses, two Kings and two Queens.
The Spirit of the Times,
Displays itself from all quarters—from the sacred desk, from the bar, from all social circles, and from individuals, we hear but one sentiment. The influence of the French Directory to our Envoys, is every where execrated. And the determination to resist their aggression is unanimous and decided.—After reading the substance of their demands, contained in this day's Gazette, cold indeed must be the blood of that American, who is not fired with indignation.
The State of Newyork is soliciting the means of defence.
A person suspected of being concerned in a French privateer, has been tarred and feathered at Savannah. Spirit of '75.
A pious clergyman of Philadelphia, on the Sabbath after the President had communicated his message to Congress, delivered an occasional discourse from the following pertinent text:
'If when he heareth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword shall come and take him away his blood shall be upon his own head.'
Election of Governor, &c.
THE VOTES,
For Governor and Lieutenant Governor, were never more unanimous than at the last annual meeting. It is quite unnecessary to detail them—it is sufficient to say that Messrs. SUMNER and GILL, are almost unanimously chosen. An admirable proof of the union of this State.
There will be but little alteration in the Senate. Messrs LONGFELLOW and DAVIS are undoubtedly chosen for this county. On the whole, we may expect the General Court to be composed of federal characters.
MARRIED —Tuesday evening last, ISAAC ILLSLEY, Esq. to Miss AUGUSTA ILLSLEY, both of this town.
DIED —At Falmouth Mr. JAMES JOHNSON. At Hallowell, 24th ult. Mr. MOSES SEWALL. At Bolton, Rev. JOHN CLARK. He was taken ill in the midst of his religious exercises, on Sunday afternoon, and expired at three o'clock the next day.
Marine
Articles.
Port of Portland.
It must be gratifying to the adventurers in navigation, to witness the numerous foreign arrivals, in these critical and precarious times. There have been more arrivals at this port, within these few weeks than we have seen before for these several months. This circumstance gladdens many an individual, and seems to revive the drooping business of this important commercial town.
We are sorry to omit a complete list this day. The new frigate Crescent, a present to the Dey of Algiers, was spoke with off Cadiz, by one of the latest arrivals.
Numerous marine articles are unavoidably omitted.
Now for the new paper!
The inhabitants of Portland, are this day presented with the first number of THE GAZETTE, with the best respects of the EDITOR. If it meets their approbation, and merits their patronage, they will have an opportunity of aiding a young man, who is anxious to deserve their support. Should the subscription in this town, prove as general as in the country, there is no room to doubt of success.
Those gentlemen in the country, who have favored him with their names, will please to accept his warmest thanks.
Gentlemen in different parts of the country, who have not returned the subscriptions lodged with them, are requested to forward them, to this office.
Beware of Personalities,
"Avoid personalities, young man, as you value the reputation of your paper," has been dinn'd in my ears a hundred times. What! shall I overlook the insolent lampoon contained in Baker & George's paper, and suffer these shameless blockheads to pass with impunity? It is hard to resist the strong impulse of youth—but considering the polluted source from which it sprung, prudence, and a desire to please, dictate silence. More important matter shall occupy the Gazette. THE EDITOR.
To Readers, Correspondents, &c.
The Editor has to apologize for numerous omissions this day.
The aid of men of letters, and others, in affording communications, news, &c. for this GAZETTE, and THE TIMES, is earnestly solicited.
Brother Printers are requested to forward their papers in exchange.
Proposal, by E. A. Jenks,
For publishing by subscription, a new work, to be called,
THE TIMES:
OR, MONTHLY GAZETTE.
Being a Compilation of the latest matter on every subject. To contain a relation of all important occurrences, at home and abroad; together with laws, state-papers, politics, agricultural and literary essays, &c. &c.
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BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, HANDBILLS, BLANKS, CIRCULARS, &c. of every description, prepared at the shortest notice.
