The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1792-06-19 00:00:00

The POTOMAC GUARDIAN, and BERKELEY ADVERTISER.
PRICE TWO DOLLARS PER ANN.]
TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 1792.
[NUMBER 83—VOL 2.]
WHERE LIBERTY DWELLS, THERE IS MY COUNTRY.
Franklin.
TO BE SOLD,
In the County of Berkeley, on Opeckon Creek, within two miles of Martinsburg VIRGINIA, and on the most direct road to Shepherd's-Town,
A Merchant Mill,
With two pair of Stones, one of which are French Burrs, equal to any in the State, the Mill-House very spacious, and every thing very convenient for business the floor can be freighted from the mill door down the river, which makes it much more convenient than any mill on that Creek, with 70 acres of good line stone land, 30 of which are clear and under good fence, a young orchard, with a commodious House, and a never-failing spring.—This Mill is situated in a fine wheat country, and contiguous to Baltimore and Alexandria markets.—By paying half the purchase money down, a reasonable credit will be given for the other half.
Application to be made to the Subscriber, living on the premises.
IGNATIUS OFFERRALL.
June 8, 1792.
Notice!
Berkeley County, 5th June, 1792.
THE Subscriber, acting Executor of the estate of Col. Van Swearingen, deceased, gives this public notice, That a settlement of the said estate is immediately called for; those persons who have any claims against it, are desired to bring them in for payment, and those indebted are also requested to settle up their accounts, &c. without delay, as they need not expect any farther notice or indulgence, than the law has pointed out.
JOSIAH SWEARINGEN.
One $1000 reward.
RAN away from the Subscriber, on the 25th ult. an intended Apprentice, named Jeremiah Miller, bound by order of Court. Whoever will apprehend the said run-away and confine him in goal, shall have the above reward.
WILLIAM HOOPER.
June 6, 1792.
From the (N. Y.) DAILY ADVERTISER.
STRICTURES ON THE REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS ON THE WESTERN EXPEDITION.
IN my notification to the Public of the 15th inst. I promised to expose some palpable errors in the report of the Committee of Congress on the late western expedition, in order that a proper judgment might be formed of this legislative mode of investigation. But previous to my entering on the subject, it is proper to observe, that I was never, directly, or indirectly, called upon by the Committee to furnish any explanations, or to obviate any charges or insinuations contained in this report; that the first notice I had of it was in Mr. Childs's paper of the 12th inst. and that unsuspecting, unheard, and unprotected, I have been stretched on the wreck of public investigation, as an object deserving popular resentment. But though, from circumstances arising from misfortune and indiscretion, (not guilt) my person has been imprisoned, my mind preceives in full vigor, its native freedom and independence; nor am I yet so debased, as tamely to crouch under the lash of injury, whilst I am supported by the consciousness not only of innocence, but of merit, in those particulars which are made the subject of accusation.
I shall now proceed to a consideration of some points, which the committee roundly assert as facts, reserving to a future occasion such evidence and observations, as I shall judge necessary for a full refutation of every part of the report of the committee, so far as it relates to my conduct as Contractor for the army.
In order to prove my inattention to the fulfilment
of the duties of my station, it is asserted—That on the 9th of May, 1791, Mr. Smith of Carlisle, one of my agents, had not received any monies from me; that on the 8th of May, 1791, Mr. Kean, another commissary, was in the same situation; and that even so late as the 9th of June of the same year, general Nevill, my principal agent at Pittsburgh, (which was the place of general rendezvous and deposit) had likewise received no monies.
These assertions I aver to be groundless; and in proof I refer to the following copies of receipts, the originals of which are deposited with Mr. Laban Bronson, at No. 57, Maiden-Lane, formerly one of my agents under the contract, for inspection of those who may with implicit satisfaction on this head.
No. I.
Received, Carlisle, 2d April, 1791, of Col. Wm. Duer, by the hands of Col. George Gibson, five hundred dollars on account of provisions to be furnished by me to the army of the United States.
(Signed)
JAMES SMITH.
500 Dolls.
No. II.
Received, Philadelphia, April 19th, 1791, of Wm. Duer, Esq. three hundred dollars, in post notes, which I promise to deliver to Mr. James Smith, near Carlisle, taking duplicate receipts therefor.
(Signed)
HIPPOLITE MALARTIC.
N. B. The receipt of this sum is acknowledged in Mr. Smith's account.
No. III.
Received, April 17th, 1791, of Col. Wm. Duer, four hundred and seven dollars and forty eight nine-tieths, on account of supplies for the troops raising at Winchester, in Virginia.
(Signed)
JOHN KEAN.
No. IV.
13th April, 1791, Received of Wm. Duer, two thousand dollars, to be applied in purchasing supplies for the troops on the Western Frontiers, and for which I promise to account.
(Signed)
JOHN NEVILL.
2000 Dolls.
Excepting of the above sums, I paid many of Mr. Nevill's drafts, previous to the time at which the Committee stated he had received no money, as will appear by his account, deposited with Mr. Bronson, and made advances to several other persons, for supplies, to be furnished at Pittsburg, and other places; the proofs of which are too voluminous to be inserted in this publication.
Here I might rest the defence on these points; but the following proofs of a more decisive nature from No. 5, to No. 9, prove how much I had at heart an honorable fulfilment of my contract; and that the measures which I took for this purpose, were not only successful, but acknowledged by public documents, lodged in the war-office, which the committee might have seen, if an impartial investigation had been the object of their researches.
No. V.
Instructions to Mr. Laban Bronson.
SIR,
The confidence I have, from past experience in your activity, and regard for my interest, has induced me to appoint you my principal agent for managing all purchases on my account in the western country, not only on account of the contract, but on account of the French emigrants.
