The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1793-01-28 00:00:00

The POTOMAC GUARDIAN, and BERKELEY ADVERTISER.
PRICE TWO DOLLARS PER ANN.]
MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 1793.
[NUMBER 115—VOL 3.]
WHERE LIBERTY DWELLS, THERE IS MY COUNTRY.
Franklin.
UNITED STATES. CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, December 28.
REDUCTION OF THE MILITARY ESTABLISHMENT.
(Concluded from our last)
MR. HARTLEY declared himself against the object of the motion. He was of opinion that at this time, when a treaty of peace was depending it would be highly dangerous to adopt any step for reducing our military establishment. The President, he said, appeared to him to have acted with the greatest economy in organizing the forces he was empowered to raise.
He stated the difficulty of raising troops in this country, and again insisted on the impolicy of disbanding those enlisted at this critical period. A respectable force kept up, might produce peace by spring, and in that case no one would regret the expense of the equipment.
The part of the country from which the gentleman who made the motion came, it was true, was not exposed to the incursions of the Indians, but this was, by no means the case in other parts of the United States.
He then adverted to Mr. Steele's arguments to prove that regular troops were unequal to a contest with Indians. There was no instance in which, he answered, a body of regular troops had been beaten by an equal number of Indians. The army in the campaign of 1791 was undisciplined; the only regiment properly disciplined at the time of General St. Clair's defeat was not in the engagement; this instance therefore of the Indians' success should not be conceived, he brought into view as a proof of the inefficacy of regular troops in such a war. It was evident that the troops on the frontiers this season had afforded very effectual protection to the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia.
He dwelt on the impropriety of employing the militia in this service: the distress that the loss of a considerable body of heads of families in a district would occasion was too serious an evil to think lightly of. Men enlisted as regulars, on the other hand, were chiefly adventurers and single men, the loss of whom would be much less felt.
Mr. Parker rose in favour of the motion. He adverted to the effects produced by an encrease of the standing forces of this country, it immediately occasioned a proportionable encrease of the armies of our jealous neighbours to the North and South. He mentioned a paper that was some time since read in the house, a message or talk from Lord Dorchester to the Indians, in it they were told that Prince Edward, a son of their friend the great king, had arrived with a chosen band of warriors to protect them. The Indians, he said, had a higher idea of the military protection of the British and would prefer it to ours. The British were better acquainted with the effect of military parade on the Indians, and better able with their veteran troops to take advantage of those feelings. Every effort of ours to enhance our military reputation by an encrease of forces would be followed by a similar step in the British colony, and we should in the end only make war on our finances. The British, he stated, were better able to afford to make a perpetual shew of military,—it was more consistent with the spirit of their political institutions;—a similar system was not well adapted to the sentiments of the people here, where citizen soldiers were ready to turn out for something substantial only.
Before this last war with the Indians, depredations had, no doubt been made by them on our territory, and by our people on theirs; but nothing serious had occurred till the war was begun.
He approved of garrisoning those posts that could afford shelter to the inhabitants of the frontier in case of attack; but did not think regular troops adequate to any other task in an Indian war. He insisted on the opinion that the militia alone were equal to undertake an offensive war against the Indians.
Mr. Fitzsimons first spoke of the importance of the question. It strikes at a total alteration of the system adopted to preserve peace and protect our frontier citizens. He was not of opinion that those citizens on the frontiers were able to protect the country;—the light which would be thrown on the subject in the course of the debate he expected would determine the point;—he hoped the question would be amply discussed. But in the mean time he was sorry, he said, to see an attempt made to influence the opinions of members by statements and calculations, which he imagined were by no means accurate.
He mentioned an instance in which they had been placed in such a point of view as might make an improper impression. The gentleman stated that the war had cost the union upwards of 3,345,000 dollars.
Mr. Steele said in explanation, that he had asserted, that sum had already been appropriated or was called for.
Mr. Fitzsimons said the money appropriated was not all expended, and that asked for was still in the power of the house to grant or not. He could not positively say at first view of the gentleman's calculations whether they were all equally erroneous; but this instance, he conceived, was not much in favour of his accuracy. Circumstances might very well account for a difference in the expence of an army; troops near fort Washington could not be provided at the same rate as in more populous parts of the states. —The depending treaty of peace he declared, raised a great objection in his mind to the object of the motion. It on consideration, however, it should appear, that the frontiers could be better defended without regulars, and a valuable saving made, he should be in favour of the motion. He reminded the gentleman that when he quoted the amount of the saving he proposed, he had forgot to take in view the expence of the 5 Kentucky expeditions.
Mr. Steele said he had mentioned that these might each cost 30 000 dollars.
Mr. White expressed his dislike to regular standing forces, and that he wished more use had been made of the militia against the Indians: yet he was averse to a reduction unless a more effectual plan of defence was offered as a substitute to that now in use.
It was moved to refer the motion to a committee of the whole.
Mr. Steele expressed his wish to see the object of the motion discussed in committee. He said something on the accuracy of his statements, which had been questioned, and again mentioned the source from which they were drawn.
Mr. Williamson, as a proof of the efficacy of militia in opposition to the Indians, cited the instance of major Adair's resistance to a body greatly superior in numbers.
Mr. Smith (S. C.) declared himself against the object of the resolution. The President, he said, had the power to disband any part of the army when their service was no longer wanted, and his confidence in the President (a feeling which from the unanimous vote of re-election he had recently received seemed very prevalent) led him to feel well satisfied that they would not be kept in service unnecessarily one moment.