Prices Current at Boston,
   PER QUANTITY—APRIL 12.     ASHES, Pot. T. 133d 33c Leather, fcal. dried. b. 16 to 20c   Pearl, 153d 67c to 15c Lignum Vitae. T. 15d   Butter, Bipping, lb. 18 to 20c Lime, half bbl. 1d 75c   Beef, Ship for, bbl. 11 to 12d Lemons, box. 4d 50c to 5d 50c   Cargo, 8d 50c to 11d Molasses, gal. 56 to 61c   Brandy, Fr. gal. 1d 50c to 11d Nail rods, T. 133d to 153d 33c   Spanish, 1d 17 to 1d 50c NAILS, 4d cat. M. 28 to 30c   Naples, 1d to 33c 6d do. 50 to 59c   Coffee, green, lb. 24 to 25c 6d curo. 1d 50c to 22c   Cotton, Foreign, lb. 30 to 40c 8d curo. wisp. 1d 25c to 41c   American, 20 to 30c 1d 41c to 50c   Chocolate, Amer. lb. 16 to 20c 2d 2d 8 to 17c   W. J's, No 2 to 1, 35c to 30c Sheathing, cwt. 12 to 13d   Rumney's No 2 to 1, 24c to 29c Drawings 10 to 13d   Candles, tall. mo. lb. 17c OIL, Florence, cases 30 fl.   ditto 15c do. 8d to 8d 50c   Spermas, 50 to 53c do. gal. 1d 10c   Cheese, English, 25 to 27c Naples, 1d bolt 6d   American, 6 to 11c common saba, T. 76 to 80d   Coal, pit, Foreign, cb. 15d Spermas, 240 to 245c   American, 12 to 14d Linseed, gal. 8 to 90c   Cod Lines, D. 8 to 9d Liver, bbl. 9d 50c to 10d   Duck, Russia, bolts 17 to 19d POVK, one hog, 18d 70c to 10d   Rumney, 10d to 10d 50c one 1/2 hog, 17d 50c to 18d   FISH, Table, cwt. 6 to 10d Middling pieces, 24 to 26f   Merchants, 4 to 5d Pitch, bbl. 2d 50c   W. India, 3d to 3d 50c Paper, fluting, rm. 4d 50c to 5d   Scale, 2d 25c to 2d 50c wrapping, 83c to 1d   Albion, bbl. 4d 50c sugar loaf blue, lb. 10d   Salmon, 9d 25c to 9d 50c RUM, Jamaica gal. 1d 25 to 33c   Herrings, 4d 50c Windward, 1d 9 to 15c   Mackerel, bay, 7d 50c New-England, 75c   Nova-Scotia, 6d Russia S. bing, 1d 50c to 17d   FURS, Beaver pelt, lb. 1d to 2d Kies, Carolina, cwt. 4d 50c to 3d   Bear, ft. 50c to 2d South, Amer. white, lb. 14c   Fox, cwt. 1d 33c to 2d 25c brown, 10c   red, 83c to 1d 50c Cattle, 18 to 20c   Minks, 10 to 50c Sugar, East-India, cwt. 12 to 15d   Muscovado, 9 to 17c W. F. India, 11d 50c to 6d   Otter, 1 to 4d Haw, white, 18d 75c to 19d   Fibers, 33 to 83c brown, 13d 75c to 14c   Sables, 25 to 67c Loaf, lb. 28c   Flour, Sup. fresh, 8d 50c to 9d Salt, St. Ulis, Bdu. 5d 50c   Fine, 8d to 8d 50c Lisbon, 5 to 6d   X Brand, 7d 25c to 8d Cadiz, 4d 50c to 5d   Middlings, 7d to 7d 50c Leopord, 4d to 4d 50c   Feathers, loose geese, lb. 58c Steel, German, lb. 14 to 15c   Lisbon, 17c English, tubb, 9c   Sea Fowl, 4d Bilborel, 8d   Flashed, cask of 8 bbl. 12d Shot, all sizes, cwt. 9 to 10d   Gunpowder, lb. 75c P. rent, 11d   Genoa, Holland, ca. 5d 50c Staves, W. Oak bbl. M. 20d   cafe, gal. 80c to 1d 90c pipe, 30d   American, 65 to 75c head, 5c   GLASS, Bristol, cwt. 10 to 11c bbl. 5c   6 by 9, 12d 50c R. Oak bbl. 12 to 15c   7 by 9, 12d books, 1d to 1d   6 by 8, 10d W. O. bbl. 1d to 1d   Hamburg, 7 by 9, 9d 50c Spirits Turpent. c. gal. 3s.   8 by 10, 9d 50c Tallow, For ign. lb. 3s.   Boston, 10 by 8, 12d American, 1d   7 by 9, 12d 50c Tar, bbl. 1d   6 by 8, 10d 50c Turpentin, bbl. 1d   GRAN, Barley, bu. 85c to 90c T. L. A. Buca, 1d   Corn, Ind. South, 66 to 70c Souchong, 1d   North, 75 to 79c Hsin, 25c   Rye, 91c Tobacco, James Rio, 9d   Oats, 41c Gorgia, 9d   Hemp, T. 240 to 250d Maryland, 6 to 7c   Hops, bbl. 12 feet, M. 20d Sereing, 4d   Hogs Lard, lb. 14c Whalebone, long, lb. 14 to 15c   IRON, Pig, T. 35d shot, 20c   Philadelphia, 110 to 115d WINES, Madeira, gal. 1d   Russia, 103d 33c to 110d Port, 1d   Staves, 110 to 120d Sherry, 1d   Indigo, Caroli, lb. 60c to 1d Tone, 1d   Lumber, Boards, clear, M. 12 to 15c F. gal. 50 to 60c   merch. 10d 50c to 12c C. 1d   Shingles, 2d to 2d Molaga, gr. cwt. 23d   Red wine, gal. ad. 2d  

POETRY.
