The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1792-02-21 00:00:00

UNITED STATES, JANUARY 16, 1792.
SIR,
As the circumstances which have engaged the United States in the present Indian War may some of them be out of the public recollection, and others perhaps be unknown, it may appear advisable that you prepare and publish, from authentic documents, a statement of those circumstances, as well as of the measures which have been taken, from time to time, for the reestablishment of peace and friendship.
When the community are called upon for considerable exertions to relieve a part which is suffering under the hand of an enemy, it is desirable to manifest that due pains have been taken by those entrusted with the administration of their affairs, to avoid the evil.
(Signed)
G. WASHINGTON.
The Secretary of the Department of War.
The CAUSES of the existing HOSTILITIES between the UNITED STATES and certain Tribes of INDIANS Northwest of the OHIO, stated and explained from official and authentic Documents, and published in obedience to the Orders of the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES.
A RECURRENCE to the Journals of the United States in Congress assembled, of the early stages of the late war, will evince the public solicitude to preserve peace with the Indian tribes, and to prevent their engaging in a contest in which they were no wise interested.
But although partial treaties or conventions were formed with some of the northern and western tribes, in the years 1775 and 1776; yet those treaties were too feeble to resist the powerful impulses of a contrary nature, arising from a combination of circumstances at that time; and accordingly all the various Indian nations (the Oneidas, Tuscaroras, and a few individuals of the Delawares excepted) lying on our frontiers, from Georgia to Canada, armed against us.
It is yet too recent to have been forgotten, that great numbers of inoffensive men, women, and children, fell a sacrifice to the barbarous warfare practised by the Indians, and that many others were dragged into a deplorable captivity.
Notwithstanding that these aggressions were entirely unprovoked, yet as soon as the war ceased with Great-Britain, the United States, instead of indulging any resentments against the Indian nations, sought only how to establish a liberal peace with all the tribes throughout their limits.
Early measures were accordingly taken for this purpose. A treaty was held, and a peace concluded in the year 1784, with the hostile part of the northern Indians, or Six Nations, at Fort Stanwix.
In January, 1785, another treaty was formed with part of the western tribes, at Fort M c Intosh, on the Ohio; to wit, with the Wyandots, Delawares, Ottawas and Chippewas.
During the same year, treaties were formed at Hopewell, on the Keowee, with all the powerful tribes of the south, excepting the Creeks; to wit, the Cherokees, the Choctaws, and Chickasaws.
In January, 1786, a treaty was formed with the Shawanese, at the confluence of the Great-Miami with the Ohio.
It was not long before certain turbulent and malignant characters, residing among some of the northern and western tribes, which had formed the treaties of Fort Stanwix and Fort M c Intosh, excited uneasiness and complaints against those treaties. In consequence of representations upon this subject, on the 5th of October, 1787, Congress directed, "That a general treaty should be held with the tribes of Indians within the limits of the United States, inhabiting the country northwest of the Ohio, and about Lake-Erie, as soon after the first of April next as conveniently might be, and at such place and at such particular time as the Governor of the Western Territory should appoint, for the purpose of knowing the causes of uneasiness among the said tribes, and hearing their complaints: Of regulating trade, and of amicably settling all affairs concerning lands and boundaries between them and the United States."
On the 2d day of July, 1788, Congress appropriated "the sum of twenty thousand dollars, in addition to fourteen thousand dollars before appropriated, for defraying the expenses of the treaties which had been ordered, or which might be ordered to be held in the then present year with the several Indian tribes in the Northern-Department, and for extinguishing the Indian claims; the whole of the said twenty thousand dollars, together with six thousand dollars of the said fourteen thousand dollars, to be applied solely to the purpose of extinguishing Indian claims to the lands they had already ceded to the United States, by obtaining regular conveyances for the same, and for extending a purchase beyond the limits heretofore fixed by treaty; but that no part of the said sums should be applied for any purpose other than those above-mentioned."
Accordingly new treaties were held at Fort-Harmar, the latter part of the year 1788, and concluded on the 9th day of January, 1789, with a representation of all the Six or Northern Nations, the Mohawks excepted—and with a representation of the following tribes, to wit:—the Wyandots, the Delawares, Ottawas, Chippewas, Pottawatomas, and Sacs. By these treaties, nearly the same boundaries were recognized and established by a principle of purchase, as had been stipulated by the former treaties of Fort Stanwix and Fort M c Intosh.
Thus careful and attentive was the government of the United States to settle a boundary with the Indians on the basis of fair treaty, to obviate the dissatisfactions which had been excited, and to establish its claims to the lands relinquished on the principle of equitable purchase.
It does not appear that the right of the Northern and Western Indians, who formed the several before-mentioned treaties to the lands thereby relinquished to the United States, has been questioned by any other tribes; nor does it appear that the present war has been occasioned by any dispute relatively to the boundaries established by the said treaties.
But on the contrary it appears, that the unprovoked aggressions of the Miami and Wabash Indians upon Kentucky, and other parts of the frontiers, together with their associates, a banditti, formed of Shawanese and out-cast Cherokees, amounting in all to about one thousand two hundred men, are solely the causes of the war. Hence it is proper that their conduct should be more particularly adverted to.
In the year 1784, when messages were sent to the Wyandots and Delawares, inviting them to meet the Commissioners, first at Cayahoga, and afterwards at Fort M c Intosh, their neighbours the Miami Indians were also included in the said invitations; but they did not attend.
In the year 1785, these invitations were repeated; but the messengers upon their arrival at the Miami village, had their horses stolen, were otherwise treated with insolence, and prevented fulfilling their mission.