Mr. Dayton next rose. He said he was in favour of referring the motion to a committee of the whole house. He should not, he declared, have risen, if he had not heard from the two members from North Carolina the strangest perversion of argument, and the most extraordinary kind of reasoning he ever remembered to have heard. The member who spoke first from N. C. decried every idea of energy and efficiency in regular, disciplined troops, considering them not only inefficient but contemptible when employed against Indians, and to confirm his assertion had instanced the expedition and defeat of Gen. St. Clair, when it was well known that there were not in fact two regiments of regular disciplined infantry in the army or that General—The other member had as extravagantly commended the back country militia, and extolled them for their efficiency and success in Indian warfare, of which Major Adair in a late encounter with a superior body of savages had, he said, furnished an evidence. In answer to this Mr. D. was compelled to remark, what he should otherwise never have done, that the affair alluded to, made on his mind a very different impression, and led to a conclusion directly contrary to that which the gentleman had drawn from it—The major, had unquestionably been surprized, and as unquestionably been beaten, and suffered the capture of almost all his horses and other property in his camp; but what he conceived to be still worse, it appeared that at the commencement of the action, about half of his men deserted him, and secured themselves within the garrison. This instance of the prowels of irregulars selected by N. C. member to support his arguments would, Mr. Dayton believed, be found upon enquiry to be an unfortunate one.
As he was upon the floor, Mr. Dayton observed, that he could not refrain from taking some further notice of the laboured speech which the House had just heard from the mover of the proposition under consideration. He should, he said, be short, for no member could be supposed to be prepared to answer a speech which certainly no one could have expected within those walls; but as he tho't probable such another one would never again be uttered there, he could not omit a remark or two upon it. It was admirably calculated, and would seem to have been designed, to prejudice the people of the United States against the whole administration of the go-
vernment. It would doubtless be recollected that but a few days ago, this very gentleman was strenuously contending for propriety, decorum and decency in debate, which he complained, was not observed by gentlemen who were opposed to the report of the committee on the failure of the western expedition; notwithstanding this, not contented with levelling the most unbounded censure against the head of the war department, he had lavished the most virulent abuse upon the President of the United States particularly and upon a large majority of both Houses of Congress.
The member had produced a variety of arithmetical statements and calculations, the accuracy and truth of which not only had been questioned but denied by other members who had replied to him.—One thing Mr. Dayton said he could not avoid remarking, which was that the gentleman had represented as unaccountable and mysterious the encreased appropriations for the war department for 91, 92 and 93, as if it was in any wise strange, that 2000 men should require more Ordnance, Hospital and Quarter-Master's stores than 1000 or that 5000 men should require more than them both. Yet from statements of that nature the gentleman affected to believe, and boldly declared that there must be the grossest abuses in the administration. If the annual encrease of our expences for protecting the frontiers, deserved the censure that had been so liberally bestowed, it ought to fall directly upon the legislature who, Mr. Dayton said, had directed it by their laws, and not upon the executive who were merely the instrument to carry those laws into effect. So much for the speech, but with respect to the motion which called for a very different answer, and more mature consideration, he should only add, that however he might favor a reduction of your military establishment, if the question stood upon its own merits alone unconnected with some recent circumstances, he should think it his duty to oppose the measure at the present, as it might tend to embarrass the Executive in their pursuits and prospects of pacification, and because he well knew it to be the temper of the Indians, and indeed of every other people, to raise in their demands in the same proportion that their treating enemy quieted their fears and lessened their danger. If our establishment was determined to be lessened, it would be known to the savages before the treaty,—in consequence of which, he did not doubt, they would become more extravagant and insolent in their terms, and that of course what was now recommended as an economical saving to the public, would eventually prove to be profusion in the extreme.
Mr. Wadsworth expressed himself in a few words against the resolution.
Mr. Ames did justice to the gentleman's industry in the collection of materials in support of his motion. An opportunity, he hoped, would be given to go over the ground he had ably travelled.
He said something of the necessity of stability in the measures of every government; on the importance of the question which the fate of the resolution was to decide, and hoped it would meet an ample discussion.
The motion for referring the resolution to a committee of the whole was agreed to, and Wednesday was appointed to take it up.
TWO DOLLARS REWARD.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, living about a mile and a half from Shepherd's Town, some time in April last, a brindle cow, with a white face, the left ear crop'd and a hole in the right ear, about 4 years old; also, a red and white heifer, with a white face, has a part of both her ears off, and a hole in the right one. Whoever has taken up said strays, and will give information to me, so that I get them again, shall have the above reward.
HENRY SEAVER.
Jan. 3, 1793.
WANTED immediately, a good COOK, who can be well recommended, to whom good wages will be given. Inquire of the Printer.
ALL Persons indebted to, or have any demands on, the estate of John Shively, late of Berkeley, deceased, are desired to exhibit their accounts, regularly proved, to the subscriber, as an immediate settlement of the said estate is intended. JOSIAH FLAGG, Administrator.
AL Persons having any accounts open with me, of my own concern, are also requested to come to a speedy settlement. Josiah Flagg. Berkeley County, January 1, 1793.

Foreign Advices.
Received by the latest arrivals.
H A G U E, October 23.
THE Austrian Generals have had the prudence to take care of their troops, who were never suffered to be in want of any thing, whilst the Prussians experienced the utmost want, both for themselves and their horses: This appears to have been the principal cause of that coolness which has taken place between the commanders of the allied armies. In vain did the Prussians implore assistance from their allies; the latter lent a deaf ear to their intreaties, and extricated themselves from that mire in which the others perished. Of 80,000 men whom the King of Prussia furnished, not more than 20,000 men will return to that country. His cavalry are quite ruined. This is an absolute fact, which may be relied upon.