In managing the former, you will act according to your own discretion, and for my best interest; in the latter, you will from time to time, govern yourself by such special instructions as you shall receive from me.
Your principal and immediate attention must be devoted to supply all the posts under the contract for the space of four months and procuring a complete supply of salted provisions, for the months of May and June next, preferring pork, if you can obtain it. To enable you to commence your operations, you have herewith in Philadelphia bank bills, fifteen hundred dollars, and a letter of credit on my agent Mr. Joseph Hardy, at Philadelphia, directing to pay your drafts on him, drawn at not less than ten days sight, for fifteen hundred dollars. You have likewise an order on Mr. Israel Ludlow, directing him to pay into your hands what monies he may have undispensed of my last remittance, and all that he shall receive from the French emigrants, who are under a convention to pay me for provisions supplied them. With these resources, and that of the merchandise in the care of Mr. Swan and who must dispose of them under your directions solely. I have no doubt you will be able to execute the objects entrusted to you. If further means are necessary, inform me instantly, and you shall have them.
Immediately on your arrival at Buffalo or Fort-Pitt, you will give notice to Gen. Harmer of your commission, the prospects you have, and the mea-
suures you propose adopting; and you will at the same time transmit to me the same intelligence.
From the funds entrusted to Mr. M c Farland, previous to his death, and those in the hands of Mr. Fowler, I am persuaded considerable supplies must have been procured. Obtain, as soon as possible, for me, a state of all purchases or contracts made on my account, and of the deliveries in consequence, specifying the special nature of the deliveries, and the posts at which they have been received. This you will obtain through Mr. Israel Ludlow, who is appointed to superintend all the issues, and whose province it will be to visit the respective posts. Although from Capt. Mills letter to me it is most probable that a sufficient supply is gone to Post Vincennes, yet it will be necessary to ascertain this circumstance with precision, and to supply any deficiency in such mode as you may think most advisable.
In short, Sir, in executing the business entrusted to you, you will consider yourself unettered by any other considerations than a regard to my interest, which is inseparable from an honorable fulfilment of my contract, and you will use every exertion to retrieve any loss of credit, or reputation, which I may have suffered from the fate of Mr. M c Farland, or from the scandalous insinuations of such persons as may wish my contract to fail.
As the season of the year renders the execution of the office you have undertaken, extremely fatiguing, and detaches you from the private pursuits you had in contemplation, I will allow you for two months service, which you have promised to devote to me, one hundred dollars per month, exclusive of your reasonable travelling charges, and before the expiration of that time I will think of a proper character to succeed you. You have herewith a special commission for the purposes mentioned in those instructions, which you will communicate when circumstances may render necessary, and a general letter of credit to Mr. Wills at Buffalo, who I doubt not will give you any aid in executing the trust reposed in you.
I am, &c. yours with esteem,
Wm. DUER.
Mr. Laban Bronson.
In order that some parts of this letter may be more clearly understood, it is necessary to mention that it was written in consequence of a former agent's sudden death; and the effect which it was supposed it might have on the supplies of the army at a very critical period; the Ohio river was frozen that year much earlier than usual; a small part of the necessary supplies had been sent down previous to that event, and a clamorous representation had been made to the heads of the Treasury and War Departments, of my utter inability to supply the contract.
From what quarter, and with what views these representations were made, I shall probably have occasion to shew at a future period.
Return of PROVISIONS on hand, May 25th, 1791, at and near Pittsburgh.     Beef. Pork. Bacon. Flour. Gallons. Whisky. Boxes. Soap. Candles.     At Pittsburgh, 12 beeeve 1000 792 1165 1072 23 100   At Buffalo Creek, 1356 480 1856 3/4   Up the Monongahela river   ready to be delivered, 300 500   Purchased and ready to be   delivered at and near Pitts- 450 1700   burgh,   Total. 12 2356 792 3395 8628 3/4 23 100  
Pittsburgh, May 25, 1791.
The Honorable Major General Richard Butler.
(Copy)
(Signed) JOHN NEVILL.
JOHN STAGG, Chief Clerk.
N. B. This return was transmitted to the War Office, and from that department to me.

the time my contract commenced, to the 2d of June following, before any of the supplies above stated could have arrived at the army, all the posts under the contract had not only been supplied with good and wholesome provisions, but that great quantities of provisions were on hand.
4th. That after the return of the army from the expedition, and only nineteen days previous to the expiration of my contract, which was on the 31st day of December last, 400 barrels of flour, and 30,000 lbs. of beef were on hand at head quarters, for a garrison of 600 men; which is equal to 133 days supply of flour, and 90 of meat. It is unnecessary to mention my supplies of beef, because the reporters acknowledge a plentiful supply of meat, this article being furnished from Kentucky, is not included in the Pittsburgh returns.
There remains two other charges, which require some notice.
One, that there was a total failure in the supply of horses, which occasioned the commander in chief to direct a purchase of between six and seven hundred, for which he ordered my agent to draw bills on me, and of which I refused payment. This charge, so far as it respects my failure, is as void of foundation as the others; but, at present, I shall content myself with observing—
1st. That previous to the order issued by Gen. St. Clair, Mr. Wilkins, an agent specially employed for that purpose, was purchasing the number of horses which was judged necessary for the expedition, when I undertook the supply; and that this circumstance was publicly known in camp.