In the year 1787, and 1788, new endeavours were used to bring those Indians to treat: They were urged to be present at the treaty appointed to be held at Fort-Harmar; but these endeavours proved as fruitless as all the former.
"At a council of the tribes, convened in 1788, at the Miami river, the Miami and Wabash Indians were pressed to repair to treaty with great earnestness by the chiefs of the Wyandots and Delawares: The Wyandot chiefs particularly presented them with a large belt of wampum, holding one end of it themselves, and offering the other to the hostile Indians, which was refused. The Wyandots then laid it on the shoulders of a principal chief, recommending to him to be at peace with the Americans; but without making any answer, he leaned himself and let it fall to the ground: This so displeased the Wyandots, that they immediately left the council-house."
In the mean time the frontier settlements were disquieted by frequent depredations and murders, and the complaints of their inhabitants, (as might be expected) of the pacific forbearance of the government, were loud, repeated, and distressing—their calls for protection incessant—till at length they appeared determined by their own efforts to endeavour to retaliate the injuries they were continually receiving, and which had become intolerable.
In this state of things it was indispensable, for the government, to make some decisive exertion for the peace and security of the frontier.
But notwithstanding the ill success of former experiments, and the invincible spirit of animosity, which had appeared in certain tribes, and which was of a nature to justify a persuasion that no impression could be made upon them by pacific expedients, it was still deemed advisable to make one more essay.
Accordingly, in April, 1790, Anthony Gamelin, an inhabitant of Post-Vincennes, and a man of good character, was despatched to all the tribes and villages of the Wabash river, and to the Indians of the Miami village, with a message purporting, that the United States were desirous of establishing a general peace with all the neighbouring tribes of Indians, and of treating them in all respects with perfect humanity and kindness, and at the same time warning them to abstain from further depredations.
The Indians, in some of the villages on the lower part of the Wabash, appeared to listen to him, others manifested a different disposition, others confessed their inability to restrain their young warriors, and all referred the messenger to the Miami village. At that village some appeared well disposed, but the chiefs of the Shawanese returned the messages and belts, informing the messenger, however, that they would, after consultation, within thirty nights, send an answer to Post-Vincennes—The promised answer was never received. While
the messenger was at the Miami village, two Negroes were brought in from our settlements, prisoners; and upon his return to l'Anguille, a chief informed him that a party of seventy warriors, from the more distant Indians, had arrived, and were gone against the settlements.
In three days after his departure from the Miami village, a prisoner was there burnt to death. Similar cruelties were exercised at the Ouitanon towns, about the same time; and in the course of the three months immediately after the last-mentioned invitation, upwards of one hundred persons were killed, wounded, and taken prisoners, upon the Ohio, and in the district of Kentucky.
It is to be remarked, that, previously to the last invitation, the people of Kentucky, who, in consequence of their injuries, were meditating a blow against the hostile Indians (as before intimated) were restrained by the President of the United States, from crossing the Ohio, until the effect of the friendly overture intended to be made should be known.
It is also to be observed, that the Wyandots and Delawares, after having frequently and fruitlessly endeavoured to influence the Miami and Wabash Indians to peace, upon mature conviction, finally declared that force only could effect the object.
As an evidence that the conduct of the hostile Indians has been occasioned by other motives than a claim relative to the boundaries—it is to be observed, that their depredations have been principally upon the district of Kentucky, and the counties of Virginia, lying along the south side of the Ohio, a country to which they have no claim.
It appears by respectable evidence, that from the year 1783, until the month of October, 1790, the time the United States commenced offensive operations against the said Indians, that on the Ohio, and the frontiers on the south side thereof, they killed, wounded, and took prisoners, about one thousand five hundred men, women, and children; besides carrying off upwards of two thousand horses, and other property, to the amount of fifty thousand dollars.
The particulars of the barbarities exercised upon many of their prisoners, of different ages and sexes, although supported by indisputable evidence, are of too shocking a nature to be presented to the public. It is sufficient upon this head to observe, that the tomahawk and scalping-knife have been the mildest instruments of death—that, in some cases, torture by fire, and other execrable means, have been used.
But the outrages which were committed upon the frontier inhabitants were not the only injuries that were sustained: Repeated attacks, upon the detachments of the troops of the United States, were at different times made. The following, from its peculiar enormity, deserves a recital—In April 1790, Major Doughty was ordered to the friendly Chickasaws, on public business. He performed his duty in a boat, having with him Ensign Sedham, and a party of fifteen men. While ascending the Tennessee river, he was met by a party of forty Indians, in four canoes, consisting principally of the aforesaid banditti of Shawanese, and outcast Cherokees. They approached under a white flag, the well-known emblem of peace. They came on board the Major's boat, received his presents, continued with him nearly an hour, and then departed in the most friendly and kind manner. But they had scarcely cleared their oars, before they poured in a fire upon the crew, which was returned as soon as circumstances would permit; and a most unequal combat was sustained for several hours, when they abandoned their design, but not until they had killed and wounded eleven out of fifteen of the boat's crew. This perfidious conduct, in any age, would have demanded exemplary punishment.
All overtures of peace failing, and the depredations still continuing, an attempt at coercion became indispensable. Accordingly the expedition under Brigadier-General Harmar, in the month of October, 1790, was directed. The event is known.
After this expedition the Governor of the Western Territory, in order that nothing might be omitted to effect a peace, without further conflict, did, on his arrival at Fort-Harmar, in December, 1790, send, through the Wyandots and Delawares, conciliatory messages to the Miamies, but still without effect.
The Cornplanter, a war-chief of the Senekas, and other Indians of the same tribe, being in Philadelphia in the month of February, 1791, were engaged to undertake to impress the hostile Indians with the consequences of their persisting in hostilities, and also of the justice and moderation of the United States.