Paris, Oct. 23. The following intelligence has been communicated to the Jacobin Club, by Merlin, deputy from La Mozelle, but we cannot warrant its authenticity. The emigrants, it is said, having refused to form the rear guard of the Prussian army, the Prussians fired and killed more than 600 of them. The King of Prussia, it is added, intends to canton his troops in Luxemburg, and will not quit that country until the Emperor has indemnified him for the expenses of the war.
FRENCH NATIONAL CONVENTION.
October 31.
M. Camus called for a discussion of the laws relative to the EMIGRANTS; when, after a desultory debate, the following articles were decreed:
1. On the day of the publication of this Decree at Paris, and every where else on the day of its reception, of which the Administrative and Municipal bodies are bound to give notice, the municipalities shall put under the hand of the nation, the title deeds and property, both real and personal, belonging to absent citizens, except persons in public employments, soldier-citizens, and citizen-soldiers at their posts, mechanics notoriously absent on account of their business, and those who having places of residence out of their respective departments shall have proved their residence in the republic since the period, and according to the form fixed by the 19th Article of the law of April 8th, and that of the 13th of September last.
II. Seals shall be put upon the moveables, title-deeds, and effects of all described in the preceding article, by a Commissioner of the directory of districts at Paris by a Commissioner appointed by the department—in the presence of two commissioners of the municipality of the place. A responsible guardian for the preservation of the seals shall be chosen, but not a relation, domestic or agent of the said emigrants.
III. The commissioner shall enter in his minutes all remonstrance or opposition that may be made, which are not, however, to retard or suspend the operations ordained by this decree.
IV. The wives, children, fathers and mothers of the Emigrants, shall preserve, in their proper dwellings, the moveables in constant use, linen and clothes, for their own use only, which shall be left them with an inventory provisionally, till their rights, for the aids which they may be entitled to claim, be liquidated and regulated.
Letter, dated BRUXELLES, October 26.
The Prussian and Hessian army are completely routed, in a situation similar to that of the Belgic army in 1790: they return into Luxemburg eight and ten at a time, without any regard to discipline, pillaged every thing in their way. The baggage of the little archduke, Charles, only escaped by the protection of Austrian muskets. This has not diminished their rapacity: they continued the same game, and have so thoroughly gutted some magazines, that there are no shoes to be found for the armies of Clairfayt and Hoheploe. The wretches who compose them go barefooted. If this continues, they must fight among themselves. The throne of our tyrants is tumbling down; they will beg for peace on their knees, if you know how to take advantage of their distress. They cannot exist in their present situation. 26,000 men, reduced by fatigue, is the amount of their forces on the frontier, from Tournay to Namur. They expect you by way of Flanders, while you amuse them by false attacks upon Tournay and Mons.
If Clairfayt don't arrive in time to cover Bruxelles with his 8000 men, which is already despaired of, they must then be reduced to make an humiliating capitulation:—Upon him, Maria house-burner rests all her hope.
Every thing is getting ready to retreat:—the floating bridges are gone for the passage of the Scheld. Their precautions will be useless, if Dumourier falls upon them. This is the moment.—If he can seize it, we may in four days, cry out—Success to Equality.
Nov. 1. On the motion of J. Debry it was decreed, "that the report of the committees respecting the conduct of the late King should be delivered in on Wednesday next; and, that the report respecting Marat should be given in the course of the same week."
The emigrants were all executed yesterday in the
Place de Carouzel, excepting four servants, who were not taken with arms in their hands, and were therefore acquitted. They all shewed the utmost fortitude; some of them declared they died with pleasure for their King, yet these men declared on their trials, that they never intended to bear arms against the Republic. Their execution did not occasion any commotion, as was dreaded.
To day we expect the report of the committee on the Decree of Accusation against Marat. The cause of France will not only be avenged without, but some reparation of the national honor is about to be made within. More blood may be shed in Paris, but it will be that of the murderers of the 2d and 3d of September.
Decree of the Executive Council.
"The Council deliberating on the situation of the Republic, respecting the War which it has undertaken; and considering, that the French soldiers will have in vain been lavish of their blood, should the armies, of the enemy, who have retired to countries bordering on France, resume strength, there to attempt a new invasion, decree,
"That the French armies shall not quit their arms, nor enter into winter quarters, until the enemies of the Republic are driven beyond the Rhine."
Letter from General Dumourier.
Brussels, Nov. 12.
"Citizen President,
"I yesterday presented myself before Brussels with my advanced guard. The Austrians disputed with me the heights of Anderlecht. I was unwilling to expose my brave comrades to shed blood in vain; night came on; I kept my troops under arms, and, in the morning, I was received at Brussels as the Deliverer of the Nation! The Citizen Minister at War will lay before you the concise details which I have sent to him. The army of the Republic is more animated than ever; It may receive for motto, Vires acquirit eundo.
(Signed)
DUMOURIER, General in Chief of the Army in the Austrian Netherlands.
L O N D O N, November 3.
A person asking what the historian will hereafter say concerning the Duke of Brunswick's campaign against the French, was answered,
"Great Brunswick's Duke, with four score thousand men,
"March'd into France—and then march'd out again."
