The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1791-11-22 00:00:00

CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MONDAY, October 31.
THE House pursuant to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole (Mr. Muhlenberg in the chair) and took up for consideration the schedule of the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States.
Mr. Lawrance observed, that in this business there were two objects to be considered; the one was the ratio of representation, the other to make some provision respecting South-Carolina. With respect to the first, he intended to propose a resolution, after which he thought the committee might postpone the further consideration of the subject for some days, to give gentlemen time to consider the nature of the business. On the other he expected the gentlemen from South-Carolina would make some motion; wherefore he would not trouble the House on the subject. He moved that, until the next enumeration, the ratio of representation should be, one member for every thirty thousand inhabitants.
Mr. Livermore thought the motion was premature, until Congress were informed of the fate of one of the amendments to the constitution, which had been proposed to their constituents, for their approbation, viz. that the representation shall be in the ratio of one to every thirty thousand until the number of representatives shall amount to one hundred. If that amendment was agreed to by the people, it would be opposed to the motion before the House. Even if the amendment was not as yet adopted, it may be adopted in the course of some time; and in the interim he thought it improper to tend forth a resolution to counteract the spirit of the amendment, which, if once agreed to by the people, will become a fundamental law of the United States, and cannot be reserved or altered by the House. On the other hand, if the amendment was rejected by the people, he would be against so numerous a representation, as one for every thirty thousand.
Messrs. White, Steele, B. Bourne, Fitzsimons, Tucker and Dayton, having severally spoken on the subject.
Mr. Sedgwick read to the House a calculation he had made of the number by which each state would be represented, according to the different ratios of representation; and observed that the general sense of the people, and the intention of the former legislature, seemed to be, that the number of representatives should be one hundred, until increased by the ratio of one to forty thousand. He thought the ratio of thirty-three or thirty-four thousand more eligible and more conformable to the public opinion than any other number. These, he observed, were subjects; with respect to which the House had no data, whence to draw their conclusions. He wished, however, that the representative body should always consist of about one hundred members.
Mr. Livermore thought the ratio of one to forty thousand sufficiently numerous: The House would then consist of about eighty members; and every gentleman could, from his own experience, judge how far that number would be found convenient. Some of our constituents, added he, already complain of the expence: And we ought to consider not only whether the burden will be increased, but also whether the public business can be better done by 80, than by any greater number: If it can, it is of no use to the people, to enlarge the number. He concluded with a wish that the House might adopt the proposed resolution; and that if they settled any ratio, it should be that of one to 40,000.
Mr. White said that the sense of the people was as well understood on this subject, as on any that could possibly come before the House. He wished gentlemen to recollect what had passed, when the constitution was under consideration. The smallness of the representation was an objection with all who adopted it: And the general voice of United America was in favour of an increased representation. One to 30,000 seemed to be the general idea. The proposed amendment might not perhaps always give one to 30,000; but it would secure an increase of the representation, in proportion to the increase of population. It had been said, that Congress would not exercise the power of increasing the representation to one to 30,000, as it would diminish their consequence: It now rested with them to shew whether or no they would act upon a liberal principle; and whether they would confine the representation to the number first settled, or increase it, conformably to the wishes of the people, one for 30,000. The people, he observed, would be satisfied, they could secure an increase of the representation at certain stated periods. By his calculation, the number of representatives would amount to 112. He did not however wish that the House
should come to an immediate conclusion on the subject.
Mr. Dayton wished the motion might lie over till to-morrow, for more mature consideration. So far as the sentiments of the people had come to his knowledge, he thought they were in favour of 30,000. For his own part, he preferred the ratio of one to 40,000, but was willing to meet the gentleman half-way, and settle it at 35,000. He accordingly moved for an amendment to that effect.
Mr. Seney hoped that a matter of so high importance might not be decided in so thin a House: He wished the committee to rise, without coming to any decision, and not sit again till there should be a full House. A motion of his to that effect being adopted, the committee rose, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again.
Mr. Smith (S. C.) wished that some provision might be made, allowing the state of South Carolina a longer time to make the return of the census. The enumeration, he said, was nearly completed, and would be entirely so within a short time. He therefore moved, that a further time should be allowed for making the return of the enumeration of the district of S. Carolina, and that the judge of the said district should be empowered to allow such compensation, as he might think reasonable, to the persons employed by the marshal to make the enumeration. His motion was ordered to lie on the table.
TUESDAY, November 1.
Mr. White moved for a committee to be appointed to take into consideration so much of the President's speech as relates to appointment of officers to make sale of the vacant lands of the territory of the United States, which are pledged as a fund for discharging the debts.
Mr. Lawrance had some reason to suppose that there would not be any occasion to appropriate those lands in payment of the debts of the United States; as, from what information had come within his knowledge, the present revenue was sufficient.
Mr. Dayton proposed an alteration in the motion, and Mr. Vining hoped it would be allowed to lie on the table until some other parts of the speech should be considered.
Mr. Lawrance moved a resolution to appoint a committee to prepare a bill for the regulation of trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes—Ordered to lie on the table.
The speaker informed the house, that the next subject in the order of the President's speech was the excise law, whereon the President remarks "if there are any circumstances in the law which consistently with its main design, may be so varied as to remove any well-mentioned objections that may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise moderation to make the proper variations, &c."
Mr. Sedgwick moved that a resolution should pass, appointing a committee to take into consideration that part of the President's speech, and to instruct the committee to prepare and report a bill agreeably thereto, and likewise to examine and report upon the proportion which the duties on home manufactures borne to the duties on imported spirits; also to enquire into and report upon the difficulties and objections attending the whole of the law; this motion was ordered to lie on the table.