In pursuance of this design, Col. Proctor, on the fourteenth of March, was sent to the Cornplanter, to hasten his departure, and to accompany him to the Miami village—and messages were sent to the Indians declaratory of the pacific sentiments of the United States towards them. Both Col. Proctor and the Cornplanter, although zealously desirous of executing their mission, encountered difficulties of a

Major-General St. Clair, in the month of April, sent messages from Fort-Harmar to the Delawares, expressive of the pacific designs of the United States, to all the Indian tribes.
A treaty was held at the Painted-Post, by Col. Pickering, in June, 1791, with a part of Six Nations, at which the humane intentions of the general government towards them particularly, and the Indian tribes generally, were fully explained.
Captain Hendricks, a respectable Indian, residing with the Oneidas, appearing zealously disposed to attempt convincing the hostile Indians of their mistaken conduct, was accordingly sent for that purpose, but was frustrated by unforeseen obstacles, in his laudable attempts.
The different measures which have been recited must evince, that notwithstanding the highly culpable conduct of the Indians in question, the government of the United States, uninfluenced by resentments, or any false principles which might arise from a consciousness of superiority, adopted every proper expedient to terminate the Indian hostilities, without having recourse to the last extremity; and, after being compelled to resort to it, has still kept steady in view the reëstablishment of peace, as its primary and sole object.
Were it necessary to add proofs of the pacific and humane dispositions of the general government towards the Indian tribes, the treaties with the Creeks, and with the Cherokees, might be cited as demonstrative of its moderation and liberality.
The present partial Indian war is a remnant of the late general war, continued by a number of separate banditti, who by the incessant practice of fifteen years, seem to have form'd inveterate and incurable habits of enmity against the frontier inhabitants of the United States.
To obtain protection against lawless violence, was a main object for which the present government was instituted. It is, indeed, a main object of all governments. A frontier citizen possesses as strong claims to protection as any other citizen. The frontiers are the vulnerable parts of every country; and the obligation of the government of the United States, to afford the requisite protection, cannot be less sacred in reference to the inhabitants of their Western, than to those of their Atlantic Frontier.
It will appear from a candid review of this subject, that the general government could no longer abstain from attempting to punish the hostile Indians.
The ill success of the attempt, for this purpose, is entirely unconnected with the justice or policy of the measure. A perseverance in exertions to make the refractory Indians at least sensible, that they cannot continue their enormous outrages with impunity, appears to be as indispensable, in the existing posture of things, as it will be advisable, whenever they shall manifest symptoms of a more amicable disposition, to convince them, by decisive proofs, that nothing is so much desired by the United States as to be at liberty to treat them with kindness and beneficence.
H. KNOX, Secretary of War . War-Department, January 26, 1792.
MASSACHUSETTS.
BOSTON, January 18.
Extract of a letter from Cape Francois, dated December 5.
"The long expected Commissioners have at last arrived at France."
"The Negroes are not at present so troublesome as they have been; about two hundred returned to their employment last week, and delivered several pieces of cannon they had in their possession—so it is hoped in a short time peace and quietness will once more take place in this unhappy colony."
"It is a most remarkable sickly season, there has been, for a few days past upon an average, from thirty to forty people buried in this Cape, daily."
NEW-YORK.
ALBANY, January 30.
By a gentleman of information and respectability from the northward, we are informed, that he fell in company with a person near Lake Champlain, who had made his escape from Canada, on his way to the Jerseys, the place of his nativity—that he was one of three persons taken last summer by the Indians from their families—that he was carried to Detroit, where he was sold to a British officer—that during his continuance there, both prior and subsequent to the unfortunate battle, he saw continual supplies of provisions and ammunition of all kinds, going to the Indians; and that the Canadians have a chain of depots from Detroit to the Indian camp, through which these savages are supplied in the most ample manner.—And that on the return of the Indians from their successful expedition, he saw a great many tories, and other white animals completely disguised as Indians.
NEW-YORK, February 4.
Mr. William Augustus Bowles, who, some time ago, appeared in London in the character of an Indian Chief, was not an Indian by birth, but an Anglo American, from Maryland; who being of an unsettled, roving, and enterprising disposition, attached himself to one of the Indian nations, became enamoured of a savage girl, and which is perhaps more excusable, of a savage girl, whom he married; then settled among her friends, and is now by adoption, though not by birth, an Indian warrior.
WILMINGTON, February 4.
Sunday morning lit, about two o'clock, the Printing-Office in Middletown, was destroyed, by fire, and scarce an article therein saved, the flames having got to a great head before discovered.
PENNSYLVANIA.
PITTSBURG, Feb. 4.
By the arrival of a gentleman at this place immediately from Kentucky, we are favored with the following intelligence, viz.
That just before he left the falls of Ohio, an express had passed along his way to Fort Washington, with dispatches from the commandant at Fort Vincennes for the governor, the purport of which was, that he had sent a Frenchman and an Indian across the Miami towns with some dispatches, in hopes of finding our army there; that on their arrival they found the towns deserted, except by a few women; that for fear of being discovered they buried their dispatches, and then proceeded to meet our army, but had not gone more than five or six miles before they met a party of 30 Indians, returning with their share of the plunder, one of them had 127 scalps strung on a pole, the rest were heavily loaded with different articles, and they had three pack-horses loaded with kegs of wine, &c. the Indians immediately accused them of being spies, but on making enquiry and examining them very minutely, believed them friends; they were then obliged to return with them to the towns, and the Indians gave them a full account of this battle (which agrees with the account heretofore published) except that only 1200 Indians were in the engagement, and that these were Miamies and Indians from the lakes; that 600 arrived the day after the battle, and 300 were out hunting to supply the rest, which was their whole force; that a dispute arose about dividing the plunder between them and the Lake Indians, the latter wishing to have that of the smallest bulk and easiest carriage, as they had a great way to go; but the former refused, this greatly enraged the lake Indians, who began to use the tomahawk, but did not do much damage, however they went off much dissatisfied, determined never again to come to the assistance of the Miamies let the consequences be what they would; and that only 56 Indians were killed.—After giving them this information, they were permitted to proceed homewards with the promise of sending them a trader, (which was the business they were upon) as they had as much plunder as would amply do them all winter.