Nov. 20. A gentleman in this city has favoured us with the following article of intelligence, which he received, by the last post, from very high authority, the truth of which may be relied on:
"Dumourier, in the late action near Mons, had 80,000 men. The Austrians had only 18,000.—The French lost more than 10,000 in the action, and the Austrians retreated in great order and regularity. The last advices from the Rhine state, that Custine's army was on the point of being intercepted and cut off, from having advanced with so much rapidity into the German territories."
Brussels not having been put into a state of defence, the soldiers of France found but a small quantity of stores and ammunition; but they shared what was far more grateful to their feelings, the blessings and congratulation of an emancipated multitude.
There is a difference between the French and American Revolution. In America no barbarities were perpetrated—no men's heads were stuck upon poles—no ladies bodies, mangled, were carried through the streets in triumph—their prisoners guarded and ironed, were not massacred in cold blood. The Americans did not, at discretion, harass, murder, or plunder the Clergy—nor roast their Generals, unjustly, alive. They set limits to their vices, at which their pursuits rested. And whatever blood was shed, flowed gallantly in the field. The American Revolution, it ought to be repeated, was not accomplished as the French has been, by massacres, assassinations, or proscriptions; battles, severe and honorable, were fought, and the chance of war left to decide.
Portsmouth, Nov. 14. This morning, about two o'clock, an express arrived from the admiralty to Sir Andrew Snape Hammand, Bart. when the Marine corps were immediately beat to arms! So great was the expedition used, that at 12 o'clock, Lieut. Colonel Spry, with three lieutenants, four serjeants, four corporals, three drummers, and 100 privates, with their baggage, were embarked on board the Niger frigate, though it blew a hurricane.
The cause of this sudden order, which extends likewise to the Chatham and Plymouth division, is at present a profound secret, known only to the commanders.
5 o'clock, P. M.
As the Niger is not yet under weigh, it is probable her destination is to the westward, as the wind is fair for a contrary direction, and directly in her teeth down the channel.
DUBLIN, October 30.
Yesterday evening the cause of liberty received a most honorable testimony of approbation from the citizens of Dublin. The expulsion of despotism and despotism from France had been, for some time, a favorite wish of the people—to celebrate the accomplishment of it, an illumination, as brilliant, and as general, as we remember to have seen, of a long time, took place.
The populace never manifested so much attention to decorum and good order, as on this occasion—not the smallest propensity to riot was any where apparent, notwithstanding which, very large par-
ties of infantry and dragoons patroled the principal streets, till a late hour.
Several of the magistrates headed the horse and foot stationed at various places—happily the good conduct of the people left the gentlemen no room to exhibit their skill in command, or to exaggerate a trifling riot into an attempt at insurrection.
General as was the illumination of last night, it would have been much more general had notice been given of it sufficiently soon. The most strenuous efforts of the jonto, which were exerted to prevent this testimony of joy at the triumph of liberty would have been ineffectual, had the citizens been generally apprised, that such an intention was entertained.
UNITED STATES.
NEW-YORK, January 12.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in London, to his friend in this city, dated Nov. 6.
"Yesterday being the 5th November, an effigy to represent the Duke of Brunswick, dressed exceedingly rich, was carried in the presence of innumerable spectators, through the Borough, to be executed on Kensington Common—adjoining the star on his breast, was printed in a large capital letters, no man's law ; and on a board which was carried before him, was painted UNIVERSAL LIBERTY, and NO DESPOTS. When they arrived at the gallows, the following proclamation was made before his execution took place.
"OYES, OYES, OYES,
"Fellow Citizens,
"The Duke of Brunswick having attempted to enslave France, in open violation of the eternal Rights of Man , and laws of Humanity and Justice ; it has been determined to make a public example of him, as well to prevent noble blunders in future, as to convince mankind at large of the supreme dignity of their nature, and the united force of courage and virtue.—The Duke entered France under the mistaken idea, that the French people were dastardly enough to bend to the nod of princes; but as his confidence and resources lay in his pride rather than in his capacity, he withdrew, covered with SHAME, CONFUSION, and DISHONOR, after having committed crimes & blunders that have deservedly brought upon him the RIDICULE and CONTEMPT of all EUROPE. He has had a fair and impartial trial, he is now to ATONE for his rash temerity. His case will prove that men possess masculine minds, and that at the close of the 18th century, when enlightened by science and reflection, they will not be sported with, nor suffer tyrants of any kind to escape with impunity!
"GIVEN at Kensington Common, this 5th day of November one thousand seven hundred and ninety two, in the name of LIBERTY, EQUALITY, and the RIGHTS of MAN."
"He was then executed in due form, and after hanging the usual time, was set fire to and consumed to ashes, together with his gallows, amidst the shouts and acclamations of an immense concourse of spectators, who immediately after dispersed and retired to their respective homes, in the utmost tranquillity and good order."
PHILADELPHIA, January 15.
Extract of a letter from Pittsburg, Jan. 4.
"It appears to me to be the view of the British Court, to get their hands on the country that we and the savages are now contending for; the moment Congress cedes to the latter, the British will strike up a bargain with them for this desirable country—then will they encourage the citizens of the states to come over to them, which they will not fail to do, whenever they are pleased to be offended with the government. These ideas are hastily thrown together, and I pray God may not be verified."
JAN. 16: By the debates in the National Convention of France, it appears that Roberpierre and Marat, two members of that Assembly, are denounced as the principal authors of the massacres in Paris of September last.
M. St. Just, in his speech on the trial of Louis XVI. made in the National Convention, says—"Louis XVI. ought to be tried, not only for all the crimes which he has committed—not only for having been detected in a flagrant act with his hands in blood—but for this alone, that he was KING."