A committee was then moved for, to take into consideration and report upon that part of the President's speech which relates to the national defence; and the following seven gentlemen were appointed, viz. Messrs. Wadsworth, Ward, Wayne, Dayton, Steele and Giles.
On motion of Mr. Lawrance, the business of regulating the trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, was referred to a select committee.
Mr. Sedgwick's motion for appointing a committee on that part of the speech respecting a revision of the excise law, was again debated, and a motion made by Mr. Steele to refer it to the secretary of the treasury. This was objected to by several members, and approved of by others.
Mr. White thought, that the safest and best information on this head was to be had of the secretary of the treasury.
Mr. Bondinot was against referring any part of the President's speech to any other judges than the House, to whom it had been communicated.
Mr. Goodhue thought a committee the most proper, as they could at all times have referred to the secretary of the treasury.
In this motion Mr. Fitzsimons coincided, and Mr. Steele consented to accommodate his motion, but at the same time observed that it was not his intention to refer this as a part of the President's speech to the secretary, but the subject required that the House should call upon that officer for information.
Mr. Lawrance said, that certainly a report made by the secretary on this business would be more connected than if it came from a committee, as that officer was in possession of all the necessary information respecting the obstructions to this law, if any there are, and also of the quantum and proportion
ons of imported spirits to domestic manufacture of that article.
Mr. Ames thought there was a degree of impropriety in referring to the secretary; and moved another resolution somewhat similar to Mr. Steele's, but with a little variation.
Mr. Sedgwick said, that it was a hard case indeed, if a select committee of the House could not make out a report from the information they might collect from the secretary and other sources. Surely, if they should happen to be so deficient in retention, so leaky as not to be able to bring the information verbally before the House, they could reduce it to writing. This is become an object of serious consideration amongst our constituents, and our duty calls on us to pay due attention to it. He was therefore against referring it to any officer, as he hoped a committee might be named, who would be found perfectly capable of retaining every information, and bringing it fairly before the House.
He seldom objected to the reference of proper subjects to the secretary of the treasury; but this was not one that involved considerations of a nature that should only be decided in the legislature: They are the proper judges of the proportions between the duty to be laid on domestic and imported spirits.
Mr. Gerry said the question appeared to him to be, whether this subject shall be referred to a committee or to the secretary of the treasury: he was not fond of referring laws to officers, and yet he was inclined to concur with the motion made by his colleague (Mr. Ames) that the secretary of the treasury be directed to report to the House the information which he had received on the collection of the excise, and the probability of the obstructions, &c. It was no uncommon thing to refer to the secretary of the treasury on subjects of this nature.
Mr. Steele expressed a wish that the confidence of the people should not be diminished in the officer, but that his popularity should increase; and for this reason it was that he wanted to give him an opportunity (in reporting) of obviating, if possible, the apprehensions of the public respecting the law in question.
Mr. Vining hoped that no one part of the President's speech would be referred to any officer, more than another part; the whole was before the House, and in his opinion it would not be treating either the President or themselves with a proper degree of dignity to refer it to any other judges. A committee, he thought, could procure all the necessary information from the proper officers, and afterwards report to the House.
Mr. Smith, (S. C.) as an inducement to make the House refer this business to the secretary, read the journals of the late Congress, to shew where that officer was referred to on the subject of the impost law.
Mr. Parker was against referring it to any but the House until after they had considered it themselves.
Mr. Lawrance vindicated himself against the idea taken up by Mr. Sedgwick, that he had implied, a committee of the House were not competent to report on this matter, and he recommended that the motion should be laid on the table for the present, in order to give time for procuring the secretary's information.
To this proposition, after some debate the House agreed.
The resolution for appointing a committee on the sale of the vacant lands, was also ordered to lie on the table, for the purpose of allowing time to procure further information, which Mr. Williamson observed was absolutely necessary.
Here some debate upon order took place, and Mr. Steele consented to wave his motion of referring the excise law to the secretary of the treasury, provided Mr. Sedgwick would consent to let his motion lie on the table. Mr. Sedgwick, however, was of opinion, that it was not conformable to the rules of the House; he would not consent to this mode; but finding so much laid against it, he withdrew the motion altogether.
Mr. Vining asked the speaker, if the gentleman's motion was withdrawn, and on being answered in the affirmative, declared that he now moved to renew it, and contended that it was not respectful to refer the President's speech to any officer.
Mr. Williamson said it could not be called respectful for the House to enter upon a subject without information or materials, blindfolded.
Mr. Sedgwick closed his remarks by observing, that when the execution or machinery of any business was to be referred to an officer, he never objected; but in the present instance it was the principle of the law that was to be considered, and none but the members of the legislature should judge of the principle, and also of the proportions of duties and taxes to be laid upon their constituents.
Mr. Vining and Mr. Livermore each made some further observations, and then the question on Mr. Vining's motion for referring the business to a select

committee was taken, and negatived, about 20 members rising for it, and 22 or 23 against it.
The motion for a committee to report a bill for the sale of vacant lands was again considered and agreed to, and Messieurs Williamson, Boudinot and White, are the committee.
The subjects of the mint, weights and measures, &c. being before the senate, the House passed over those parts of the speech.
WEDNESDAY, November 2.
Mr. Dayton laid on the table a motion, that the board of commissioners, for settling the accounts between the United States and individual states, be directed to report to the House the progress they have made in such settlements, and their opinion as to the prospect which the present state of the business affords, of their speedy and final conclusion.