2d. That I have made actual payments many months since, for all the horses purchased by this gentleman, agreeably to my contract with him—and
Lastly. That the loss of horses, and any interruption in the regular supply of flour, is not imputable to the causes stated by the committee; but to some of a very different nature, and for which I am not responsible; and that probably this want of flour existed principally on the retreat, after the victors had got possession of the provision. If the limits of a newspaper would admit of my introducing the whole testimony necessary to support these points, in that incontestible manner in which it is in my power to do, other obvious considerations restrain me from it at this time. I recollect on this occasion, an observation made by Dr. Franklin to Mr. Morris, when Superintendent of the finances, on a controversy about money, with the Count de Vergennes, in which, after stating the Count's objections, the Doctor shrewdly observes, that he could have easily refuted all he had said, but that if he had got the better of the argument, he should have got nothing else. I shall conclude on this head with observing, that the truth of this charge may easily be judged of, by the accuracy of the other parts of the report of the committee on those points where the means of official evidence, in direct opposition to what they have stated, were within their reach. As to the last point concerning the due bills issued by my agent, and which is the only remaining one which deserves any comment, I shall be but short.
The report states as an article of the contract, "that the officers had an election of drawing the whole of the rations, to which their rank entitled them, or of receiving the contract price of them in cash, &c. &c. This is not so. There is not a single article of this kind, or a single expression in my contract, which can be tortured to imply such an engagement—in proof of this, my original contract is left with Mr. Breton for the perusal of those who wish to be satisfied as to the truth of this bold assertion. Indeed such an obligation would be too absurd for any contractor to subject himself to;—for if this election was to be in the officers of the army, as the Contractor could not know when their fancy or wants might lead them to prefer one to another, he would be under the necessity of double advances for the same object; one for the officers rations, the other for cash to pay for them; if not demanded, and what would be still worse, he would not only run the risque of having the undrawn rations on his hands, but if he paid for them at the contract price, have according to an old saying, his labor for his pains. All that has ever been usual in this case has been for the officers and contractor to agree, which has generally been done by allowing in cash, not the contract price, but what the ration was estimated to cost at the place where the officers were entitled to receive it; this originated in an intention to make the pay to the officers what they had no right to exact, as will appear by the following extract of my agent's letter to me on this subject, dated September 26th, 1791.
Gen. St. Clair has ordered the quarter-master of the different battalions to include all the rations allowed the officers in their returns, and directed the commissaries to issue due bills for the rations not drawn, which it is expected will be paid by you. I should be glad you would give me your directions on this head, and let me know at what rate they are to be paid; for I don't think you ought to settle them at the contract price; there is no clause in the contract that can oblige you to do it.
Such are the charges and insinuations made against me by the committee; and such the evidence I offer to invalidate them—If it be asked how Congress come to direct a publication of this nature, tending to criminate individuals without knowing in what manner the charges against them had been substantiated, I reply that the report was foisted in the last day of the session, when many members were absent, and the imagination of the few present so much on the wing homewards as to prevent the exercise of that cool reflection which in general marks the proceedings of that respectable body: "Thus wretches
hang that Jurymen may dine" As to the motives of the reporters they appear sufficiently obvious. I presume they thought it consistent with policy and even with established precedent, that on this occasion some victim should be marked as an object of popular resentment. It would not do to charge Congress as the author of the calamity, because they are foul birds which betray their own nests.
It would not do to charge the President (at least directly) because his unremitting attention in executing with the most scrupulous exactness as well as ability, every part of his executive functions, and a conviction of this on the public mind preclude all hopes of success from such an attempt. It would not do to charge General St. Clair; first, because a former committee of Congress had made a very sorry figure in such an attack;—
And secondly, because he was present to vindicate himself;—Who then so proper to attack as myself?—None—First, because I was a Contractor: and Contractors, from custom immemorial, always bear the blame of lost battles. Secondly, because my misfortunes had subjected me to popular prejudices, and of course it was no great crime to charge me with an additional burthen: And lastly, because I was absent, and of course not capable of defending myself.
In these points of view if I may be permitted to use a little jocularly a grave observation of the committee, and perhaps with as much propriety at least as they do) their order of march appears to have been judicious and their ground of action well chosen.
Wm. DUER, late Contractor for the Western Army.
F. S. The Printers in the several states who have published the report of the committee will from a sense of Justice accompany it with these strictures. W. DUER.
MASSACHUSETTS.
BOSTON, May 19.
Whoever has attended the Circuit Court of the United States the present term, must have been affected at the many objects who presented themselves as candidates for petitions—To see the lame and emaciated war-worn soldier—the decrepit and almost naked seaman—the best years of whose life had been spent in the service of his country—humbly supplicating the scanty morsel to save him from perishing, was a sight which affected every benevolent and generous heart present: while the emotions of the soul were agitated with the recital of—
Most disastrous chances, Of moving accidents by flood and field, Of hair breadth 'scapes, in th' immensely deadly breach
Of being taken by the inhuman foe, And sold to slavery—and of redemption thence.
But the attention of the Honorable Judges was commensurate with the necessities of the wretched who applied—and we are happy to announce, among other successful applicants, the name of old Commodore Manly, whose intrepid valor, and timely services, were celebrated by his countrymen in the "time that tried men's souls." He has obtained a pension of half pay for life [50 dollars per month] and arrears of 500 dollars.
CONNECTICUT.
NEW-LONDON, May 24.
Saturday last arrived here from Cape François, brig Brothers, captain Hallam, who informs in general, that the Cape remains in a state of perfect confusion—that the outer batteries of the town are attacked every night by the negroes—and that a surprising stupor pervades all ranks of people.
Extract of a letter from a French settler at Gallipolis, to his friend in Philadelphia; dated March 27, 1792.
"On the 10th instant two Frenchmen at work about a mile from the town were attacked by five Indians, who fired several muskets, took one prisoner, and pursued the other within the first house of the town. This has given a shock to the infant colony, from which it will hardly recover. Some of their inhabitants are already gone, many more are preparing to leave that place. We have to encounter hardships, disappointments and deceptions of every kind."