Has been more or less written in all ages. But genuine Poetry, is not to be met with every day. Numerous rhyming productions are called poetry, with the same propriety as a quack calls his noxious drugs cordials. The following SONG, by the reverend J. HARDIS, professor of poetry in the university of Oxford, is expressive of merit, is inserted as a present to the reader.
CAN aught be more fair to the eye, Than the blush of the maidenly year? Can aught with the orchard-bloom vie When in May its sweet blossoms appear?
Can aught like the eglantine please, Or the rose budding? Tell me what can? O thrice more attracting than these Is the cheek of my sweet little Anne.
What can charm like the spring of the field When it trickles transparently by? Or what sweeter pleasure can yield, Than to look on the gems of the sky?
Can aught more delicious be nam'd Than the exquisite fruit of the pine? More inviting can aught be proclaim'd Than the elegant bunch of the vine?
Thrice more than the sun setting hour, Or the dawn of the morning, benign, More delightful than spring's sweetest flow'r, Or the mirth-making juice of the vine,
THE COLLECTION.
"A THING OF SHREDS AND PATCHES."
CRUELTY. —At the battle of Spire, a regiment of French, was ordered not to give quarter. A German officer asking his life of one of them, he answered him, "sir ask me any thing else; but as for your life, I am sorry it is out of my power to oblige you." This naivete passed from mouth to mouth, and excited laughter in the midst of carnage! Were these men, or fiends.
CHASTITY. —Louis XIII playing one day at shuttlecock, with one of the ladies belonging to the court, and the shuttlecock falling into her bosom, she desired that he would come and take it out himself. But what did this chaste Prince? To avoid the snare that was laid for him, he took the tongs from the chimney corner, and by means of that instrument, prevented the danger to which he might otherwise have been exposed from such a temptation!
CURIOUS PARODY. —Our pope, which art at Rome, accursed be thy name: thy kingdom perish, thy will be hindered as in heaven, so on earth. Give us this day our cup in the Lord's supper, and restore us our money, which we have given thee for indulgence; and lead us not into heresy, but deliver us from misery: for thine is hell, pitch, and sulphur, forever and ever.
FRENCH VANITY. —Let us, says a Frenchman, employ in the service of our country all kinds of courage. Let us form at once two armies, one of aronaus and another of divers. How will England tremble to learn that her naval forces cannot restrain our vengeance! Let us go back to the bounds of possibility, & let us prove mathematically that three armies may meet in the same point—Without much danger or expence we may have an army march in order of battle from the coasts of France to those of England. This army shall carry with it, under water, its horses, all its baggage, a magazine of provisions, a formidable park of artillery, and an invincible fleet, which can, in any event, come up in a wink, from the bottom of the sea, and bring back the army into France.
PUNISHMENT. —Two citizens, both knaves, had frequently been brought before Phidias of Macedon, but such was their dexterity that he never could get a claw upon them for a punishment. At length, they accused each other of peculation, cheating, forestalling, robbing, or some such crime, and made an appearance once more at the bar of the judge. After a deliberate hearing, they were both found guilty, and the king rose up to pronounce sentence.
"You, Aristogitan (said he) in consequence of your present and many other great crimes, I sentence to be banished forthwith from my dominions, never to make your appearance there again, under penalty of death and confiscation of property."