THURSDAY, November 3.
Mr. Sedgwick moved for the appointment of a committee, to prepare and bring in a bill, directing the mode, in which the evidences of the debt of the United States, which have been, or may be, lost or destroyed, may be renewed.
Mr. Williamson moved for striking out the words printed in italic; observing, that all the certificates, at present in being, ought to be registered before now.
Mr. White was in favor of the amendment; as he thought it would be highly improper to hold out an idea to the people that they may lose their certificates and yet be paid. It would, he said, be opening a wide door for fraud and collusion, and throwing a temptation in people's way.
The amendment being adopted, and the resolution agreed to, as amended, a committee was appointed to bring in a bill pursuant to it.
The House then, pursuant to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the returns of the census.—Mr. Muhlenburg in the chair.
Mr. Sedgwick having moved, that the representation should be in the ratio of one member for every 34,000 inhabitants.
Mr. Clarke wished, that before any decision should be made on the subject, it might be maturely weighed. An encrease (he said) prevailed throughout the United States, some people complaining that the number of representatives was already too great, others, that their compensation is too high. If the number was to be enlarged, the expence must increase in proportion. For his part he could hardly imagine that it was the wish of the people to see any addition made to the number of the representative body. As he did not think that the House was obliged to encrease the number to 100, and as the ratio of one to 40,000 would add 14 members to the present number, this proportion he thought, would be much more acceptable to the people; wherefore he was in favor of striking out the words "thirty thousand," from the original resolution, and inserting "forty thousand" in their stead.
Mr. Williamson observed, that many of his constituents already think the government sufficiently expensive, and fear it will become still more so. The steps taken by the government to become more and more independent, had not, (he said) escaped the notice of the people: And he was far from thinking it a prudent measure to double the number of the representative body. The ratios that had been mentioned were 40,000 and 30,000. One gentleman, indeed, had proposed 35,000: But before gentlemen entered so minutely into the business, he thought they would do well to reflect, that if one state happens to have a small balance against her in the present apportionment, she may have a much greater one in her favour on the next occasion. If, however, a majority of the house did not approve of 30 or 40,000 as a proper ratio, he hoped they would adopt the medium number without descending into minutiae fractions.
Mr. Lawrance opposed the motion for striking out. It was well known, he said, that this subject had been much canvassed in the convention: And the general opinion seemed to be, that the House of representatives was not sufficiently numerous. The people however had acquiesced, but with the idea that the ratio would be settled at one to thirty thousand. The proposed amendment of the constitution is not, he observed, as yet ratified by a sufficient number of states, to make it a part of the constitution: Hence it may fairly be inferred, that a majority of the people are in favour of the ratio established by the convention: [i. e. one for every thirty thousand.] And what is the objection to the ratio? That it would make the House too numerous, and that business could not be so well done by a greater, as by a smaller number. But are we, said he, to reduce the number, when opposed by the general opinion of United America? No! To render the government secure, we should have the House, that represents the people of America, sufficiently numerous to embrace their opinions, and to secure their confidence: And I believe, that a reasonable addition to our number will inspire the people with that degree of confidence in this House, which the framers of the constitution expected it would possess.
As to the additional expence incurred by an encrease in the representation, he did not consider that as sufficient cause for objection. He thought, no expence too great to secure the liberties of America, and to preserve the government, as it was originally instituted. When gentlemen proposed different ratios, he hoped they did not confine their views to the effect which those ratios would produce in the representation of the particular states from which they came. The general safety ought
to be kept in view; and the House ought to endeavour to secure the confidence of the people. If, said he, we contemplate the numbers in the different state legislatures, do we not find, that this principle prevails there? Do we any where find so limited a representation as within these walls? We do not: and yet the objects that engage the attention of the state legislatures, are neither so numerous, nor so important, as those that come before this House.
He concluded by observing, that, as it had been before mentioned, that the House was not sufficiently full to proceed on business of such importance, he had not expected that it would be so soon brought forward again: He had been absent, and not heard the observations made on the subject: He was quite unprepared, and hoped the committee would not precipitate the business.
On motion, the committee rose, reported progress, and asked leave to sit again.
FRIDAY, November 4.
Several petitions were read, from officers and soldiers of the late army and navy of the United States, during the late war, praying compensation for wounds received, injuries sustained, or services rendered.
The House proceeded to consider the report of the committee, to whom was referred the petition of Jeremiah Allen, sheriff of the County of Suffolk, Massachusetts, respecting a prisoner committed under the authority of the United States.
After some debate thereon, the petition and report were referred to the committee of the whole House, on the revision of the judiciary system.
A petition of Charles Colvill, of the city of Philadelphia, was read, praying to be paid the amount of his ransom from slavery among the Algerines, together with his expenses in travelling from Algiers to Scotland, and from thence to America; as also that measures may be taken for procuring the ransom or relief from slavery of Captains O'Brien and Stevens, with their respective crews, being citizens of the United States, and now in slavery at Algiers.
The order of the day for the House to resolve itself into a committee of the whole House, on the schedule of enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, was further postponed until Thursday next. Adjourned till Monday.
MONDAY, November 7.
Mr. Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, accompanied with sundry estimates, which were read, and ordered to be printed for the information of the members.
On motion of Mr. Lawrence, those papers were referred to a select committee, who were instructed to report a bill making the necessary appropriations.