NEW-YORK.
ALBANY, May 31.
A gentleman from New-England informs us, that a ship has lately arrived at Boston, from East-Indies, with 700 tons of sugar, the whole of which immense quantity, is put up in bags in the nicest manner, each bag being formed of three species of linen—the first or inner one is equal in fineness to common mouselin, and second to common white holland, and the third one or the outer one, to ticklenburg. The quality of this sugar is far superior to the best Muscovado, and was purchased in the East-Indies, at about three pence this currency per lb.
KENTUCKY.
LEXINGTON, February 25.
On the 11th instant the Indians killed two men near Fort Jefferson, on the N. W. side of the Ohio.
On the 15th they killed a man at the iron works on Slate creek.
We are informed, that major Estil and another gentleman from Danville, fell in with six Indians, a few days ago, and fired on them, killed two—the other four ran off.
Abstract of Provisions for the Army, sent forward to the several posts under the contract for 1791—also, showing the quantity on hand, July 28, 1791.
   Pork. Bls. of Beef. Bls. of Flour. Kgs of Flour. Bls. Whisky. Kgs Whisky. Pounds of Soap. Bushels of Salt. Gallons of Vinegar. Sent forward by Mr. Farland, Lindlow & Breton.     No. of Gallons. No. Kegs. No. gal. Salt. of.     13 11257 1/2 17 3982 1/2 26 4 1366 322 561 16028 1/2 1540 2150 1/2   13 3179 17 4471 1685 1366 395 561 6082 1/2 1499 2791   103   197   Total sent forward.  
ON HAND.
   69 174 753 16 160 140 9200 43 1/2 190 At Ft. Dure   69 200 300 16 300 140 9200 43 1/2 190 At Ft. Dure   138 374 1053 32 460 280 18400 87 380 At Ft. Dure   Total on hand, The quantity at Buffalo is not exactly known, but is nearly as stated.  
The above is exclusive of what has been issued to the troops at Wheeling, Potomac, and Raccoon-creek, Fort Pitt, (Red's, Johnson's, and Loyal Hanon's Rations up the Allegheny river) also to the troops on their passage down the Ohio, and 28 head of Beef cattle on hand at Fort Pitt, and 25 head sent to Muddybrook.
Fort Pitt, July 28, 1791. To WILLIAM DUER, Esq. Collector. JOHN NEVILL.
VIII.
Return of provisions on hand the twelfth day of December, 1791—at Fort Washington: 400 barrels of flour, 30,000 lbs. salt beef 100 gallons whisky, 21 boxes soap, 10 bushels salt. Issues at this place per day, 600 rations. Copy, Signed EDWD. EVANS.
IX.
Extract of a letter from Francis Mentges, Esq. Inspector of the troops of the United States, to the Secretary of War, dated Fort Washington, June 2d. 1791. "The present Contractor has supplied the several posts with good and wholesome provisions; and great quantities of provision is on hand." True Extract. Copy. JOHN STAGG, jun. (Chief Clerk.)
N. B. This extract was transmitted to me from the War Office. From the above documents the following facts are clearly established.
1st. That as early as the 25th day of May, there was collected at Pittsburgh (exclusive of other articles of supply) 2395 barrels of flour, and 8628 gallons of whisky, which is equal to 469,420 complete rations of flour, and 552,192 complete rations of whisky; whereas the amount of rations required of the troops whilst on the expedition, did not exceed, by Gen. St. Clair's requisition, 360,000 rations.
2d. That previous to the 28th day of June, there had been forwarded to the army (exclusive of all subordinate posts, being in the mean time victualled) 2762 barrels and 1366 kegs or half barrels of flour, and 9271 gallons of whisky, equal to 679,972 complete rations of flour, and 593,344 complete rations of whisky.
3d. That from the 1st day of January, 1791, at

March 3. We have heard this morning that the Indians killed a man and a woman on North Elkhorn, on Thursday evening last, near Grant's mill. We are informed, that about fifty Indians fired on a boat last week, on the Ohio, below the mouth of Kentucky river, without doing any damage. March 10. On Monday evening last the Indians stole ten or twelve horses from near Grant's mill, on North Elkhorn, and on Tuesday night burnt two dwelling houses, together with all the household furniture belonging to the proprietors, they having left their houses late in the evening.
PENNSYLVANIA.
PHILADELPHIA, May 29.
In every country where free Newspapers are allowed, the periodical publications may be called the pulse of the world's health; and as they contain more or less news, you may conclude the nations of the world to be more or less happy. Wars, conflagrations, robberies, insurrections, shipwrecks, bloodshed, pestilence, murders, and famine, make the pulse of a newspaper beat high; but, depend upon it, the world is at the same time in the delirium of a fever that threatens its dissolution. When we hear a universal complaint for a length of time, that the newspapers are intolerable dull, uninteresting and insipid we may conclude that tyrants are at peace, the People contented and well fed, the ship sails in safety over the ocean, and that the sword of revenge is lodged in the sheath. The increase of newspapers, and consequently the increase of news, shews either a real increase of wickedness among mankind, or, at least, that they are less ashamed than formerly to publish their wickedness to each other.