"As to you, Damocles, you have equally manifested yourself to be as bad a subject and man as your brother Aristogitan—I therefore sentence you to run after him."
DUELLISTS. —At Malta duellists are obliged to decide their quarrel a particular
street in the city; and under the most severe penalty, to put up their swords, when ordered so to do by a woman, a priest or a knight. Some years ago two knights had a dispute at the billiard-table, and, after high words, one of them gave a blow; but absolutely refused to fight his antagonist. He was condemned to make amende honorable in the great church of St. John for 45 days successively; to be confined in a dungeon without light for five years, after which to remain a prisoner in the Castle for life. The knight who received the blow was likewise in disgrace, as he had not an opportunity of wiping it out in the blood of his adversary—A cross is always painted on the wall opposite the spot where a knight has been killed, in commemoration of his fall.
OLD MAIDS. —There are two kinds of old maids. One kind are entitled to the pity and compassion of mankind; whilst others have no claim to mercy. Some old virgins have been sincerely disposed to listen to the calls of nature, and to submit to wear the purple mantle and the sicken chains, and to bear the torch of hymen. They have for long years, been kind, dressed, powdered, patched, visited, gone to church and ogled; but, alas! they are still unsuccessful.—There is another kind of old maids, who, tho' they have been also unsuccessful, have not the same claims upon humanity. These have been as neat, as choice of their persons as the others, have dressed as gaily, have powdered and patched as much, and as fashionably, have gone to church, it may be, as often, and ogled as shrewdly: but they have been, at the same time, too coy, too tart and delicate in their choice, or too fond of show and parade, and too strongly attached to riches, grandeur and magnificence. And thus the years of youth and beauty have insensibly passed away, never to be recalled, whilst they have been fondly pursuing a mere phantom of their own imagination.
OLD BACHELORS. —[Something should be said also, of this class of beings. But this is left for the pen of some fair author. No doubt they deserve more censure than the former; and in case of a national tax on old maids and bachelors, we think the latter should pay double, as they certainly have by far the greatest opportunity to change their situation.]
TAXES. —The English tax on music is thought very reasonable.—Why complain for the want of money when it may be got for a mere song?
MAXIM. —Words are the counters of wise men—they do but reckon by them; but they are the money of fools, that value them by the authority of Cicero, Arillotle and Thomas Aquinas.
HABIT. —Habit familiarizes our mind with the most absurd ideas; with the most blameable actions; with prejudices the most contrary to the interests of ourselves, and to the society with which we live. We find strange, singular, defpicable, ridiculous, those opinions and objects to which we are not ourselves accustomed; there are countries in which the most laudable actions appear very blameable and very ridiculous and where the most black and diabolical actions pass for extremely honest and rational conduct.
INDUSTRY. —Industry secures the enjoyment of health, strength and happiness. Under its influence, nature now decks herself in the gayest attire. Where, seen only by the sun, once grew the hoary moss, now wave in the wind, fields of golden grain. Huge misshapen rocks, fashioned into magnificent edifices, tower among the clouds. Cities rise. Forests, transformed into fleets, plough the trackless ocean. Men visit their fellow men, and the necessities of one clime are supplied by the superfluities of another. Increasing luxury gives spring to invention. Webs spun by the worm, and stones dug from the earth, fashioned into ornaments, add splendor even to female beauty. The marble springs into life, and assumes the form of man. The pencil forms a new creation. Man invades the dominion of the feathered world. He rises from the earth, and, borne on silken wings, soars like the eagle through the trackless regions of ether. These are the effects of industry.—Without it, science had never dawned upon the world. By this, alone, we can replenish our minds with ideas.
INDIAN RETALIATION. —About forty years ago, when these Americans did not know the Europeans, a traveller penetrated into their country, made them acquainted with fire arms, and sold them muskets and gunpowder: they went a hunting and got great plenty of game and of course many furs. Another traveller went thither some time after with ammunition; the Indians being still provided, they did not care to barter with the Frenchman, who invented a very odd trick, in order to sell his powder, without much troubling himself with the consequences that might result from his imposture, to his countrymen. He thought he had done a great action in deceiving these poor people.
As the Indians are naturally curious, they were desirous of knowing how powder, which they called grain, was made in France. The traveller made them believe that it was sown in Savanna, and that they had crops of it as of indigo or millet in America.