Mr. Speaker laid before the House certain papers, received from the Vice President, containing an account of the late purchases of the public debt, amounting to 852,677 dollars and 46 cents, for which there had been paid, in specie, 558,924 dollars and 14 cents; making, in the whole, 1,131,364 dollars and 76 cents, purchased for 699,163 dollars and 32 cents, in specie. Adjourned.
TUESDAY, November 8.
Mr. Bourne (M.) of the joint committee of enrollment, reported, that the bill allowing further time for completing the census of South-Carolina, was duly enrolled. The Speaker signed it.
The communication from the commissioners appointed for the purchase of stock was again read, and ordered to be printed.
Foreign Advices.
N A N C I, August 25.
A LETTER from Longwy informs, that a number of the inhabitants had formed a design to seize upon the person of M. de Bouille, and carry him into France: Unfortunately the plot was discovered, and they were making preparation to hang the conspirators when this account came away.
August 29. Intelligence is just come in, that the German troops at Luxembourg, together with the inhabitants, have risen in a body to prevent the execution of the sentence upon the persons that attempted to seize M. de Bouille and deliver him up to the vengeance of France. There has also been a serious insurrection in Brabant, in which the refugees from France have suffered not a little. M. M. Gourcy, in particular, has just arrived here, with his carriage full of company, who thought they were snugly lodged in the Brabantine territories, till such time as the old government of France should be restored.
L O N D O N, September 9.
The declaration of the French King, to the Deputation from the National Assembly who presented the Constitutional Act, "that he will not quit Paris," may be considered as a declaration, that he will accept the whole as offered to him, without any kind of qualification, but perhaps an expression of his hopes, that if there be any thing improper in it, the means which the National Assembly has provided, will be sufficient to correct the impropriety.
On the 3d of January the Nabob of Arcot received a pistol shot from an unknown hand, which carried off one of his fingers, and made its way through his arm. His son-in-law was shot through the body.
These alarming circumstances happened during a review, and are indisputably owing to the army being kept shamefully in arrears.
Government, it is said, has come to a determination with respect to the family of the late unfortunate Mr. Sutherland, who lately shot himself in Hyde-Park; it has given to the widow and daughters 500l. together with an annuity of 300l.
Extract of a letter from the Hague, August 26.
"We learn from Berlin, that the Turkish Ambassador there shewed the greatest joy at receiving the news of peace being concluded, and in the evening illuminated his Hotel in a most superb manner."
DUBLIN, August 2.
Two families of consequence in the mercantile world have arrived at Waterford from France, in the course of last week.—They are said to have brought with them property to the amount of 150,000l.
Displeased at the progress of liberty in their own country, they probably have chosen this happy isle as a refuge whither the turbulent Goddess is not likely to follow them.
August 13. The Affix of the 12d. Loaf this week is 7lb. 8oz. 6dr.—Price of Wheat 3l. 1s. and Flour 1l. 18s. 9d. per quarter.—Wheat-meal 1s. 7d. and Oat-meal 2s. per stone.
UNITED STATES. PENNSYLVANIA.
PHILADELPHIA, November 9.
The spectacle of a wretched man, attended by two constables, feeble tottering after the corpse of his own child in a small funeral procession, last Wednesday, attracted the attention of several spectators: but upon enquiry into the occasion of this extraordinary scene, what was our astonishment, on being informed, that the being who seemed to sink down by the coffin, had murdered his child!—An unhappy domestic dispute had provoked him to seize a pair of tongs, with which he had aimed a blow at his wife, and a child of eight years old unfortunately rushed between its misguided parents, received the fatal stroke on the back part of its head, which put a period to its innocent visit to this world!
The inquest which sat on the body, have reported a verdict, "Accidental murder." The man immediately surrendered himself to justice, and is in confinement to stand his trial.
By his own supplicating request, he was permitted to go to the funeral of his murdered infant; and this was the reason of his being attended by constables.
November 7. The latest news from St. Domingo mention, that fresh disturbances have commenced at Port-au-Prince, between the Whites and the people of colour, which, if not immediately accommodated, will reduce that settlement to as bad, if not a worse, situation than Cape-Francois; for there the Mulattoes acted in conjunction with the Whites, and there is some prospect of an end being put to the insurrection: But if the Mulattoes should declare themselves in favour of the Negroes of Port-au-Prince, the consequences must be dreadful.
Extract of a letter from Cape-Francois, to a gentleman in Wilmington, dated September 26th, 1791.
"Since three days, we have taken two camps of the Negroes, and made of them a horrible butchery; and in this same moment that I write you, from the Turret, where I am centinel, three of our armies together attack the principal camp (on the plantation Galifet, 6 or 8 miles from the Cape) and I see it broken through in all parts, and the Negroes driven into the mountains, whither our soldiers follow them."
The constitution of France was exactly two years, three months, and fifteen days in forming—the empire of despotism, on the ruins of which this fabrick of freedom is raised, was the work of ages. At the moment of finishing the constitution, all parties seemed to unite: Feuillans and Jacobines joined in equal expressions of triumph.
The motion of Mr. Languinais, in the National Assembly, that the constitution cannot be changed, was carried unanimously.
By the brig Hetey, Capt. Davis, from Cape-Francois, we are informed, that a considerable number of French families have removed from Hispaniola to Jamaica, in order to avoid the Negro insurrection. Their house-slaves at their first arrival, having some conversation, caused some suspicions of treasonable intentions, has been the cause of limiting the number for each family by order of government.
Extract of a letter from Mr. Worlock, at St. Domingo, to his wife at Philadelphia.
Cape-Francois, October 4.