Extract of a letter from Augusta, Dec. 5.
"Several parties of Cherokees have made their appearance in Franklin county, and have killed and scalped eight persons within these ten days past. This seems to be brought on us more by the restless and imprudent spirit of some of our own people, than by any hostile disposition in the Indians, and could the guilty persons be selected by the savages, we should have little cause, and I hope little disposition, to seek retaliation; but, as is generally the case, the innocent have fallen a sacrifice to savage vengeance—a poor defenceless widow has been of the number already butchered, and children unable to fly have fallen with her."
A report has been in circulation that Mr. Pitt, Prime Minister of Great-Britain, has resigned—particulars of this report are contained in the following.
"Previous to the meeting of parliament, a cabinet council was called, when Mr. Pitt proposed that a REFORM should immediately be brought forward by the ministry, being the best mode to quiet the minds of the people; however, the rationality of this measure was not adopted, and finding himself in the minority of the cabinet, he in-

Asly resigned; the temerity of such a step may likely prove fatal to Britain, as he was a very popular minister and much esteemed for his integrity; if insurrections and commotions are to take place, this must undoubtedly accelerate the business, and indeed if it should happen, it will be a signal for all Europe to follow the example; when this country looks at the dreadful form which is gathering there, well may they exclaim, "O fortunati nimium, si jar bona norint."
It has been also said, that some of the German females, who are intermarried with the Royal Family of Britain, had been endeavouring to form a party, to propose to Parliament, an interference favorable to the Brunswick Prussian war, against France; but the plan was over-ruled in the Privy Council.
We cannot suppose the Queen to be concerned in the above scheme, as she has always rendered herself so amiable to Englishmen, by her abstinence from all sorts of intrigue. Indeed it would not be so strange, did the Duchess of York feel a little chagrined at her father's retreat; however, there is another report which contradicts all of these, viz. That the King of Prussia has made a separate peace with France for himself; and it is not improbable but that our next accounts from England will bring us the British acknowledgment of the independence of France.
Letters are said to be actually received in New-York, from London, mentioning that Mr. Pitt had sent in notice to the King of his wish to resign. This if true, forbodes some extraordinary convulsion in the British government. Scotland and Ireland seem determined for a Reform.
January 21.
We learn by a private letter from Dublin, that the commotions in Ireland are considerable. It says, "That a paper was fixed up in Dublin on the Barrack and Castle Gates, with the words, NO KING AND LIBERTY: On which a Privy-Council was called, and orders given to the Commander in Chief to repair to the barracks—There, he interrogated, whether they knew or were privy to the posting up of said papers? they all remained silent! he then informed them, that if any of them, were dissatisfied with the service, they might be discharged, but no answer was returned. Next morning, a fresh paper to the same purport, appeared on the same places; on which a Royal Proclamation was issued in which the Lord Lieutenant and Council declared, "That, if any soldier should be detected in posting up any seditious paper, or, on oath should be proven, privy thereto, he should receive 500 lashes, and be expelled the service; and if any foreigner should be detected, having the book entitled, the Rights of Man written by Thomas Paine, he should be indicted as a Felon."
In Belfast, they planted the Tree of Liberty with the following inscription: "THE UNITED DISSENTERS OF IRELAND:—NO KING AND LIBERTY."
PITTSBURGH, January 5.
FROM A CORRESPONDENT.
We are sincerely happy to have it in our power to inform the inhabitants of the Western country, that there is now a prospect of a speedy and general peace with the various Indian nations within the territory of the United States, north west of the river Ohio. The hostile tribes have actually agreed to send forward their commissioners to such a place as shall be agreed upon for this purpose. It is said that the negotiation will be conducted on the most extensive, liberal and comprehensive principles, and that there is the best ground to believe that a peace thus negotiated will be permanent and completely satisfactory to all the contracting parties. We are not able to say by what particular influence this event is likely to take place. It is certain however, that in addition to the overtures made directly by our general government to the Indians, Capt. Brandt, and other principal characters among the Six Nations, were some time since employed to bring about this desirable end.—But more than all, (and to its honor be it spoken) there is reason to believe, that the British government has been highly instrumental in bringing to our view this pleasing prospect. It is but a few weeks ago since Prince Edward, the fourth son of the British king, addressed an assembly of the Six Nations at Niagara, in a manner truly becoming. He is said to have spoken a considerable time and with much good sense. After expatiating largely on the unhappy and ruinous effects consequent to war with the United States, he informed them that it was not only his wish that they should be at peace with America, but it was also the wish of his father; that they could not serve him more agreeably than by using their best endeavours to bring in to the same sentiments their brethren and Indian tribes now at war with the United States; that although the western Indians had gained one or two victories over the army of the United States, yet they should remember that America is very powerful and warlike, and that she is able to extirpate them from the face of the earth; that the hostile tribes ought to embrace the present offers of peace on the part of the United States, lest these fatal consequences might in time follow.
After this speech, Governor Simcoe addressed the Indians to the same effect. Prince Edward commands a regiment now in Canada.
NORFOLK, January 9.
Important News from the West-Indies.