May 30. By a letter from the Western Country, of a late date, we learn that no recent depredations of the Indians have taken place—and that in consequence of Gen. Wilkinson's having established a post at Fort St. Clair, a council of the hostile tribes has been held; what the result was, is not mentioned. Extract of a letter from Pittsburg, May 26. "On Tuesday morning a party of Indians, said to be about forty in number, attacked Reed's Station, on the Allegany river, four Kiskeminitas. They killed one man and a child, wounded a soldier of M'Cully's corps, and took a woman and some children prisoners. This account came by express from Ensign Murphy of that corps, who was stationed near the post. A small party of Indians were seen the same day, within twelve miles of this town, on the Venango path, which were, no doubt, a look-out party, from those who did the mischief. Exclusive of a detachment of the regulars, consisting of thirty men, sent by Major Smith, at my request, there are several parties in pursuit of those Indians, both of militia and M'Cully's rangers; I hope to inform you of their success by next post. June 2. This summer, being the periodical return of the Locusts, we may expect swarms of those devouring insects, they appearing very numerous in the ground already. The Asiatic papers received by the Harmony, state—That Lord Cornwallis has a magazine within 40 miles of Tippoo's capital—That the battering cannon was ordered from Bangalore, and every thing was expected to be in readiness for the siege of Seringapatam by the 20th January, the reduction of which was looked on as a matter of course—That the camp is supplied with every article of life, and the troops are in the highest spirits. On the 28th December, one of Tippoo's principal detachments was defeated—the General who commanded, ten guns, with the elephants, and all the camp equipage, were taken—Tippoo is represented as oppressed by the dreary prospect before him—his collected force only 20,000 men, with which he intends to give battle to the English and their allies—but the idea is ridiculed by the English paragraphists, who seem to have forgot, if they ever heard the proverb of the Bear's Skin. JUNE 6. This day arrived here the Brigantine Nancy, Captain Hathaway, from Havre-de-Grace. The Captain left Havre on the 21st day of April last informs, that the affairs of France were apparently in a good situation. Since the death of the Emperor, affairs had appreciated; and though it was reported that the neighbouring Princes held out threats, yet the people seemed to be united, and the National Assembly were under no apprehensions, with regard to the complete establishment of their liberties. During the few days of hot weather we have experienced, two persons were met being the victims of imprudence, by the too plentiful use of cold water and ice. Let this serve as a caution to others.
MARYLAND.
BALTIMORE, June 8.
We observe, says a correspondent, with great satisfaction, a resurrection of the Justice of our country in every part of the United States. The universal cry is now against the Congress of 1788 and 9, which funded the public debt into the hands of D—and Co. The infamous practices, by which this infamous business was effected, begin at last to be developed, and a stain has been discovered, by the enquiry upon our national honor, that no time will wipe away. Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Hagar's Town, dated June 1. "A young man of good report, from the waters of the Ohio, came to town this day informs, that 700 riflemen crossed the Ohio at the mouth of Buffalo, above Wheeling, about 10 days ago to make a
dash at the Indian settlements at and about Sandusky. "I wish they may visit the Grand Council now holding at the rapids of the St. Lawrence. Good luck to them! a treaty at the proper place would do more for us than 40 defeats!" June 12. The latest Accounts from the East-Indies advise, That "the Success attendant on the Arms of Britain and her Allies, in the East, was rapid and astonishing!"—That Lord Cornwallis had made himself Master of several important Posts, (which were taken by Storm) in the Territories of Tippoo Saib, and was making rapid Progress towards Seringapatam, the Capital of the usurped Dominions of that bloody Tyrant, which there was every reason to expect would submit to his Lordship's Power.
GEORGETOWN, June 9.
The Hon. Thistram Dalton, is appointed Cashier of the Mint of the United States. A meeting of the subscribers to "the several Gazettes and newspapers printed in Philadelphia," is advertised, in the Virginia Gazette of the 19th inst. to be held at the Eagle Tavern, in the city of Richmond, on Monday the 21st of May, "to take into consideration the law of the United States, imposing a tax on the Gazettes and newspapers"—A discussion of this subject by the said subscribers, and indeed by the citizens at large, who are invited also to this meeting, appears to be more necessary at this time, from the alarming consequences which may arise from the want of due information on a number of subjects, only to be obtained by a free circulation of that important article, A PUBLIC NEWS PAPER."
VIRGINIA.
NORFOLK, May 28.
Extract from Lindsay's Hotel Diary, May 25. "By the Hopp Hett, Capt. Champlin, in twenty days from Havanna, we are favoured with the following intelligence: "That the Governor of Cuba had issued a proclamation, dated the 20th of April ordering all foreign merchants then resident in that island, to depart from thence in forty days. "That the famous General Bowles was safely lodged in the Moro Castle, and so strict were the Spaniards that he should have no communication with, or inform the world of his situation, that no foreigner, on any pretence whatever, was allowed the liberty of entering the Moro, from the day Bowles was first lodged there."
MARTINSBURG, JUNE 19.
From the Pittsburg Gazette of the 9th inst. we have extracted the following recent intelligence. "We are informed from good authority, that on Saturday last, 2d inst. a party of four Indians crossed the Ohio river, near the mouth of Raccoon Creek, and stole some horses, with which they immediately made off—in the mean time a party of men went in pursuit of them, and came to the place where the Indians left their blankets, on going into the settlement—supposing the Indians would return; the party lay concealed, and after some time saw them approaching; they continued concealed until the Indians came up, then fired and killed one of them and wounded two, and returned home with the scalp of the one killed. "For the satisfaction of the public, Capt. Jeffers has furnished us with the following information. "Immediately on receiving information at Fort-Franklin of the depredation committed by the Indians at Reed's Station, I marched with the rangers under my command, in order, if possible, to intercept the party on their return; but the distance and difficulty of the march, and other unavoidable obstacles prevented it, and from the appearance of the tracks the enemy had passed three days before. On the Shenango I fell in with two Munses and a Cayuga, whom I made prisoners, and brought to this place; but from sundry circumstances in their favour, Gen. Putnam thought proper to release them. A short distance beyond the salt licks, I fell in with a party of Delawares, killed two and wounded one."