The Missouris were pleased with the discovery, and sowed all the gunpowder which they had left, which obliged them to buy that of the Frenchman, who got a considerable quantity of beaver skins for it, and afterwards went down the river to the Illinois, where M. de Tronti commanded.
The Missouris went from time to time to the Savanna, to see if the powder was growing:—
they had placed a guard there to hinder the wild beasts from spoiling the field; but they soon found out the Frenchman's trick: It must be observed, that the Indians can be deceived but once, and they always remember it. Accordingly they were resolved to be revenged upon the first Frenchman that should come to them. Soon after, the hopes of profit excited the traveller to send his partner to the Missouris, with goods proper for commerce—they soon found out that this Frenchman was associated with the man who imposed on them; however, they dissembled the trick which his predecessor had played. They gave him the public hut which was in the middle of the village, to deposit his bales in; when they were all laid out to view the Missouris came in, confusedly, and all those who had been foolish enough to sow gunpowder, took away some goods; so the poor Frenchman was rid of all his bales at once; but without any equivalent from the Indians. He complained much of these proceedings and laid his grievances before the great Chief, who answered him very gravely, that he should have justice done him, for that purpose he must wait for the gunpowder harvest, his subjects having sown that commodity by the advice of his countryman; that he might believe upon the word of a sovereign, that after the harvest was over, he would order a general hunt; and that all the skins of wild beasts that would be taken should be given him in return for the important secret which they had taught them.
AGRICULTURE.
"Venerate the plough; So with superior boon may your rich soil Exuberant, Nature's better blessings pour O'er every land."
[Should the publication of THE GAZETTE be continued, particular attention will be paid to selecting, weekly, something relative to agriculture; and publicity will be given to every new discovery in the important art of husbandry.]
SHEARING OF SHEEP.
AS the season for shearing is now advancing, the following composition is recommended, as a preventive to that disease commonly called the Scab or Schab, so pernicious to the sheep, and prejudicial to the wool. Two pounds of the strongest tobacco, boiled up with a sufficient quantity of salt and water or urine; add one gallon of train oil, and two gallons of buttermilk, which is enough for 100 sheep; rub each sheep all over with it, particularly along the back bone, the day they are sheared, or the morrow after, which will likewise heal the cuts or snips made by the shears, keep off the flies, throw off the wet, and encourage the growth of the wool.
The above has been practiced a number of years by an eminent farmer, who is a considerable breeder, and he has never had that disorder in his flock.
POTATOES.
ORATION ON POTATOES.—By W. BACHE.
MUCH has been said against that kind of learning which consists in the knowledge of words, and in definitions of ancient arts and sciences. To convince his respectable and brilliant audience, that ar knowledge is not confined to these dry but necessary studies only, I have chosen as the subject of my oration, the history, the culture, and the qualities of a simple vegetable, commonly called—an Irish Potatoe .
This vegetable is a species of the solanum of Linnæus. It is a native of Mexico, from whence it was carried first into Spain, and afterwards into France. Soon after it was cultivated, and introduced into diet in France, a contagious fever spread through that country, which was unjustly ascribed to the use of this root. In consequence of which supposition, the potatoe was banished from France, by an edict of the court, and was not cultivated in that kingdom for many years afterwards.
England and Ireland, those former asylums for liberty of every kind, for many years afforded the persecuted potatoe a sanctuary. In Ireland it soon acquired a perfection it had never known before. It became part of the diet of the rich, and the whole diet of the poor; nor was this all—it became an article of commerce, and was soon known and admired, in every part of Europe, by the name of the Irish potatoe —a name which it deservedly maintains to this day, from the pre eminence which the Irish nation have acquired, in the method of cultivating it.
There are several circumstances, with respect to the culture of this root, which are worthy of our attention.
1. It grows equally well in all climates. Its birth-place was in a warm country; but experiments have taught us, that it flourishes, not only in the middle latitudes, but also in the cold soil of Siberia. 2. It grows in every kind of soil, whether it be rich or poor; or whether it be sandy or gravelly. Nay it grows without the aid of earth in beds of straw, or stable manure. 3. It grows from the whole root, or from pieces of it. Some late experiments prove, that its increase from the whole root, is much greater than from the small pieces of it, planted in the usual way.