On Sunday last arrived here, the brig William Pennock, Capt. Williams, who sailed from Point Peter, Guadalupe, on the 15th December. Four days
before Capt. Williams left the island, the brig La Felicité arrived at Dominica, in 35 days from France, and brought news of the defeat of the combined forces, which set the whole island in a fermentation; the inhabitants were all quitting the island, in expectation of a fleet coming from France. Capt. Williams took in 20 passengers for St. Eustatia, where he arrived on the 18th, and found five more American vessels from different parts of the island, full of French passengers, and a number more momentarily expected. St. Eustatia was full of French people, and scarce a house to be got on any terms.—At St. Martins, on the 20th ult. he likewise found several more vessels from Guadalupe, with 40, 50, and 60 passengers on board; also a vessel from Martinico, with passengers, who informed him that island was in the same situation as Guadalupe, which was continually under arms. A gentleman on board the vessel from Martinico says, 1700 of the inhabitants quitted the island, and all kind of business was at a stand; nothing doing except fortifying the island, repairing the forts, getting in order to arm the negroes against the fleet arrived from France, which they expected. In Guadalupe they purchased 80,000 stand of arms from the other islands; and on the first appearance of the fleet, the planters were determined to arm their negroes to protect the white flag. The frigate La Felicité got information of a French frigate which wore the white flag, manned with mulattoes, which the La Felicité gave chase to—the ran into Back-Staff, Guadalupe, under cover of the guns. The Captain of the La Felicité wrote to the Governor of Guadalupe, if he caught any Aristocratical Flags in the West-Indies, he was determined to sink them—He bent his course to Dominica, as he could not obtain any supplies in the French islands.
Captain Williams arrived in 14 days from the island of St. Martins.
ALEXANDRIA, January 23.
A letter from Portugal states, that the Queen is absolutely mad, considered as absolutely incurable, and hardly any longer spoken of in her own country. Her son the Duke of Brazils, has assumed the direction of the government, under the title of Prince Regent.
The Queen of England, it is said, has been for some time past transmitting immense sums into Germany, for fear of the day of evil things in Great-Britain.
The following is related as a fact: George the third being at table a few months ago, with a select party, of whom the Prince of Wales made one, the conversation turning upon royalty, the King hastily observed to the Prince—"George, take my word, it depends upon you, whether in ten years there be a single crowned head in Europe!"
MARTINSBURG, JANUARY 28.
Seven of the Wabash Indians, lately arrived at Philadelphia, have died of the Small Pox: two of them took it the natural way, the other five had been inoculated.
M. la Fayette continues closely confined in the state prison of Spandau, in Prussia, to which he was removed from Wesel, in Luxembourg, and where, it is said, he is treated with the greatest severity.
Late accounts from London mention, that the army of the Austrians amounted to 60,000 men—That of the French when united, is upwards of 680,000, besides the finest train of artillery in the world, and the best served.
A late letter from New-York says, "The packet brings an account of a probable revolution in Ireland; 80,000 men are already raised for the purpose."
The good news from France ought to give joy to mankind, as it opens a prospect of happiness to the whole human race—such a prospect as the history of the world hardly, if at all, affords, from the earliest periods to the present day. Mankind have, for many ages, been kept under bondage and oppression, and their rights have so long been disregarded by their rulers, that they seem totally to have lost sight of them, and forgot that they had any rights at all. They have been taught to look upon their rulers as their masters, and themselves as made for government, and not government for them, i. e. solely for their benefit. King-craft and Priest-craft combined, have, for ages, kept the human mind in fetters, and the world in the most sordid state of ignorance and bondage; but the revolution in America has called up the attention of the world to those important subjects: The mystery of inequity begins to be unveiled, ignorance and superstition are rapidly retiring before the illuminating influence of Common Sense, and tyranny literally retreating before the Rights of Man; and we may hope the world will soon be convinced, that neither tyrants nor slaves will be able to ward off the attacks of Paine.
A letter from a gentleman in Boston, to another in Philadelphia, mentions that a European vessel had arrived there, the 29th ultimo, which brings accounts, that a truce has taken place between the French and Austrian armies: that a grand Congress was to be formed on the continent, for negotiating a peace; and, that the National Convention of France, are to send Deputies to it. In consequence of this, it has been determined to recal the French armies within the frontier, and the enemy to evacuate the entire line from Dunkirk to Geneva.
A Philadelphia print mentions, that on Friday the 18th inst. "a COMET appeared in the North, a few degrees Westward of the Polar Star."
Rev. Mr. HOGE, Dr. ALEXANDER STRATH, to Miss POLLY HUNTER: A young lady possessing every amiable accomplishment.—May this respectable pair enjoy many years of uninterrupted bliss.
Thursday evening was married by the Rev. Mr. HOGE, Mr. BENONI SWEARINGEN, to Miss HETTY GOODWIN, of Shepherd's Town:—a young lady, whose virtuous accomplishments and amiable disposition promises a life of perfect felicity.
On the 6th instant, a cow belonging to Mr. Henry Battin, of Monongalia County, had a calf which had two heads, four ears, two back-bones, five legs, three hearts, and two tails.
Subscriptions for this paper, at Two Dollars per annum, free of postage, are received at Winchester, by Capt. JOHN BRADY.
From the American Daily Advertiser.
EVERY Body observes that our winter has hitherto been uncommonly temperate. Is this the result of mere chance, according to the common meaning of the word; or can we discover any particular cause which in similar cases, may generally be expected to produce the same effect: This is not a question of mere curiosity; for the commerce of this city would be greatly profited, if we could form a good estimate of the time when our navigation would be interrupted. It is known, that a gentleman in this city,* some time in October, altho' there had been an early frost, ventured an opinion that the approaching season would be temperate, and that we should have little or no ice in the river before Christmas. The writer of this paragraph took the trouble of enquiring, what were the reasons on which that opinion was founded: It was explained as follows.