We are also informed, that an expedition consisting of 500 men, on horseback, was to go from Kentucky the beginning of January, against the Miami towns, and from the enterprising spirit of the Kentuckians, we flatter ourselves these towns are laid in ashes before now. There is no doubt but this expedition has taken place, as our informant had the information from a person that may be depended on.
It is with pleasure we inform the public, that letters are received in town, from Fort Washington, which contain the very agreeable news of the recovery of Col. George Gilson, of the 2d regiment levies—the surgeon who attends him has pronounced him out of danger, his appetite had returned, and he was able to sit up and write a letter to his brother.
The same letters, we are sorry to add, contain the melancholy account of the death of Capt. Darke, a promising young man, and son of Col. W. Darke, of the 1st regiment levies. In the late action Captain Darke was shot through the head, and after great fatigue got into Fort Jefferson, where, receiving but indifferent attendance, he died, after lingering some weeks.
The legislature of this state have passed a law for raising 250 expert riflemen, for 6 months, to protect our frontiers. The Governor is to appoint the officers, and each man to receive 50/ per month.
It is hoped that the frontier inhabitants will not be too precipitate in removing, as this corps will be immediately raised, when they will be secured from the depredations of their savage neighbours.
PHILADELPHIA, February 6.
Extract of a letter from Lisbon, to a house in this city, dated Dec. 5th, 1791, received via New York, by the ship Phebe, Captain Wharton.
"We again renew our recommendations to be cautious how you engage in grain to these markets, being all well supplied, besides glutted with ordinary wheat, and only the prime qualities will meet sale, and we anxiously wait for the arrival of a packet from Falmouth, to know if the exportation of grain will be allowed in England after the 15th ult. when the restraining acts expires; should it be granted we will be largely supplied from thence, which will act against the speculations from the United States, so that only at very moderate prices, and of the best quality, grain is likely to answer. The prices you quote (of 6/9 for wheat, and 2/9 to 3/ for corn) for your exports are by far too high to admit as any advantage at these dull markets, situate as they are at present."
Feb. 9. A letter from Cape Francois, dated December 20, informs, that "the revolted slaves, expecting a large army from France, to put an end to their ravages, had, by their deputies, demanded, freedom for their leaders, and they would agree to a peace. This was refused, as unconditional submission will, in a short time, be required of them."
The negroes of Jamaica having intimated that they meant to follow the example of their brethren, the French negroes in Hispaniola, the government has declared the execution of martial law through
will have some effect in keeping them quiet, in addition to their dread of the wild mountain negroes, who are in alliance with the English.
A vessel arrived at New-York from Cape Francois, last Thursday, which place she left the 2d of January. The negroes were still pursuing their wonted ravages, in burning and destroying the country. Four hundred troops had arrived from France, and three hundred more hourly expected, besides four thousand to be looked for the beginning of February. Accounts had been received at the Cape, that the remains of Port-au-Prince had been totally destroyed, and the white people and mulattoes as much at variance as ever, the latter having taken possession of St. Marks, and armed several small vessels to intercept shipping bound to Port-au-Prince, in which they had in some measure been successful. Other accounts say, that twenty thousand troops were daily expected from France to crush the rebellion, and, if possible, to save the colony from total devastation.
Extract of a letter from Boston.
"I wish to be informed what the probable intentions of Government are. Some of our Six per Centers, &c. and the luke-warm friends to the Government of the Union, are opposed to a further prosecution of the war—but disinterested men, and our old soldiers and officers, will execrate the Government, if it suffers the Frontiers to be deserted, and our citizens exposed to the fury of the bipeds of the wilderness."
Lately interred in the burying ground of the Dutch Presbyterian Church near Newtown, Bucks County, the remains of Mr. — Corbin, who when alive weighed four hundred and fifteen pounds.
The tenor of many publications on the Indian war, and of certain strictures on the heads of the executive departments of the government of the United States, strongly impresses the mind of every attentive reader with this idea—That they are productions of foreigners. Two reasons may be assigned for this opinion—the first is, the inveteracy of these writers against the government now so happily established, and the total want of sympathy, so strikingly apparent in their writings, in regard either to the prosperity, or the misfortunes of our country. The other reason is, the similarity of the epithets which abound in those publications, with those which distinguish the opposition-speculations of a certain street in London—A correspondent is however made happy in observing a disposition in the people to read both sides, and to judge for themselves. Some instances of the good effects of counter-publications to the effusions above referred to, have fallen under his cognizance; which plainly shews that it is the duty of every friend to the government to exhibit from time to time facts, in opposition to the declamations of those who take pleasure in sowing the seeds of distrust and disunion among the people.