"The situation of the colony is growing better. The open country about the Cape begins to be free. The insurgents have been driven from all their posts in the lower parts, and are obliged to take refuge in different places, whence hunger, wretchedness, discontent, and discord will soon drive them. Several gangs have already either returned to their habitations, or repaired to the different camps of the white men. We hope that several others will soon follow their example; and that tranquility will then be re-established. But what a length of time, what labour will it cost, to repair the mischief already done!"
"The districts of Letrou, Jaquesy, Fort-Dauphin, and Maribaraux are quiet, and have received no in-

jury. The case is the same in the southern and western parts of the colony, in consequence of the sacrifices which the Whites have consented to make in favour of the free people of colour, who have taken up arms with the Whites, and made it a common cause. Within a month we hope to be all in our own houses."
Extract of a letter from Mr. Roux, merchant, of Cape-Francois, to Mr. Fames, merchant, and inhabitant of the Cape, October 3.
"I have been a long time with the army.—You know that I am attached to the corps of free Mulattoes since they took up arms in defence of the common cause. We have been constantly in the field, and are now come back to town for a few days. We have repulsed the insurgents, and destroyed great numbers of them. We took the camp of Gai-fet without losing a single man. In it we found many valuable effects, ammunition, provisions, six pieces of cannon (one of them of brass, with a Spanish inscription, Cañones III. April 10, 1791 , and mounted on a carriage of acajou) and several papers, which show that the Spaniards have furnished them with arms. It is said they are headed by some deserters from the regiment of Port-au-Prince."
November 12.
Extract of a letter from Cape-Francois of the 22d October.
We have received this moment the disagreeable news from Port-au-Prince that the Mulattoes have revolted: 1500 have taken possession of Leogane, and they intend to attack Port-au-Prince. The Negroes have also revolted, and 20,000 are encamped in the plain not far from Port-au-Prince.
"In the Cape is worse, and it will be impossible to stop the progress of the Negroes before we get assistance from Europe, which we may now expect in one month's time."
A system of bankrupt-laws has long been expected by many persons. It has been said that the United States is almost the only civilized country in the world, which is not in possession of such a system; an idea is excited by this circumstance, which some may construe to the disadvantage of the general character of the people of America. If we can boast of equal honesty with the rest of mankind, we do not appear to stand on an equal footing with the citizens of European governments, in this respect.
There may be peculiar difficulties attending this business in this country, owing to the extensiveness of our circle of credit; but we certainly, in this case, as in many others, enjoy superior advantages by having all the light to direct us, which can arise from the practice and experience of the greatest commercial, and most enlightened nations of Europe.
MARYLAND.
BALTIMORE, November 11.
The French Plan of Defence, in case they are attacked by a junction of European Powers—translated from a Paris News Paper:
"1. Never to surrender themselves up alive to an Enemy. "2. Not to give Quarter to any foreign hostile Officer whatever, be his Rank what it may, from the Corporal to the General, inclusive, if taken with Arms in their Hands. "3. Still less shall Quarter be given to any Frenchman, who shall be found in arms against his Country. "4. To treat in a friendly Manner every foreign Soldier, who shall be so unfortunate as to be compelled, by Constraint of military Discipline, to obey the Order of his Officer; it being contrary to the Disposition of a generous People, to reckon any Person their Enemy, except such as shall have the Command in this Work of Murder, and who would, if possible, perpetuate the Slavery of the human Race. With a faithful Adherence to the above Rules, the French will continue free and invincible, though all the Tyrants of the World should enter into a Combination against them!"
APPOINTMENTS.
The President of the United States has appointed, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, the following Persons:
David Meade Randolph, Marshal of the Virginia District, vice Edward Carrington, appointed Supervisor of said District.
Alexander Campbell, Attorney for the United States, in the Virginia District, vice William Nelson, jun. resigned.
Josiah Murchough, Surveyor of the Port of Hertford, in North-Carolina, vice Joshua Skinner, jun. Son of William deceased.
Andrew Barrett, to be Supervisor of the District of Delaware, vice Henry Latimer, who has resigned his Appointment.
VIRGINIA.
ALEXANDRIA, November 17.
Col. HENRY LEE is chosen Governor of this State for the ensuing year.
The address of the Committee appointed to notify to that gentleman his election, is as follows:
To HENRY LEE, Esq.
SIR,
We are appointed by the General Assembly to notify to you, your election to the office of Chief Magistrate of this Commonwealth.
We feel peculiar pleasure in conveying this information to you; a pleasure resulting as well from our personal respect and regard, as from this reflection.
That, whilst the General Assembly have consulted the welfare and dignity of the Commonwealth, in conferring upon you this distinguished honour, they have acknowledged, at the same time, and in
the fullest manner, the high sense which they entertain of your merit as a soldier, and as a citizen.
His REPLY.
GENTLEMEN,
I receive with humility and with gratitude the distinguished honour conferred upon me; to my mind invaluable, because it conveys the strongest testimony of the affection and confidence of my country.
Present my most respectful thanks to the General Assembly, and assure them of my best endeavors to promote the common good during my administration.
Accept, gentlemen, my acknowledgments for the obliging manner in which you have communicated my appointment, and permit me to declare that my heart returns with sincerity the sentiments of personal respect and regard with which you have been pleased to honour me.
