The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1791-05-17 00:00:00

FROM A LONDON MAGAZINE.
Copy of a letter from J. S. Esq to Sir W. C. dated Kent, Church Court, September 1785.
ABOUT ten years ago, at the age of forty-six, I was attacked with a slight fit of the gout. The next year in December, I had it more severely in both my hands and feet, and was laid up ten weeks. From that time and at that season the gout returned with increasing violence so that the last fit which began in December, 1783, lasted me 5 months. For much the greater part of the time I had no use of my hands, feet and knees. During this fit a gentleman who I thought had fallen a martyr to the gout called upon me and to my great astonishment appeared quite hearty and strong, and informed me he had been so for three years, and that he came purposely to give me an account of his remedy—The Brimstone water.
I had the pleasure of seeing the gentleman again last week, and he continued to enjoy perfect health. He told me he knew a gentleman who was so great a cripple as to be confined to his house for some years, and was covered with chalk stones, who by a regular and constant use of the water was now able to walk freely, and the chalk stones had in great manner subsided.
In the month of May, 1784, I began the Brimstone water (after having consulted many Physicians who all agreed, it was impossible the brimstone water could do any harm) and continued it, without missing a single day for twelve months, during which time, and in cold weather I had some remissions of the gout which never confined me, or prevented my using exercise, which I did very freely.
On the approach of warm weather at the beginning of June, I ventured to leave off the water for a few months, and have begun it about four days, and will continue it 'till next summer.
When I first began the water, I was sensible it promoted urine, perspiration, and a lax habit: After I had used it three or four months, a very copious discharge came from under my arms, so as frequently to make it necessary to change my linen twice a day; this continued full three months, during which time I was in perfect health and good spirits, and have the happiness to continue so.
I never made any alteration in my living; being now as I flatter myself, relieved from so horrid a disorder, my constitution is perfect as ever it was. I hope your friend will try so simple and innocent a remedy, with the same success as I have experienced."
I am, &c.
J. S.
THE RECIPE.
To one pound of brimstone, finely powdered, and put into a stone or earthen jar, and one gallon of boiling water, let it stand four or five days, stirring it well two or three times a day,—at the end of the fourth day, draw it off fine for use—drink half a pint every morning, at least half an hour before breakfast—let the jar be stopped close when you are not stirring the Brimstone.
PICTURE OF SLAVERY.
INTREPIDITY OF A NEGRO WOMAN.
Extract from a late publication, translated from the French.
SOME hundred of Negroes were spread upon the deck, all of whom had their feet in irons. Their hands were disengaged, because it was the hour in which their miserable nourishment was distributed to them. There did I see grief express itself in all its varied forms; some deluged the planks with their tears; others fiercely demanded vengeance from Heaven; and others, with motionless eyes, looked towards their native land, which they could no longer perceive. On one side a husband sustained his fainting wife, whose weeping infant in vain sucked the breasts which were dried up with sufferings; on another a son, driven to raging madness, tore out his teeth with knowing the chains which crushed his father's limbs. Around us were planted armed murderers, with smiles on their lips and audacity on their fronts.
"Nothing was wanting to complete this scene but an instance of that dumb ferocity, that last courage of despair, of which man is capable, when his soul has become freeled beneath the torments of injustice; a female Negro gave us this example. She was pregnant, and the pains of labour seized her; by a gesture she gave intimation of it to our guards; they removed her from the crowd, and placed her on a sail on the after part of the vessel; without uttering a single cry, without a moan, without shedding a tear, she delivered herself. Scarcely did the perceiving her infant when she seized it, gazed on it with a fierce eye; looked around her, saw herself little observed; crawled to the edge of the ship; gave her son the first and last kiss, and precipitated herself with him in the waves. Then the alarms of avarice took the place of humanity.
Urban swore, stormed, threatened the guards. They flucked sail—some sailors threw themselves into the sea. Useless efforts! the irons of the poor Negro woman had plunged her beyond their reach; they took up the infant, but it was dead."
A Major's cruelty punished.
Proud, impatient Of aught superior, even of heaven that made him! Fond of false glory, for the savage power Of ruling without reason, of confounding Just and unjust, by an unbounded will.
Rowe's Tam.