In a late paper appears the dying speech, confession, &c. of William Cunningham, who according to the documents, was executed in London, the 10th of August, 1791. "When the American war commenced (says he) I was appointed Provost-Marshal to the Royal army, which placed me in a situation to wreak my vengeance on the Americans, many of whom I murdered with and without orders from government. During the time we were in New-York, there were more than two hundred prisoners starved in the different churches, by stopping their rations, which I sold. There were also two hundred and seventy-five American prisoners and obnoxious persons executed, out of all which number there were only about one dozen public executions, which chiefly consisted of Hessian and British deserters; the mode for private execution was thus conducted: A guard was despatched from the provost, about half after twelve at night, to Barrack-Street, and the neighbourhood of the Upper-Barracks, to order the people to shut up their window-shutters and put out their lights, forbidding them at the same time, to look out of their windows or doors on pain of death; after which the unfortunate prisoners were conducted gagged just behind the Upper-Barracks, and hung without ceremony, and there buried by the black pioneer of the provost." The crime for which Cunningham is said to have suffered was forging a draft on the Board of Ordnance for three hundred pounds sterling.
Extract of a letter from Greenburg, January 31.
"It is mentioned in a letter from the westward, that the powder used on the last Indian expedition was nearly useless, owing to want of strength. It is a fact, that the riflemen could not kill a deer with it, and therefore took the precaution to purchase powder for themselves, before they joined the army.—The pack-saddles that came down, seemed, from their size, rather calculated for the back of the Mammoth, or non-descript animal, than for horses, and were objects of universal contempt, even to Indians."
Extract of a Letter from Madras, dated July 14, 1791.
"The Army with Lord Cornwallis at its Head, is in the Field near Bangalore, a strong Place which was lately taken from Tippoo Saib: They also reduced, and possess, a considerable Part of his country: Seringapatam, his Capital, was lately invested; but the setting in of the Monsoon, and heavy Rains on the Malabar Coast, obliged Lord Cornwallis, for the present, to abandon the Object: But I am informed, its Reduction is meditated as soon as the Season will admit."
"Tippoo's Train of Artillery and his numerous Cavalry are formidable, and he gives proofs of great Abilities and Resource; but he has yet gained no Advantage, and it is presumed he will be sufficiently humbled before the War is terminated."

CONGRESS.
House of Representatives of the United States.
FRIDAY, February 2.
A MOTION was read and laid on the table, that a committee be appointed to endeavour to ascertain the number of Indians now in arms against the United States, from authentic documents; the scarcity of forage and provisions; the quantity and quality of the powder; the causes of the delay of the federal troops on the Ohio—all which were instrumental in the late unfortunate defeat.
The House then took up the consideration of the amendments of the Senate to the bill establishing the post-office and post-roads within the United States, and after having gone through the same, the House adjourned.
FRIDAY, February 3.
After reading and referring sundry petitions and memorials,
Mr. Goodhue moved, that the House should resolve itself into a committee of the whole, on the fishery-bill; this motion, after some opposition by Mr. Parker and Mr. White, who urged the superior importance of immediate attention to the militia-bill, was agreed to, and Mr. W. Smith took the chair; the bill was then read by the clerk, and on the first section's being repeated by the Chairman, Mr. Giles moved that this section should be struck out; this motion being seconded, a debate ensued, in which Mr. Giles and Mr. Murray spoke in opposition to the bill, and Mr. Goodhue, Mr. Ames, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Fitzsimons, and Mr. Barnwell, in favour of it: The committee rose without coming to a vote, and had leave to sit again.
TUESDAY, February 7.
Mr. Bronson, of the committee appointed for the purpose, brought in a bill for the appointment of representatives among the people of the several states, and making provision for a second enumeration, &c. which was read the first time.
WEDNESDAY, February 8.
Mr. Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of War, enclosing copies of the official communications which had taken place between him and the Governor of the State of Virginia, respecting the temporary defence of the frontier of that commonwealth.
A bill for apportioning representatives among the several states, according to the first enumeration; and making provision for a second enumeration, and an apportionment of representatives thereon, to compose the House of Representatives after the 3d day of March, 1797, was read a second time, ordered to be printed, and referred to a committee of the whole House on Monday next.
MARYLAND.
BALTIMORE, February 10.
By an Amendment to the Post-office Bill, proposed by the Senate of the United States, and agreed to by the House of Representatives, it is enacted, "that if any Person employed in any Department of the Post-Office, shall unlawfully detain, delay, embezzle, or destroy any News Paper, with which he shall have been entrusted, such Offender shall, for every such Offence, forfeit a Sum not exceeding Fifty Dollars :"—And the Postmaster, in any Contract he may enter into, for the Conveyance of the Mail, may authorize the Person, with whom such Contract is made, to carry News-Papers, other than those conveyed in the Mail."
February 14.
With a heartfelt Regret, in which every patriotic Citizen of Maryland, every Lover of HONOUR and VIRTUE throughout the Union must feelingly participate, we announce to the Public the Decease of our late worthy Governor, his Excellency GEORGE PLATER, Esquire, who closed his truly honourable and invaluable Life, on Thursday last, after a long and distressing Illness, aged 56 Years.
Scarcely was he elected, by the unanimous Voice of the Legislature, to fill the first Station in Government, when painful Disease assailed him, and, by terminating his Life, deprived the State of Blessings of an administration, of which, from his uniform and dignified Conduct in various important Trusts, the most flattering Presages were entertained.
In the exercise of the domestic Duties equalled by few and surpassed by none—tenderly affectionate as a Husband,—kind and conciliating as a Parent,—steady and endearing as a Friend,—mild and compassionate as a Master.
Much might be said of the Benevolence of his Heart, the Gentleness and Urbanity of his Manners, for which he was highly distinguished; but as it is presumed that some Person, more intimately acquainted with his Merits, and more competent to the Task of delineating his Virtues, will favour us with an Eulogium on his Character, we shall only subjoin to the above imperfect Sketch, that his Death hath left a melancholy, "CHASM IN SOCIETY."