The last summer and autumn were remarkably dry. This drought, tho' it did not generally destroy the crops, was nearly uniform over the United States of America; in the Western Territory it was rather more severe; many large trees in that country perished by the want of moisture. Streams of water, in the autumn, shrunk to half their usual size; ponds, marshes, and swamps were generally left dry. Hence it followed, that in the beginning of the winter, there was not half the usual surface of water exposed to the action of the atmosphere. It is generally known that evaporation, or the solution of water in air, produces cold. A plentiful evaporation, in the beginning of winter, will produce early cold and snow. The sea of the eastward does not fail to expose a large surface to be evaporated, and early snows might be expected if the wind was from that quarter; but our winds in the fall and winter are generally from the westward, and the whole surface of the country in that direction having been remarkably dry, it was not to be expected that we should either have much snow or much cold, especially in the middle states during the first part of the winter. The case is somewhat different in the northern states, for they have considerable lakes to the windward. It will readily be perceived, that the above reasoning rather implies the expected absence of snow than of cold, but as they are nearly connected, and as the freezing of our river is generally preceded by a considerable fall of snow, the inference was natural, that the river would not be frozen during the month of December; considering the heat of the sun after the winter solstice, the amount of ice and snow, during the latter part of the winter, probably may not be great.
LIBRA.
* Dr. Williamson.
Mr. & Mrs. Jones,
From Anapolis,
Proposes to open, on the first Monday in February,
A Boarding School,
For the Improvement of YOUNG LADIES; and as they are Qualified by a very Liberal Education, they hope to acquire and retain the Encouragement of the Public.
In this School will be taught Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, Tambour and Dresden, English and French Embroidery, Drawing and Painting in Water Colours, Geography, Filegree and Riband work, plain and coloured Needle work of all kinds, INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, Seed, Shell, and Paper Work, &c. &c.
Mr. JONES will also Teach, in a Separate House, a few YOUNG GENTLEMEN English Grammar, Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Book-Keeping.—
Every requisite Attention will be paid to the Scholars with respect to their Morals and Conduct.
For Terms apply to the Subscribers living in the House formerly occupied by Mr. Riddle.
Elizabeth (Hager's) Town, January 18, 1793.
SIX PENCE REWARD.
RAN away from the Subscriber, an apprentice boy, by the name of MICHAEL BURK. Who-ever returns the said runaway to me, shall be entitled to the above reward, but receive no thanks.
JOHN RICHARDSON.
Shepherd's Town, Jan. 24, 1793.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
"All Things are full of Labor."
WELL, what a busy world is this? A restless, noisy bubble! There's no such thing as solid bliss, Uncharg'd with care and trouble.
The sweets, the joys which here are found, Vain joys ourselves have stated; Are but the same laborious round, A thousand times repeated.
The Sun each morn so early seen, Sweats up the eastern steep; And then as fast goes down again, And seeks his native deep.
The moon too, like her sister made, Goes laboring on with pain; Till of her burthen brought to bed, And then grows young again.
Now Flora's dress'd in all her pride here, Straight Summer's dog days enter: Next Autumn brings us wine and cyder, And then again comes Winter.
These are industrious, all must own, For nature's seldom idle; Shall man then, lordly man alone, Refuse to bear the bridle?
No; we too have our rounds; 'tis light, We eat—we drink—we play; At noon the fame, the fame at night, And so conclude the day.
8 dollars reward.
STOLEN out of the subscriber's stable, on Back Creek, on the night of the 27th instant, a black MARE, about 6 years old, 14 hands high, has a star in her forehead, paces, trots and canters, is branded on the neck, under the main, with the letter I, and was shod all round. Whoever takes up said Mare and returns her to me, or delivers her to N. WILLIS, in Martinsburg, shall have Two Dollars reward, or Eight Dollars for the Mare and Thief, to be paid on conviction of the offender.
JAMES MCGOWEN.
December 28, 1792.
P. S. The above mare has been some time past employed in the business of post-riding, on the Back-Creek rout, and was stationed at my plantation.
LANDS FOR LANDS.
TO BE DISPOSED OF,
FOUR Hundred Acres of Land, (called MAHON'S) lying on Buffaloe-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 Bingerma'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.
WHEREAS JOHN EVANS, senior, hath been advised and prevailed upon by some evil-minded person, to contract Matrimony with a certain Elizabeth McFadden, a person of an infamous character:—WE, the Subscribers, children and heirs of the said John Evans, senior, do hereby caution and forewarn all persons whatsoever, of trusting the said Evans or McFadden, or any other person whatever, on their account, as we are determined (being in lawful and full possession of all the property of the said John Evans) not to pay any debts of their contracting, from this date.
JOHN EVANS, jun. ISAAC EVANS, JOSEPH EVANS, SQUIRE EVANS, GABRIEL EVANS, JOHN FRYAT, JAMES EVANS, GEORGE MARTAIN.
To those who are acquainted with the above-named John Evans, senior, and the circumstances of his pretended marriage, no apology is necessary to vindicate the present method of procedure. Was John Evans in the proper exercise of his reason, whatever use he made of his liberty in this respect, should pass by us unnoticed. As children, we are bound by every paternal tie, to administer to the comfort of his declining years: and this we are determined to do. But when the said Evans, contrary to our laudable and virtuous intentions, endeavours to introduce anarchy, discord, and disgrace, among his children, we think we are warranted by every tie of relationship, as friends of order, and the moral fitness of things, to discountenance this proceeding of his, and to render null and void the aforesaid pretended marriage. And this we think is already done in fact, from the following considerations.