A correspondent observes, that present appearances in the National Legislature, presage an harmonious session. The general happiness diffused over the face of our country, is traced by every man to its proper source—the Constitution and Laws of the United States. The administration of the general government has been peculiarly subservient to the best interests of our country—Such republican principles from the distinguished features of every public address and communication from our civil fathers—that posterity will quote them as the oracles of freedom. On the sure basis of public faith, credit and confidence, is raised such a system of industry, energy and enterprise among the people, as will in its effects astonish mankind. The present session of Congress therefore will, in all probability, proceed with that promptitude and decision in completing what remains to be finished, and in developing and applying the principles of the Constitution to the public exigencies, which is inspired by the unparalleled success with which the measures of their predecessors have been crowned.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, November 22.
Extracts of letters from a field officer in the western army, to his friend in Annapolis, dated Camp, Great-Miami, the 1st, 10th and 20th of September.
"This place, N. 15 W. of Fort Washington about twenty miles, is situated between a small lake and the river, by nature a strong and defensible post, which we shall fortify, and leave a garrison of 300 men to protect—Our destination is then to the head waters of the river, and posts are to be established as we advance. The army which is now but 1700 strong, will by these means, be very much weakened.
"We shall have a cold campaign, and every probability of hard blows; as, from the best information I can collect, the Indians are 1500 strong, and well provided with provisions from the Canadians.
"This country is too valuable to be lost; the soil rich, luxuriant, and easily reduced into a state of cultivation, and nature has here distributed her blessings with a bountiful hand. We are at this time commanded by Colonel Darke, but expect daily General Butler to take the command, who, we hear, has arrived at Fort Washington with a reinforcement equal in number to our whole army.
"Lieutenant Davidson marched four weeks ago to Corvolt's station, on the Little Miami, where he still has the command. A gallant promising young officer! Dispatches from him, within these few days, announce their being well there.
"Our little army is well formed, and not unhealthy, though the duty hard.
"Since our arrival in this country we have not lost a man, nor seen an Indian; though our scouts observe their vestiges near our encampments daily."
Says a Correspondent—Public opinion governs every thing—and therefore every thing should be done to enlighten it. The Newspapers have been stopped or have passed with considerable difficulty through the Post-Office. This ought not to be so. Transmitting the Newspapers from one end of the Continent to the other, need not cost the public a farthing. A light charge on the carriage would defray the expence, and ensure the delivery. They ought to pass under the protection of law as safely as letters. [Gaz. U. S.]
No. 6313, drew the prize of 10,000 dollars in the New-Haven Wharf Lottery.—This fortunate number was sold in the city of Philadelphia, and is the property of Mr. Augustine Davis, Printer, in Richmond.
MARRIED at Martinsburg, on Saturday evening last, DAVID HUNTER, Esq. to Miss ELIZABETH PENDLETON, daughter of PHILIP PENDLETON, Esq.
From the NATIONAL GAZETTE.
GALLIPOLIS.
The settlers of Gallipolis are in great hopes of succeeding in making wine, not of exotic grapes, but by cultivating the wild American grape. A singular circumstance gave rise to these hopes. In the Ohio, immediately opposite to Gallipolis, is a sandy island remarkable for the goodness of the wild grape produced on it. They are juicy, the skin much thinner and stone smaller than the grapes of the same kind in the other parts of the country. This difference is attributed to the effects of the ice in winter, which, when the river rises, sweeps over the island and trims the vines. This coarse dressing, though it happens in an unfavourable season of the year, together with the exposed situation of the island to the direct rays of the sun, is conceived to be the reason of the superiority of the grapes in this small spot. Very palatable wine has already been made of these
grapes, and when the hint is improved upon, and a regular course of culture bestowed upon our native vine (which is the determination of our settlers to attempt) Sciota wine, who knows, may perhaps, one day, supplant the Maderia on our tables.
There are acts of baseness and villainy which while we contemplate their atrocity, appear so great, that we can hardly persuade ourselves to believe that any of the human race are to be found so depraved as to perpetrate them.—Among these we may reckon the infernal machinations of the incendiary, who to gratify a malicious disposition, artfully and deliberately enkindles a fire in the heart of a populous city, that may involve thousands in poverty and wretchedness—but the villainy of the assassin who lays in wait for innocent blood, who with a steady arm levels the instrument of death against the innocent, against a worthy man, an upright magistrate, a friend to his country and mankind, must be actuated by a superior degree of diabolical phrensy.—Such wretches there are—but to the honor of human nature, and of our country, the instances are but few. Through the favour of a protecting providence this city has in a good measure been preserved from the destruction that was threatened by the attempts of the agents of Satan—and we doubt not that vengeance awaits the perpetrators of the cruel murder recently committed in the state of New-York.
In a free republic, the officers of the people are entitled to double honor, because they have no inheritance in their office, and when actuated by just principles accept of public employments from motives superior to mercenary considerations. The crime therefore of individuals who devise the destruction, and imbrue their hands in the innocent blood of such characters, is tinged with the blackest hue of hellish darkness.
THE SUBSCRIBER
Begs leave to inform his friends and the Public in general, That he carries on the
Copper and Tin BUSINESS,
In Shepherd's-Town, where those who choose to favour him with their custom, may depend on being duly attended, and their commands gratefully acknowledged. Those that have favoured him with employment, he returns the most sincere thanks.
All sorts of Kitchen Furniture are tin'd and repair'd in the neatest manner and on the most reasonable terms, by their humble servant,
JOHN WATERS.
N. B. Old Copper, Brass, Pewter and Lead, bought or exchanged.
November 21, 1791.
Stop the Thief!
SIX POUNDS REWARD.