It is also peculiar to this excellent root, to be alike agreeable to man and beast. It affords plentiful nourishment to the cow, the horse, the hog, the sheep, and even to poultry. It is particularly useful to milk cows; for this purpose the potatoes should be prepared by being previously boiled. Sometimes horses show an unwillingness to eat them; but this arises from ignorance. They will soon eat them, if you confine them in a stable for four and twenty hours, without any other food; after having been induced by hunger, once to taste them, they ever after eat them, with as keen a relish as they do oats or Indian corn. They are said to be preferable to both those grains for the common diet of horses, inasmuch as they afford a less stimulating aliment. The grain should be preferred, only when horses are used in labour, or on journeys; in these cases, the potatoes do not afford an aliment sufficiently active, and difficult, to supply that waste of strength in a horse, that attends travelling, or drawing in a carriage or plough.
It ought not to be forgotten, that the potatoe is in perfection almost the whole year, if properly preserved from the frost; whereas all other vegetables are in season but a few weeks. In order to preserve them during the winter, they should be deposited, after they are gathered, in a cellar, or in a hole dug in the earth, below the usual depth of the frost.
By a chemical analysis, the potatoe has been found to contain—1. A dry powder, resembling the starch which is contained in grain—2. A light fibrous matter, of a gray colour—3. A mucilaginous juice, such as is found in many succulent plants. And 4—Water. In a pound of potatoes there are generally four ounces and an half of the solid matter which has been mentioned, and eleven and an half of water. In the solid matter there is generally about a drachm of earth.
There are several ways of preparing potatoes for the food of man, such as simply roasting, or boiling them in steam, or in water. They are also prepared for food, by being made into bread, with and without flour, also into biscuit, puddings, pies, salep, sago, and even coffee. Besides these preparation, an yeast may be obtained from them, which is equal to the best ferment in the world, for brewing beer, or making bread of any kind.
Having mentioned the culture and preparations of the potatoe, I proceed next to take notice of its qualities, in diet and medicine.
1. In medicine it has been found to be useful in those diseases of the stomach, in which no other vegetable could be retained upon it:
2. It has been found to promote sleep. Of this there is a remarkable instance in the annals of medicine. A servant of the Baron de St. Hilaire, after a malignant fever, could not recover his sleep; his master ordered him to sup upon potatoes, and the ensuing night he slept six hours, without interruption; the continuance of the same practice produced the same effect, without inducing any change in his constitution.
The wholesome quality of the potatoe, in diet, is sufficiently proved, from the healthiness and population of those countries, where it is an universal article of food.—Dr. Adam Smith, in his treatise on the wealth of nations, has computed that a given quantity of land, on which the potatoe is cultivated, will maintain one third more inhabitants than the same quantity of land, appropriated to the culture of any other vegetable. Ireland is a striking proof of the truth of this calculation. That celebrated island has been for many years, the officina gentium of the world. She furnishes sailors and soldiers to half the nations of Europe; she has nearly filled two or three of the most populous States in America, with farmers, mechanics, and merchants; and whether it be the effect of the potatoe upon the body and mind, I know not, but the natives of this island are all friends to liberty.—Where is the legislature in the United States, in which the claims of liberty have not been defended by Irishmen!!! and where is the field of battle in America, that has not been enriched with Irish blood! even the ocean has been dyed with it, during the late war; and shed too in the glorious cause of American freedom. Witness our GALLANT BARRY, who established the honor of the American flag in every part of the Atlantic; and whose honorable wounds will always remain monuments of the strength of body and mind, that is to be derived from an early and constant diet of potatoes.
Nor are strength of body and vigour of mind alone, to be obtained from the use of potatoes.—They confer upon the face that lovely white and red which constitute beauty. Hence the Irish complexion has been celebrated, in every part of the world; and hence the ladies of Lancashire, in England, where the potatoe is in general use, have obtained, from the charms of their faces, the appellation of Lancashire witches.
Hail highly favoured vegetable! parent of health, strength, courage, and beauty of the human species! nay more, parent of the human species themselves! may we always honor thee! and may we always eat thee, as we should do! with meat or without it, with buttermilk or without it; in soup, in puddings, in pies, in bread, in biscuit, in sago, in salep, or in coffee!—Still may we prefer thee to all other vegetables! Sweet root! kind root! I take thee to my bosom; go people our western country, go teach the nations of the earth to be temperate and healthy, go civilize the world!
Printed at the GAZETTE OFFICE, Middlestreet, near the head of Fishstreet.