We can assure the public, from good authority, that the Bank of the United States have lately made a loan to the government, of five hundred and twenty-three thousand five hundred dollars, at the rate of interest of five per cent. per annum, free from charges, and redeemable at the pleasure of the United States. Thus do we see realized (says a correspondent) much earlier than was supposed, by a direct loan; in our own country, a reduction of one per cent, in the rate of government interest; and we see also a striking illustration of the utility of the institution from which the loan proceeded. This money has been borrowed on anticipation of extra duties laid during the late session of Congress, for the purpose of carrying into execution the measures which are in the train for the protection of our invaded frontiers; This instance is the more interesting, as it we find extended to the remotest parts of the Union, the benefits of a sound state of public credit, and of the measures by which it has been established. Letters from Hamburg and Stockholm, mention, that the King of Sweden died of his wound on the 19th of March. The Prince Royal has been proclaimed King—during the minority the King-
TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF FREDERICK, BERKELEY, HAMPSHIRE, SHANNANDOAH AND HARDY, TOGETHER WITH THE SEVERAL TOWNS.
Esteemed Friends, THIS will be signed by your old and long tried friend, and a name which I trust is still remembered with a degree of regard by many. The representation from Virginia to Congress being enlarged, I offer myself as a candidate, and as the districts are not yet ascertained, and I am obliged for a short time to attend to some remains of my wrecked fortunes at a distance remote, I address you by this letter, as many respectable inhabitants are added to our numbers, who may not be informed of the following facts. Full fifty-three years have I been amongst you, and not to enumerate the several places of public trust which engaged my attention more than forty-seven years of this time, shall only recall to your minds the early period of 1765, when you called me to the legislature. In this arduous business, your generous, and for the most part, your unanimous suffrages, more than twenty five years, were my consolation, which, with a consciousness of heart, that your rights both religious and civil, were at all times very dear to me, and that I had supported these rights with spirit and firmness, was all my reward. When Berkeley and Shannandoah were formed out of Frederick, my finger pointed out the lines, and my pen wrote the bill for division. This division was equal—it was just. This space of twenty-five years took in the revolution from first to last. In this important struggle, my zeal and perseverance was uniform; and when the Virginia form of government was under deliberation, I was nominated by a numerous and respectable assembly, one of the committee who framed that free constitution. Regardless of my private estate, till the happy close of this momentous contest, when, by the divine goodness, victory and liberty declared for the American people, I looked back to my farm well nigh desolated. This, with the loss of ten thousand pounds, specie value, by the Continental money, occasioned me distresses great and many. These I sustained in silence, without involving any on my behalf, having rendered complete justice to almost every creditor, and perfectly secured payment to all. I have neither sought after or acquired, place or appointment of profit. If I possess a virtue, it is that of a patriot, so far as my mind can investigate the term. None have I distressed, nor at any time retaliated, what might have been considered as an injury. Thus have I, in very artless terms, held forth to you a narrative of facts, and might add, that none have made requests to me in vain, when there was a possibility of complying with such request. That, if now you honor me with your suffrages, there will be ample field for junior patriots, when I am no more! Old age and loss of fortune are what remain with me. May you ever continue to be the prudent, the free, the generous people. In every circumstance you have my real good wishes, and with sincere regards, I bid you Adieu. R. RUTHERFORD. Berkeley County, 11th June, 1792.
To the Freeholders of BERKELEY. GENTLEMEN, THE Time is approaching when you will be called upon to give your suffrage to a person to represent you in Congress. A canvass has already taken place, and there will, no doubt, be a very contested election. It is common for men who do not interest themselves deeply, nor perhaps at all, in affairs of this nature, to promise their vote to the first who may apply; but as the ensuing election will be at least as interesting to the people as any thing of the kind that has ever been in their power, it is earnestly recommended to them that they do not forego their privilege and indubitable right of deliberating and choosing the person which may seem best calculated to render them service, by promising their vote too hastily. CAUTIOUS.
Good encouragement and punctual pay Will be given to one or two JOURNEYMEN POTTERS, BY JACOB ZUBERT, IN MARTINSBURG, Who would take two smart, active Lads, as APPRENTICES to the Potter's business. June 18, 1792.
Six Dollars reward.
RAN away from the Subscriber, on the 6th inst. living at Mr. Riddle's Mills, one and half mile from Martinsburg, an apprentice to the Millering business, named George Codd; he is about 19 years of age, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high; had on when he went away a sailor's jacket and waistcoat, of a lead colour, coarse linen shirt and trousers, his hat was white with meal. Whoever takes up said apprentice, and secures him so that I get him again, shall have Six Dollars reward and reasonable charges, if brought home, paid by WILLIAM THOMSON. Martinsburg, June 13, 1792.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
ST. CLAIR'S DEFEAT, A POEM,
By ELI LEWIS,
A Tale which strongly claims the pitying tear, And ev'ry feeling heart must bleed to bear.