London News-Papers, brought by the Duke of Cumberland British Packet, (arrived at New York from Falmouth) further advise, that, on the 15th of May last, Earl Cornwallis, at the Head of a very formidable Army of British and Asiatic Troops, had a general Action with the main Army of Tippoo Saib, on the Banks of the River Cavery, about 5 Miles
with great Slaughter, after a short Conflict, and obliged to take Refuge within the Walls of the City above-mentioned—that Tippoo displayed considerable Military Abilities, on this Occasion, and some of his Troops exhibited a great Degree of Courage; but nothing could withstand the Valour and Perseverance of the British Forces—that, after this Action, his Lordship invested the City of Seringapatam, and proceeded in the Siege with great Prospect of Success, when the Inclemency of the Elements, the sudden bursting out of the Monsoon, rendered a Retreat on the Part of his Lordship indispensably necessary for the Salvation of his Army—that this Event took place on the 25th of May, and was effected in a masterly Manner (without Interruption from Tippoo), though with the Loss of his heavy Artillery, which was left behind, occasioned by a great Mortality amongst the Bullocks; they were, however, rendered unserviceable—that his Lordship reached Bangalore the Beginning of June, and there sheltered himself with his Army from the Inclemency of the Weather, waiting for the Termination of the Monsoon, that he might again renew the War, the Fall of Rain being so heavy and incessant during the Monsoon, that no Army can possibly keep the Field, far less attempt any warlike Operations—that his Lordship intended to take the Field again in July, and, as his Army was in great Force, and in the highest Spirits, and abundantly supplied with every Necessary, no Doubt was entertained at Madras (according to the latest Accounts) but that he would soon after take Possession of Seringapatam.
Extract from General Wayne's Speech in the House of Representatives of the United States, on the 20th Ult. in support of the Petition of Mrs. Catherine Greene, Widow of the late General Greene.
"From my first Interview with General Greene, until the Moment of his Dissolution, we always lived in the strictest Habits of Friendship and Confidence—He was an Officer with whom I had participated of almost every Vicissitude of Fortune (in many a well-tried Field) from the frozen Waters of the north, to the burning Sands of the South—He was a Man whose Virtues and Talents I knew and revered—his noble Soul would have revolted at the Idea of Impostion—he never would have offered in a CLAIM to Congress, but upon the purest Principles of Honour and Justice, I was witness to the pressing Necessity that COMPELLED him to become the Surety, for which Indemnity is now claimed—he did what I would have done (as second in Command) had he been absent at that trying Crisis. The Claim I know to be just—and I am decidedly of opinion that he was drawn into that Security from the Situation in which he was placed—by Congress, as Commander in Chief of the Southern Department."
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, February 21.
By a gentleman who arrived in town a few days since from Muskingum, we learn, that the Indians on the 15th ult. made an attack on the French settlement on the Scioto, took a number of bullocks and horses, but did not kill any of the inhabitants or take any prisoners.
The Bill, making further and more effectual provision for the frontiers, was past in the House of Representatives of the United States, on the 2d inst.—Yeas, 29—Nays, 19.
The Philadelphia General Advertiser, of the 11th inst. mentions, that the Senate have rejected the Frontier-Bill."
At one cent for each newspaper, a printer, in this state, who now publishes only twice a week, will have to pay thirty-three dollars a week postage, or one thousand seven hundred and sixteen dollars per annum.
In the House of Representatives the 8th inst. Mr. Gerry gave notice, that, if the post-office bill is, by the approbation of the President, passed into a law in its present form, he will move for bringing in a bill, to amend it, by reducing the postage of newspapers.
Extract of a letter from Cape Francois, December 16.
"We expect 20,000 troops from France, and God knows they are much wanted; the revolted negroes are still in arms, within a few miles of us, and people of colour are murdering the whites all over the colony: They have taken sundry principal places, and unless troops arrive soon this country will be ruined; 253 sugar, and 1600 coffee works have already been burned, and a number of villages."
TO BE RENTED. THE Ferry and part of the Plantation whereon the Subscriber now lives; those who are inclined to rent, may know the terms by making application before the 22d day of March next, on which day (if not disposed of) it will be rented to the highest bidder, for the term of three years.
There will be sold on the same day a Negro Girl, Cows, Hogs, Sheep, a new Waggon, a quantity of Grain in the ground, Household Furniture, &c. Six months credit will be given the purchaser, upon giving bond with approved security—The sale to begin at 10 o'clock, where attention will be given by
BENONI SWEARINGEN.
Washington County, Maryland, 20th Feb. 1792.
W A N T E D. A QUANTITY of good hacked FLAX, for which the cash will be given. Apply to the Printer.
Thomas Mahony,
MOST respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he has taken that capital and well-known TAVERN belonging to Mr. MICHAEL MCKEWAN, which he has opened, having furnished it in a proper manner to receive company, as he has laid in the choicest liquors, and is determined to be unremitting in his endeavours to give general satisfaction—he flatters himself that he shall meet with encouragement from a generous public.
Martinsburg, February 21, 1792.
N O T I C E.
WHEREAS some time in the spring of 1790, the subscriber gave a note of hand to a certain Edward Carter, of this county, for twelve pounds, payable the fall following, which note has been discharged by me except a very small balance, but as the said Carter refuses to give up the note on payment of the balance, and as I do not entertain a very favourable opinion of his rectitude and uprightness, and being not only desirous to prompt him to discover some principles of honesty but to caution others less artful and designing against being defrauded thereby, I hereby notify all persons from taking any assignment of said note, as I will not pay it, unless compelled thereto by law.