STOLEN from the Subscriber, living on the great Road between Middletown and the Maryland Tract, a yellow-bay Mare, about fourteen and half hands high, branded on the near shoulder thus P. K. shod before, with a small star in her forehead, with a number of saddle spots on each side her back, a long switch tail, with grey hairs, trots and canters, about 5 or 6 years old. Whoever takes up said Mare and thief, so that the owner gets his Mare again, and the thief brought to conviction, shall receive, if twenty miles from home, four dollars, if forty miles, six dollars, if sixty miles, three pounds, and if one hundred, the above reward for mare and thief, and three pounds for the Mare only, and all reasonable charges paid, if brought home, by me
JACOB GYER.
Frederick-County, State of Maryland, Nov. 17, 1791.
2 Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the Subscriber this morning, a servant girl named Mary Moody. She is about five feet high, thick and well set; is of a black complexion, black hair and eyes. She stole and carried away sundry cloathing, so that it is uncertain what dress she wears; she wore a wool hat, bound with velvet. She can be remarked when talking, as she is a very active twearer. Whoever will take her up and put her in any gaol, shall receive the above reward, by me
THOMAS SHEPHERD.
Shepherd's-Town, Berkeley County, Nov. 17, 1791.
Wanted immediately, A GOOD
Journeyman Taylor
To whom 3s. Pennsylvania currency, per job, will be given, and constant employ.
GEORGE TILLEY.
Martinsburg, Nov. 19, 1791.
WANTED, One or two JOURNEYMEN
Shoe-Makers,
To whom good wages and steady employ will be given. Inquire of the Printer.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
PETER PINDER has been often admired for his vein of satirical humour; but in the following effusion of his muse, he appears so much the cheerful moralist, that we doubt not our readers will receive it with pleasure, and perhaps profit by his original and pleasant philosophy.
A N O D E.
"MAN may be happy, if he will:" I've said it often, and I think to fill: Doctrine to make the million stare! Know then, each mortal is an actual Jove; Can brew what weather he shall most approve, Or wind, or calm, or foul, or fair.
But here's the mischief—Man's an ass I say; Too fond of thunder, light'ning, storm and rain; He hides the charming, cheerful ray, That spreads a smile o'er hill and plain! Dark, he must court the scull, and spade, and throwd—
The mistress of his soul must be a cloud! Who told him that he must be curs'd on earth?— The God of Nature?—No such thing! Heav'n whisper'd him, the moment of his birth, "Don't cry my lad, but dance and sing; "Don't be too wise, nor be an ape;— "In colours let thy soul be dress'd, not crape;
"Roses shall smooth life's journey, and adorn; "Yet, mind me—if, through want of grace, "Thou mean'st to fling the blessing in my face, "Thou hast full leave to tread upon a thorn."
Yet some there are, of men I think the worst, Poor imps! unhappy, if they can't be curs'd— For ever brooding over mis'ry's eggs, As though life's pleasures where a deadly sin; Mousing for ever for a gin To catch their happiness by the legs.
Ev'n at a dinner, some will be unbles'd, However good the viands, and well dress'd; They always come to table with a scowl, Squint with a face of verjuice o'er each dish, Fault the poor flesh, and quarrel with the fish, Curse cook and wife, and, loathing, eat and growl.
A cart-load, so, their stomachs steal, Y swear they c nnot make a meal. I lke not the blue devil hunting crew! I hate to drop the discontented jaw! O let me nature's simple smile pursue, And pick ev'n pleasure from a straw!
A N E C D O T E.
THE Abbe Gagliani sent the Pope a box full of curious stones; on the inside was written, command that these shall become bread. Benedict the XIVth, who knew his poverty and merit, immediately ordered him a pension.
At a Court of Quarter Sessions, held for Berkeley County, on the third Tuesday in August, 1791. Leonard Davis, Complt. against William Worthington and Nancy his wife, and Sarah Wilson, Defts. In Chancery.
THE Defendants not having entered their appearance agreeable to an Act of Assembly, and according to the rules of this Court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that they are no inhabitants of this County, on the motion of the Complainant, by his Council, Ordered, That the said Defendants do appear here on the third Tuesday in November next, to answer the bill of the Complainant, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in the Virginia Gazette for two months successively, and published at the Church in the Parish of Norborne, in the County aforesaid, on some Sunday after divine service, and also at the Court-House door of the said County.
A copy. Teste, MOSES HUNTER, C.B.C.
TO BE SOLD, A Likely Negro wench,
About 23 years old, with her male child in its 4th year, and the wench now pregnant. She has been brought up chiefly to house work, can spin well on either wheel, and is a good hand at plantation work. For further particulars, inquire of the Printer.
A few Tickets in Mr. T. WHITE'S Lottery, are for sale at the Printing-Office.
THE Subscriber informs the People of Shepherd's-Town and vicinity, that he purposes to recommence his school of Church Music, in the Brick Meeting-House, on Friday next, at 2 o'clock. JOHN WILKINSON.
Nov. 12, 1791.
The Subscriber, having determined to relinquish the business of keeping a PUBLIC House returns his most sincere thanks to his friends who have favoured him with their custom in that line. —In order to accommodate those who with still to frequent his house, he now informs them, that he has opened for their reception,
A PRIVATE BOARDING HOUSE, Where such as are desirous to be entertained, retired from the noise and bustle which they are unavoidably exposed to in a Tavern, may be assured of finding every preparation for their ease, comfort and enjoyment.
ALEXANDER ROGERS. Martinsburg, October 22, 1791.
A Mill for sale.