INSPIRD by grief, to tender friendship due, The trembling hand, unfolds the tale to view— A tale, which strongly claims the pitying tear, And ev'ry feeling heart, must bleed to bear. But chiefly ye, the keenest pains shall know, And fiercest sorrows, in your breasts shall glow; Where fates, severe, their bitter draughts impart, And burst the cords of nature from the heart. Nor less LAVINIA, shall thy bosom feel, Where fit'ring love, its scorching wounds conceal; While custom's laws, unfeeling and severe, To grief-charg'd hearts, deny the soft'ning tear.— Thro' clust'ring beach, whose boughs obscure the day, A fearless band, pursue the devious way. And midst this dark, impenetrable wood, St. Mary's river rolls her silent flood. There boding Horror, stalks around her cell, And beats responses, to the savage yell. 'Twas her's, the cheerful walks of life to shun, And hide in vales, sequester'd from the sun. Where prowling wolves and tearless panthers roam, And savage men, more dreadful, make their home. These with unwearied footsteps trace the wood, And thirst insatiate, for revenge and blood. Strangers to fear—by burning rancour led, Their hostile bands, had wide destruction spread; Where infant arts, had just began to dawn, And smiling verdure, deck'd the cheerful lawn. These Horror once had chosen for her own, And with exciting shouts, her choice made known The sounds, terrific, beat the trembling air, And savage yells, their loud assent declare. To check their inroads, and relieve the land, The Great St. Clair, led out this warlike band. These Horror saw, as late encamp'd they lay. And ghastly smiling, mark'd them for her prey. Swift to her savage sons, the Demon strode, And call'd a council in the dark abode. Her standard, scarce unfurl'd salutes the air, Till round the Fiend, her warlike host repair. From distant woods—From lands to fame unknown, Where hateful malice, seeds of strife had sown: By warlike chiefs, to blood and murder bred, The hostile tribes, of various lands were led. These crowd her standard, on th' extensive plain, And o'er their arm, with fix'd attention lean. Whilst thro' the various tribes the cast her eyes, High o'er their heads the flut'ring banner flies. Of tygers pelts, from Lybian mountains brought, With curious art, the wondrous flag was wrought. Phosphorean dies, the living figures mark, Which glow the liveliest, in the deadliest dark. Around the edge, a range of circles throws; Each fill'd with some device, of human woes— Here to a saplin, seems a victim bound; Waile slow—consuming fires enclose him round. And while their tort'ring flames the suff'rer feels, Thro' every pore the wafting spirit steals. There to a stake another victim stands, Struck thick with arrows from infantile bands, Whose hands too weak to deal a deadly blow; But feebly urge the arrow from the bow; With force enough to pierce the outer part, But leave unchecked life's current round the heart. Next shows a maid in pride of beauty crown'd, Whose tender hands to distant stakes are bound; In either breast a bunch of pine-splits glows, Which quick consumes the lilly and the rose, That just before upon her face contend, Which most their stains with pleasing grace should blend. And e're fond life will cease its seat to claim, In each fair socket sinks the scorching flame. Deep piteous cries her crisp-burnt lips impart, And late—late—burst life's cords about her heart. Next sits a mother held by savage hands, Whose grief-burnt heart all friendly tears with-stands; Before her eyes, upon a lance is borne Her lovely babe, just from her bosom torn; Fierce inward pains all tort'ring powers defy, And prompt her soul their strongest force to try; She raving dares the hottest flames deride, And, with keen taunts their tardy progress chide. But hearts like theirs all tenderness defy, Her life they spare, because she seeks to dye. And thus around the num'rous circle show The various tortures of the savage foe; With all the height'ned cou'ring Fiends cou'd give, Or, hell-taught artists, prompted minds conceive. The field within a curious landscape seems, Whose fertile space with wond'rous prospects teems, The scene, no doubt, which gave the demon birth, When the arch Fiend led all his legions forth
To, vainly, combat with th' immortal fire. Till his just rage enwrapt them all in fire. Where by fierce flames, in circling whirlwinds hurl'd Around the confines of th' infernal world. With wild confusion all the host is driven, While fate, eternal, bars their way to heaven. As round her sons the cast her gleaming eyes, Infernal joys within her bosom rise; Forth from her lips the issuing accents broke, Hell heard with joy and list'ned while she spoke. Adopted sons—my last—my chiefest care, For whose success, I toil nor watching spare; From scenes of peace, of order and of love, I drew to you, these gloomy haunts to prove; Where hollow beech their rugged branches spread, And boding owls sit croaking o'er the head; Where fearful Ghosts are mix'd with ev'ry breeze, Whose doleful shrieks pierce awful thro' the trees. To you I come. Then hear a mother's charge, With deadly venom let each breast enlarge. Behold our foe—see Order's sons appear, And by yon stream their waving banners rear. Should they succeed, those doleful haunts no more Shall yield us pleasure as in days of yore: But o'er this wide resort of wolf and bear, Will yellow fields and deep-green meads appear. Then where—Ah where! shall we my sons retire, In what dark wood shall blaze our lonely fire? Nay, sooner thou'd dark chaos spread her reign, And night eternal her lost empire gain. Surround the foe, while these dark shades prevail. And at my signal all their force assail. My voice shall rise—Your yells shall mix with mine, And kindred demons the loud chorus join. In hollow caves the fearful murmurs groan, And Order's sons its chilling power own. They hear—obey—and instant take their stand, And silent wait on Horrors loud command, Her standard lifted wide expands in air, And thro' the night the living colours glare. This Order's sons beheld, bright, gleaming far, And silent wait the dark, eventful war. Yet firm resolv'd in conquest or in death, To keep their honor with their latest breath. In this dread night, where Horrors pow'rs combin'd To croud with painful thoughts each feeling mind. Portentous dreams obtrude on Lev'rets breast, As 'gainst an oak, in arms, he lean'd for rest. Fair, soft and pleasing as the op'ning dawn, Beheld by shepherds