THOMAS FLAGG.
Berkeley County, February 21, 1792.
NOTICE is hereby given to all those anywise indebted to me, either by Specialties or open accounts, that it is my most earnest desire they should make immediate payment.
The indulgence I have hitherto given has generally produced ingratitude, and experience proves that most of those indebted to me, would carry their ready money to any other store than mine.—The generality of those whom I formerly ranked among my best friends and customers, are guilty of the greatest impositions on my good nature and credulity—those I would remind as well as all others in arrears, that the wanton withholding from me what is justly due, and what I ought long since to have had at my own disposal, is injuring me extremely in my present vocation.—I have determined to take all legal methods of compelling settlements as well as payments—all persons having claims against me are desired to bring in their accounts, that they may be satisfied.
HENRY BEDINGER.
Shepherd's-Town, February 20th, 1792.
THE highest market prices will be given for produce in goods, or discounted for debts.
TO BE SOLD,
A Plantation,
Whereon the Subscriber now lives, consisting of 150 acres, about 80 of which are cleared, has a good log dwelling-house, kitchen, out-house, barn, an orchard of about 100 apple trees, &c.—It is situated about 6 miles from Shepherd's-Town, and 4 from Martinsburg. For terms apply to me, living on the premises.
JAMES BLUE.
Berkeley, February 21, 1792.
Whereas the Subscriber, on the 17th day of August last, bought of JACOB HOFFMAN, a lot of land in the town of Frederick Town, State of Maryland, for thirty seven pounds ten shillings four pounds of which I paid in hand, the remainder of said sum I gave my bond for, payable in three years, agreeable to contract, for which consideration I was to have a clear deed of said lot given by the said Hoffman, free of all ground rents or other encumbrances, but I have since found from good information that I have been most wantonly defrauded, as the said piece of land is but half a lot, that there is a demand of ten pounds now against it for ground rent, and for which it is now liable to be exposed at public vendue, but what is still worse than all, the said Hoffman has no right to give a title to the said part of a lot until the death of a previous heir. I therefore, in justice to myself, as well as to caution others against being defrauded in like manner, hereby forewarn all persons from taking any assignment of said bond, as I am determined never to pay it.
JOHN LEE.
Berkeley, February 21, 1792.
NEXT MONDAY WEEK, the Managers of the New-Church Lottery are determined to commence drawing, at the House of Mr. CORNELIUS WYNKOOP, in Shepherd's-Town.—All those who have received Tickets, are desired to account for them before that day, and oblige
THE MANAGERS.
Tuesday, February 21st, 1792.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
WINTER.
VICTORIOUS see him rushing forth, From the cold regions of the north, His magazine of war; The boisterous winds, that rudely play Untam'd by Sol's meridian ray, Bear on his icy car.
Nought can resist his mighty force, As o'er the earth he speeds his course, Swift as the dawning light; His near approach loud storms presage, Fly the fierce heralds of his rage, And put the sun to flight.
Let souls, that live the slave of fear, Think every charm has left the year, And teach themselves to mourn; But, tho' he bid th' assembled host Of all his terrors storm our coast, I'll welcome his return.
Each staid season, as it flies, Comes a fresh witness from the skies Of heaven's benignant plan; And winter in his roughest form, Cloth'd with the horrors of the storm, Is still the friend of man.
What tho' gay nature cease to bloom, And the cold air breathes on perfume, Beneath the frigid sky! Health shall be wasted on the gale, Whose swifter wings bear snow and hail, And pale disease shall fly.
Let the bright orb of day retire, We'll gather round the general fire, Nor with a kinder sun; There shall the social virtues smile, Love shall shake off each modern wile, And all our hearts be one.
(Mass. Mag.)
LEANDER.
BY virtue of a Decree of the Court of Berkeley, an State of Virginia, will be exposed to sale, by Public Vendue, for cash, upon the Fourteenth day of MARCH next, if fair, if not the next fair day, one third part of half an acre of Land in the town of Mecklenburgh, known by number Twenty-five, lying on the main street, adjoining JOHN UNSELL and CATHARINE HAINS, with the Dwelling-House thereon.
SAMUEL DEVENPORT, Dep. Sheriff, (for GEORGE CUNNINGHAM, Sheriff. February 13, 1792.
N O T I C E.
WHEREAS George Adam Collingsburger passed his bond for seventy pounds, some time in September, 1790, by my consent, in the name of Smith Slaughter, which bond I intended should discharge an execution which was then in the possession of Mr. Smith Slaughter, as deputy sheriff for Berkeley County, which execution was due to Mr. T. Whiting, but said bond not being applied to the use designed, I applied to Mr. Slaughter to assign said bond to Cornelius Conaway for security for the payment of fifteen pounds, or for said Conaway to receive the above-mentioned and to return said bond to me or Mr. Smith Slaughter, but after Conaway got said bond in his possession, he applied to G. A. Collingsburger for the whole amount, which said Collingsburger paid said Conaway about forty pounds of said bond, before my discovering his deception—I now forewarn all person or persons from taking an assignment on said bond, as I believe from Conaway's connections and his treatment to me, he will defraud some innocent person by an assignment thereof.
WILLIAM BRADY. February 3, 1792.
N O T I C E.
WHEREAS on the 7th instant, the subscriber, through the extortions and threats of a certain Thomas Somerslet, of the State of Maryland, gave him my Note for six dollars, payable in one month from the date, but as said Note was unjustly obtained and but a small part thereof due from me to the said Somerslet, I hereby caution all persons from taking an assignment of said Note, as I am determined not to pay it.