BY Virtue of a Decree of the Court of BERKELEY County, and State of VIRGINIA, will be exposed to sale by PUBLIC VENDUE, upon the first day of February next, if said, if not the next fair day, a MERCHANT-MILL, with the Lot, Premises, and Buildings thereunto belonging, late the property of HENRY COOKCUS, deceased, and now in the possession of CHRISTIAN ORENDORFF.
Also, the Stone Dwelling-House, and Ground-Rents of the said estate, late of the said COOKCUS, deceased, all situate in Shepherd's-Town, in the County and State aforesaid.
The terms of sale will be, one third part of the purchase money to be paid in twelve months from the day of sale, one other third part within two years after the day of sale, and the remaining third part within three years after the day of sale.
By order of the Court. JOHN KEARSLEY, } Trustees. HENRY BEDINGER. } BERKELEY-COUNTY, July 25, 1791.
Wanted immediately,
BY the Subscriber, living near Opeckon-Creek, between Light's mill and the Swan-Ponds, two good Journeymen SHOE MAKERS, who shall have constant employ and good wages, from AARON FARIS. Berkeley-County, October 24, 1791.
Wants employ, in a Merchant-Mill, A Young Man who has been regularly bred to the Milling-Business, and who would wish to engage with some person who carries on the business extensively, and will give suitable wages, as a compensation for which, he will stand the inspection of the flour which may pass through his hands. Satisfactory recommendation will be given, if required. Inquire of the Printer.
WANTED, 2 or 3 Apprentices
To the Tanning and Currying business. Application to be made at the Printing-Office.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of Mr. Andrew Coldwell, jun. deceased, are requested to make payment; and those who have any demands against the same, are likewise requested to bring them in, as an immediate settlement of the above estate is intended.
CHARLES McDONALD, Executor. October 15, 1791.
TO BE SOLD, Two Water LOTS,
Situated in James-Town, alias Buckles-Town, between 7 and 8 miles from Martinsburg; they contain about two acres, whereon is a new square Log House, nearly finished, with a small Tan-Yard; in this neighbourhood hides are plenty, and bark very convenient. Any person wishing to purchase, may know the terms by applying to the Printer in Shepherd's-Town, or to the Subscriber on the premises. PHILIP KING.
October 18, 1791.
Tickets in the New-Church Lottery which is shortly to be drawn, may be had at the Printing-Office.
Just published at BALTIMORE, By W. GODDARD & J. ANGELL, And to be SOLD by WHOLESALE and RETAIL, With large allowance to those who purchase quantities, THE PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, AND VIRGINIA
ALMANACK,
FOR THE YEAR 1792:
A COMPLETE and ACCURATE EPHEMERIS, calculated by the ingenious Mr. BENJAMIN BANNEKER, a free black Man, (a Native of this Country, born of African Parents) whose Calculations, now offered the Public, have met the Approbation of several of the most distinguished Astronomers in America.
[The Contents will be speedily published.] The above Work contains interesting Particulars of the virtuous Life and laudable Pursuits of BENJAMIN, and his Progress to ASTRONOMIC FAME.
** Orders from our country and distant customers, will be duly attended to. Baltimore, Sept. 30, 1791.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, some time the middle of last month, a red COW, considerably old, has her left ear clip'd, and was heavy with calf when she went away. Any person who will give me information where the said Cow is, so that I get her again, shall have TEN SHILLINGS reward, or ELEVEN SHILLINGS and THREE PENCE for the Cow and Calf.
GEORGE FRANK. Martinsburg, October 18, 1791.
15 Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber on the night of the 16th inst. an indentured Apprentice Boy by the name of THOMAS JACKSON, nineteen years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, dark complexion, black hair, has a down look, had on when he went away, a light coloured home-made coat and waistcoat, with metal buttons, had a pair of old fustian breeches, striped over-alls, a pair of old shoes, with a half worn hat;—he took with him two pair of tow trowsers, two home-made linen shirts, and a pair of grey worsted stockings. Whoever apprehends said Boy, and will confine him in any goal, so that I get him again, or return him to me, living within three miles of Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Virginia, shall have the above reward, and necessary charges.
October 18, 1791. ROBERT CREIGHTON.
To be SOLD, or LET, and entered upon immediately,
A Merchant-Mill,
Known by the name of Hite & Gibbs's Mill, situate eight miles from Winchester, near the road leading to Shepherd's-Town. For terms, apply to Mr. James Gibbs, at the Clerk's office, Winchester, to Mrs. Gibbs, on the premises, or to
ALEXANDER WHITE. Woodville, October 1, 1791.
On Monday the 19th of December next, Will be sold at PUBLIC AUCTION, At the Plantation of JOSEPH DAVIS, near Sharpsburg, Washington County, Maryland, a quantity of good
Indian Corn, Wheat,
Rye, Tobacco in the house, Hay, Straw, Corn Fodder, some live Stock, Plantation Utensils, House hold and Kitchen Furniture, and a variety of other articles too tedious to mention.
The sale will begin at ten o'clock—the terms of which will be made known on the day of sale.
JOSEPH DAVIS. October 27.
TO BE RENTED, A VERY GOOD HOUSE,
With a good Cellar under it, sit for a Store, it being the best place for that business to be found in the neighbourhood. It is ten miles from Winchester, on the great road leading from that place to Alexandria. Any person renting said House, may be furnished with other conveniences, such as boarding for a clerk, a lumber house, &c.
THOMAS GRAHAM.
FOR SALE, By the Printer hereof, Blank Deeds of Bargain and Sale, Lawyers Declarations of every Kind.