AS nothing is more amiable and God like, than a humane and tender disposition towards our fellow-creatures, so, on the contrary, nothing is more hateful and detestable than cruelty. But how dangerous and dreadful is the latter of these, when it possesses the heart of a person in power and command, either in the navy, or army: where they can exercise their fellow subjects (perhaps better men than themselves,) with miseries too gross even for a brute beast to bear. And it is to be observed, that a hardened cruel man, is seldom a man of common sense, or a man of common courage. But, as it is not my design to dwell upon arguments and points of this nature, but only to inform, instruct, and entertain my readers, in the best manner that I can, without offering the least offence to any order of men, I shall submit the following story to the censure of the public.
In queen Anne's reign, a soldier belonging to a marching regiment, that was quartered in the city of W——, was taken up for desertion: and being tried by a court martial for the same, was sentenced to be shot. The colonel and lieutenant-colonel being both of them in London, the command of the regiment devolved, in course, to the major, who was accounted a very cruel and obdurate man; and which, indeed, is obvious enough from the following relation. The poor man above mentioned being sentenced to be shot for desertion, and the day of his execution being come, the regiment, as usual upon those occasions, was drawn up to see the execution performed; but when every body there that knew the custom of those executions, expected to see the corporals cast lots for that ungracious office, they were surprised to find it fixed, by the cruel major, upon the prisoner's own brother only; who being a soldier in the same company with him, was taking leave of his dying brother, and both, with flowing eyes, hanging upon each other's necks, were bathing one another with their tears, when the news of this unnatural and heart-breaking order was delivered to him. Who that has any bowels of piety, or brotherly love, can speak, or even conceive the agonies of those poor parting creatures, at the sound of this most cruel and unnatural disposition of the major? who could not be moved, or any-ways prevailed upon to revoke his inhuman orders; but tore them by force from one another, before they had spoken half they had to say. The one fell down upon his knees, begging, with all the prayers and entreaties that he could, that he might not have a hand in his poor brother's death; and, at the same instant, the poor prisoner neglecting the few remaining moments of his life, to petition heaven in his own behalf, employed them to join with his afflicted brother, to petition the savage major, that he would please to let him receive his death from any other hand than his. But all their tears and supplications were in vain. He was inflexible and not to be moved. He swore that he and he only should be the man, purposely for example-sake, and to make the execution the more horrible. When they had wasted some time in supplication, to no purpose, (and though several of their officers had joined in their fruitless petition) they, at length, both of them, submitted; and the prisoner having gone through the usual service with the minister, he kneeled down at the place appointed, to receive the fatal shot; while the cruel and obdurate major stood by, to see the afflicted brother load his instrument of death: which being done he ordered him to observe the third signal with his cane, and at that instant to do his office, and dispatch the prisoner. So, after once more embracing each other, they parted with a flood of mutual tears. But here, my reader, behold the justice of Providence! when the cruel major was dealing his fatal signals for the prisoner's death, at the last motion of his cane, the soldier inspired by some juster power, suddenly turned about his piece, and shot the inhuman major in a moment through the head; repeating these words, he threw down his piece: 'He that can shew no mercy, no mercy let him receive. Now I submit! I had rather die this hour for this death, than live a hundred, and give my brother his.'—At this unexpected accident, nobody seemed to be sorry; but the officers ordering him into custody, some of the chief citizens (who came there to see the execution, and were witnesses of all that passed) pre-
vailed upon the next commanding officer, to carry them both back together, and not to execute the other prisoner, till further orders; and promised to indemnify him for so doing, as far as their whole interest would go with the Queen. This request being complied with, the city-chamber, that very night, drew up a most pathetic and moving address to their sovereign, humbly setting forth the cruelty of the deceased major, and praying her majesty's clemency towards both the prisoners. The Queen, upon perusal of this petition, (which was inclosed to, and presented by one of the city representatives) was pleased to promise, that she would enquire a little further into the matter; which she did; and finding the truth of the particulars confirmed in all its particulars, was graciously pleased to pardon both the offending brothers, and discharge them from her service. For which mercy in the Queen, she received a very grateful and most dutiful address of thanks from her loyal city.—And thus was the cruelty of this brutish officer, the very means of his sudden, unexpected, and deserved death; and the preservation of one who was otherwise that moment to have died.
THE PROMPTER.
Any other time will do as well.
YES, yes; but are you sure that any other time will arrive? or, if it should, are you certain that you can attend to it? If I hear a man or woman say frequently, any other time will do as well, I set them down on my list, the one as slack-jaw'd—the other, a careless & p'sp'd busy.