JOHN LEE. Shepherd's-Town, Feb. 14, 1792.
FOR SALE,
A TRACT OF LAND,
LYING on Gnatty-Creek, in Harrison County, Virginia, containing ONE THOUSAND ACRES. As it is presumed that no person will purchase without viewing the premises, it is needless to say more than that it was surveyed early in the settlement of that country, and that an indisputable title will be given and the terms of payment made easy. Any person inclinable to purchase, may see the Land, by applying to Mr. JOHN STEWART, near Morgan-Town, or treat with the Proprietor, living at Hager's-Town.
WILLIAM BAIRD. 12th January, 1792.
N O T I C E.
THE Managers of the Shepherd's-Town, New-Church Lottery, being of opinion that a number of the adventurers will be desirous to attend on the day of drawing, and apprehending that the inclemency of the season might prevent numbers from attending on the day published for the drawing, and being desirous to give as general satisfaction as possible, are induced to postpone the drawing until the first Monday in March, when the drawing will commence without fail. Those indebted for Tickets are earnestly requested to remit the money to the person from whom they purchased, that the Managers may be enabled to discharge the Prizes as soon as the drawing is over.
Dr. Robinson,
FINDING that the SMALL-POX is still prevailing in the vicinity of this town, and being solicited by many of his friends again to commence inoculation, he now offers his service to the public:—He will inoculate for the Small-Pox, furnish medicine, and give attendance, to any number of patients (within 30 miles of this place) for five shillings, each person. From the success which attended his practice last summer, having inoculated upwards 300 persons, without, losing one, and they not only having it extremely light, but recovered their usual, if not a superior, state of health, he doubts not of meeting the general approbation of the public. The Poor, to any number, he will inoculate gratis, and hopes they may not, by too great a degree of modesty on their part, deprive themselves of the benefit which those in more affluent circumstances are about to receive at this favourable season of the year.
Application to be made at Capt. WILLIAM LEMEN's. Shepherd's-Town, January 24, 1792.
Wanted immediately,
TWO JOURNEYMEN SADDLERS, who are good workmen, to whom constant employ by the month or piece will be given, by the subscriber. JOHN RICHARDSON. Shepherd's-Town, Jan. 28, 1792.
N O T I C E.
WHEREAS some time in the year 1789, the Subscriber gave a Note to Isaac Long, for the sum of three pounds, Pennsylvania currency, which note has since, (as I am informed) been assigned to Owen Roby, but as payment has been fully made to the said Isaac Long, as well also the said Owen Roby if he holds the note, I therefore forewarn all and every person from taking any assignment on the said note from either of the above persons, as I am determined not to pay the same unless compelled thereto by law.
RICHARD M'MAHAN. Martinsburg, January 9, 1792.
At a Court of Quarter Sessions, held for Berkeley County, on the third Tuesday in August, 1791. Leonard Davis, Compt. } In chancery, against William Worthington and Nancy } his wife, and Sarah Wilson, Defts.
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. T. G. MOSES HUNTER, C.B.C.
Lately Published, And to be sold by the Printer hereof, [Price 11d.] AN ADDRESS TO THE CONVENTION, OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN VIRGINIA. By the Right Rev. J. MADISON, D. D. Bishop of said Church.
TO BE SOLD A VALUABLE PLANTATION,
Situated in Berkeley County, about three miles from Martinsburg:—It contains 230 acres of as good land as any in that part of country, and well improved 53 acres of the land is now seeded in grain, 12 of which are in wheat, and fit for meadow. There are on the premises two good Dwelling-Houses, a barn, stable, and other out-houses, an excellent well of water, which never failed, and many other advantages which are here unnecessary to mention. For further particulars, apply to WILLIAM CRAGHILL, or the Printer hereof. December 18, 1791.
A MILLER wanted at the Lick Mill.
A SINGLE MAN, of undoubted abilities, and good character as to his honesty, sobriety and industry—such a character will meet with immediate employ and liberal wages, by JAMES MAXWELL. Lick Mills, 29th January, 1792.
STRAYED or stolen from the Sub-
scriber, on the eighth of this instant, living near Shirley's Mill, one and half miles from Martinsburg, a bright bay HORSE, four years old, with one hind foot white, a small star and snip, neither docked or branded, a natural trotter, fourteen hands and half high. Whoever takes up said Horse and delivers him to me, shall have Three Dollars Reward, and reasonable charges, paid by me, JOHN SHIVLEY. Berkeley County, January 14, 1792.
THE Subscriber, in compliance with the solicitation of many of his Friends, has again opened a PUBLIC HOUSE, where those who may wish to afford him their patronage and support, may depend on meeting with every agreeable accommodation, and a supply of the best provisions and liquors to be obtained.
Necessity obliges him to remind such as are yet indebted to him to make payment, if they wish a future credit. ALEXANDER ROGERS. Martinsburg, February 2, 1792.
THERE is at the plantation of the
Subscriber, near Shepherd's-Town, a stray BULL, four years old; he has some white on the back, belly, and head; his sides brown; neither ear-marked or branded; he has been posted according to law. The owner is desired to prove his property and take him away. JOSEPH SWEARINGEN. Berkeley County, 19th January, 1792.
WANTED,
A young, industrious, sober MAN, to take the care of a public stable, horses, &c. &c. Inquire of the Printer.
The New-Church Lottery absolutely commences drawing on the first Monday in March next.
FOR SALE, By the Printer hereof, Blank Deeds of Bargain and Sale, Lawyers Declarations of every Kind Common Bonds.
A few Tickets in Mr. T. White's Lottery, are for sale at the Printg-Office.