1st. That the said John Evans laboured under such natural and accidental defects, that his consent to such a marriage could not even be implied.
On the first of these we shall make some observations. The last, to wit, that the marriage was never consummated, shall be discussed in its proper place.
It is a maxim generally acknowledged, that natural inability or deficiency, excuses from the performance of any contract whatever.
That the said Evans was in such a state, is evident from the following particulars—1st, That he was naturally deprived of the proper use of his understanding, being now, as can be proved, in the 78th year of his age: Of this his present conduct is a most convincing proof. 2d, that in all contracts whatsoever, the free consent of both the contracting parties is necessary; and that resulting from clear proposal of the matter stated to each of them. But that this could not be the case in the present instance, is apparent—for 1st, The Dutch Parson, who is said to have performed the ceremony (might for aught they know) have repeated the funeral service—and 2d. Had he expressed himself ever so clearly, it was impossible the said Evans could comprehend him; he being, as is well known, deaf these many years.
From all these particulars put together, we are assured, that every honest man, every friend of order, and the peace of families, instead of faulting our present proceeding, will, on the contrary, view it both as laudable and praiseworthy.
Signed as above.
January 18, 1793.
PUBLIC NOTICE.
WHEREAS some time in December last, I accepted an order from James Wilson, Esq. in favor of John Cooke, Esq. for the sum of eighteen pounds, Virginia currency, and have paid upwards of nine pounds, like currency, I do hereby forewarn any person from taking an assignment on said order, as I have an order on said Cooke for a larger sum justly due; therefore am determined not to pay the balance of said order, unless compelled thereto by law.
JAMES CRANE.
17th January, 1793.
N O T I C E.
WHEREAS on the 2d instant, I gave a promissary Note to William Vanborne, of this county for the sum of twenty pounds, currency, one half of which sum payable the last of April next, the other half in September following, which Note was given in consideration for a horse purchased of said Vanborne, but as the said horse did not prove sound, and free from defect, agreeable to the terms of the contract, I hereby forewarn all persons from taking an assignment on said Note, as I am determined not to pay it, unless compelled by law.
ANDREW MCCORMICK.
Berkeley January 12, 1793.
The subscribers for this Paper in the vicinity of Winchester, are informed, that their Papers are lodged every Tuesday evening, at Capt. John Brady's.
Persons indebted to the Estate of George Stewart, deceased, are requested to settle their respective balances against March Court next ensuing; those who do not may expect to be dealt with as the law directs, without discrimination of persons:—And all those having any demands against said Estate, are desired to bring in their accounts, properly attested, that they may be settled on Monday the 25th day of March next, at the house wherein Mr. Joseph Lemen now lives, in Middletown, which said house, formerly occupied as a tavern, is to be rented or sold, and possession given the first day of April next ensuing.
HUGH STEWART, JOHN GRAY, } Executors.
January 16th, 1793.
TAKEN up by the Subscriber, living near Keepey'st Furnace, a small bay MARE, with her sucking Colt—the Mare is shod all round, no brand, supposed about nine years old. She has been posted and appraised according to law. The owner is desired to prove his property, pay charges, and take her away.
WILLIAM MERRIT.
Berkeley County, January 14, 1793.
HARP AND CROWN TAVERN.
THE Subscriber, from the liberal encouragement he has met with since his commencement at this house, returns his unfeigned thanks to the Public; and informs them, that he has received an assortment of the purest liquors, such as Wines of the first quality, old Jamaica Spirit, Coniac Brandy, Gin, Porter, &c. &c. He has also, stableage for 50 horses, in addition to his former, and has procured bottlers sufficient to attend the same.
FLORENCE MAHONY.
October 6, 1792.
WHEREAS the Subscriber did on November, 1791, pass a conditioned bond to Charles Black of Martinsburg, and as the said bond is fully paid, I do forewarn any person not to take any assignment on the said bond, as I am determined not to pay it again.
JOHN BEECE.
Martinsburg, December 31, 1792.
To be RENTED for three years, That well-known, commodious TAVERN, Belonging to the Subscriber, situated in the centre of MARTINSBURG.
This House, for situation and convenience, is not equalled by any one in the place for public business. For terms, apply to
ALEXANDER ROGERS.
P. S. All Persons indebted to him, are desired to settle their accounts, if they do not pay. Those who do not comply with this request, may depend on having their accounts put in suit at the next February court.
November 19, 1792.
FOR SALE, 449 Acres of LAND, lying on New-Creek, in Hampshire County, within 2 1/2 miles of Potomac River, 200 acres of which land are tillable, 50 acres are cleared and under fence, 4 or 5 acres are in good meadow, and much more may be added. The land is thin, but valuable, being convenient to navigation, which is daily improving—boats now load at the mouth of New-Creek. A general warrantee will be given the purchaser.
For terms, apply to THOMAS WHITTAKER, near Charles Town.
Sept. 14, 1792.
THE Subscribers for Lots in the Town of Woodstock, who live in Berkeley County, are hereby requested to pay their respective subscriptions immediately—the cash part into the hands of the Trustees, and the other into the hands of George Tilley, in Martinsburg, and Col. John Morrow, in Shepherd's-Town, in whose hands certificates are lodged of the number of the lots each Subscriber has drawn. Titles for which may be had on application to the Subscriber, at any time, agreeable to the terms of the deed or charter, by me,
JOHN HOPWOOD.
January 3, 1793.
For Sale, at this Office, Blank Deeds of Bargain and Sale, Common Bonds and Notes,