o'er th' extensive lawn, Lavinia's form came issuing from the wood, And full to view, before her lover stood. As lightning swift, he flies to clasp the fair, But the lov'd phantom wide dissolves in air. And such, alas shall all thy proofs prove, Thy long try'd faith in firm, unshaken love, And thou to savage foes resign thy breath, Securely lodg'd in the dark caves of death; Where no returning day the soul regales, But one long night eternally prevails. Where doors are lock'd by dark Oblivion's seal, And memory more no past events reveal. And now the gloom of night begins to fade, And bright'ning dawn is o'er her curtain spread; When watchful Horror, as the day appears, Beneath her flag her tow'ring head uprears. Thrice pierc'd her eye with fierce and dreadful glare, And thrice her wide expanded lungs inhale the air. When burning Etna by some earthquake rent, Admits her fires where close the air is pent. Th' expanding element all force defies, And floods of lava spout against the skies: So from her breast where hateful malice burns, With ten fold rage, the heated air returns. The savage yells mix with the dreadful sounds, 'Till owls hoarse croaks the dying echo drowns. Stern slaughter then came stalking thro' the wood, With gleaming eyes and hands besmear'd with blood. On every side the sons of Order fail, And Horror soon thro' all their lines prevail. Long, long th' unequal conflict was maintain'd, And the wide wood with human blood be stain'd. Here, gallant Butler, ripe in glory fell, With more whose names some abler muse will tell. Here, Kelfo, too, amidst this tragic strife, Cut early off from opening scenes of life: Whose generous soul each manly virtue crown'd, Lies a cold corpse upon the blood-stain'd ground. And e'er the brave St. Clair the day will yield, Full half his army dies upon the field. But most for thee, so love and friendship dear, Lamented Anderson descends the tear. While love and virtue thy sad fall bewail, And glowing friendship sickens at the tale. Ye tender minds which rending anguish tear, Immoderate grief for fallen friends forbear. Some hand unseen our secret actions guides, And o'er the walks of restless life presides. In this submit to heaven's supreme controul, And peace once more shall smile upon the soul.
L O S T!
IN Shepherd's Town, some time last fall, a Man's SADDLE, single skirt, a blue cloth with double binding, plated bosses, and common stirrups. Also, a single reign'd kirk BRIDLE, with square plated buckles. Whoever has found the same, and will give information to the Printer hereof, shall have TWO DOLLARS reward. May 28, 1792.
12 Dollars reward.
RAN away from the Subscriber, the 3d infant, from York County, Maricreek settlement, State of Pennsylvania, a Negro Man named Tom, about 27 years of age, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, a straight well made fellow, thin, and white lip'd, and much white-man made, speaks the German language, and can play on the fiddle; had on when he went away, a striped-cotton coat and waistcoat, old cotton breeches, a half worn felt hat, and yarn stockings. It is supposed he stole a grey horse from the subscriber, 5 years old, 15 hands high, a natural pacer, no brand, was exceeding lame for want of shoes; when stolen was seen riding through Miller's-town, and at Scot's, in the Mountain, with great speed. It is thought that he is endeavouring to get to the State of Virginia. Whoever apprehends said Negro and Horse, and brings them home, shall, if twenty-five miles from home, receive the above reward, and in proportion for a less distance; and for the Negro alone, Eight Dollars, and for the horse Four Dollars, paid by either of us.
THOMAS LATTA, ROBERT SLEMONS.
June 9th 1792.
A regular, weekly Post-Rider is now established from the Printing Office in this town to BATH, by the way of Back-Creek; those who wish to be supplied with this paper on that route, are requested to give in their names.
LANDS for LANDS.
TO BE DISPOSED OF,
FOUR Hundred Acres of Land, (called MAHON'S) lying on Buffalo creek, Monongalia County, upon which there are upwards of 40 acres of the best meadow, a good mill seat and spring, and the land equal to any on the Western waters.
Three Hundred and eighty four acres adjoining, below, on same creek, a large proportion of meadow, and a good spring, the upland equal, which is held by settlement-right; and a general warrantee will be given.
One Thousand Acres on the Dunkard-mill run, a branch of said creek, held by preemption-right, of equal quality to the above, and the same warrantee will be given, all lying from 14 to 25 miles from Morgan-Town, and from 3 to 11 miles from Monongalia river—the State road from Morgan-Town to the little Kenhawa passes near or through the said land.
One Thousand Acres on Bingerman's creek, held by preemption-right, a great proportion of meadow, and well watered, which lies in the same county, the upland of good quality, about 10 miles farther from Morgan-Town.
One thousand acres on the little Kenhawa, about 14 miles from the mouth of said river, held by an old location on treasury-warrant, the land also very rich.
Any property in the counties of Berkeley or Frederick, negroes, or good bonds, will be taken in payment.
DAVID GRAY.
Berkeley, April 25, 1792.
THE SUBSCRIBER,
RETURNS his Friends and the Public thanks for the encouragement he met with last season at BATH. He informs them, that he has resumed the business of keeping a BOARDING-HOUSE this season at the same place; he has spared no trouble or expence to make it both commodious and agreeable for a large company, and has procured one of the first cooks in the State, together with every other necessary attendance, capital stableage, hay, oats, &c.
GEORGE GALE.
Bath, 22d May, 1792.
TO BE SOLD, At PUBLIC VENDUE, On the 19th day of JUNE next, being the first day of Court, the
House and Lot,
Where the Subscriber now lives. The convenience of said House, so near several never failing springs on the creek, as also the elegant view, is sufficiently known to need any description. The terms will be easy, and made known on the day of sale. If any one would wish to purchase at private sale, and can advance on the first payment the most part, shall have it for 100l. less than the prime cost.
Martinsburg, May 28, 1792.
CHARLES WINTERSMITH.
P. S. Signs for Taverns, Store-Keepers, or Tradesmen, made elegant, and in the most reasonable way. As also Book-Binding in its several branches, done likewise, by