Call on such a man to settle his accounts—"O, I can't attend to it now," says the man, "it will do as well any other time." Call again; O I am busy—it will do as well to-morrow, or any other time. Call a third or a fourth time; but he is never ready. The account friends unsettled—it increases from year to year—at length death, that sturdy tyrant, trips up his heels, and lays him flat on his back—his accounts unsettled—his administrator has work enough upon his hands—for a man who will settle his accounts at any other time, will generally make his charges in the same way—he does not set down every article at the time of purchase or sale—he trusts to memory—he can remember the article and price, and charge it at any other time—he forgets—makes mistakes—his books are irregularly kept—they are disputed—his administrator has no proof but the books—and other people are alive to swear to their accounts or produce other evidence—then begin law-suits—and when law opens the door of litigation, poverty follows up close and enters with it. Juries and arbitrators decide these disputes upon vague uncertain evidence—and somebody suffers the loss. So much for this any other time.
But suppose a man lives long, as the worst of men generally live longest—why he plagues every one that has any dealings with him—yes, and is eternally haunted himself.
The Prompter has heard it said, that take care of the farthings, the pounds will take care of themselves.—Now a word upon this, if you please. Take special care of little shilling accounts—they are like the old serpent, who deceived Eve, fly, insinuating, tempting things. "How much does it cost?" is the question, whenever an article is to be purchased.—A shilling, is the answer. O, then get it by all means: A shilling is a trifle. It is so; but "sands form the mountain." Look to that, I say. The whole evil is, that this shilling is a trifle—A dollar! that is no trifle—I can't afford a dollar—Very well!—a dollar consists of the small number of six shillings, and when six of these little trifles, these Lilliputian shillings are gone—a dollar, that gigantic part of a man's estate, is gone.
Now then, in order to baffle the temptations of spending shillings—settle your accounts often—once a year at least—for otherwise they will swell into an unmanageable size. Suppose four neighbours take a newspaper, in partnership—This makes the expense a trifle—Very good—this is laudable—it is economical. But suppose you do not pay this trifle—How are the printers, post-riders and paper-makers, to live? Look ye, my friends; Connecticut river is a large river—but this is made up of little springs, that will run through a gimblet hole. When you walk about your fields, or traverse the woods, you step over little brooks and little gurgling rills, and never think that you are stepping over Connecticut river. But remember, if all these rills dry up, Connecticut river is gone. Just so it is with printers, with merchants, and with the state treasury. Every shilling is a little rill—a small stream that runs into the post-rider's pocket or the collector's purse—a number of these little streams, thus united, make a large stream, like Farmington and Chickabee rivers—these streams empty into the printing-office or treasury, where they form Connecticut river and keep the business going on. Now follow nature—little rills run perpetually. They murmur too, but they run or the river dries up—They never stop and say, any other time will do as well.

Foreign Advices.  Received by the Ship Canton, Captain Truxton, arrived at Philadelphia, from India.  CALCUTTA, September 23.  Extract of a letter, dated Camp, near Arnee, September 2.  An attempt was made to storm Dindigul on the 22d or 23d ultimo, by the two flank companies of the 52d regiment, and the 7th battalion of Carnatic Sepoys; at 7 o'clock in the evening, however, they were obliged to retreat, after the former had 37 men killed, and the latter lost a great number of men, besides Lieut. Davidson, who was killed. —Lieut. Bell, of the artillery, has since died of his wounds. In the morning, a second storming party was ordered; but during the night, the garrison seized the commandant, and insisted on his surrendering up the fort, which put a stop to the storm; and, consequently, saved many lives. —This commandant is the same who commanded at Bangalore during last war, and shewed so much humanity to the English prisoners under his charge.  "We are still ignorant of what is to be done with this army; but we are apprehensive we shall be kept in the Carnatic; as all the heavy train that was ordered to join us, has, we hear, been countermanded, and the bullocks, lascars, &c. belonging to it, discharged. —This however is only the report of the camp.  "The accounts brought by the Hircarras who were sent to examine the gauts between this place and Bangalore, are, that they did not find one armed man at any of the passes; and that Tippoo had withdrawn all his guards, and ordered the country people to carry off all their cattle and corn to the interior parts of the country. They also reported that they had poisoned all the wells and tanks."  From the Madras Courier of September 1.  On the morning of the 20th ultimo, the detachment under the command of Col. Stuart, commenced the attack of Dindigul; a steep rock-fort, famous for its natural strength, which has received great addition from art since the last war.  The batteries opened early in the morning, with eighteen pounders, two twelves, two fives, and two howitzers. A very brisk fire was kept up for some hours on both sides, the fort returning gun for gun, till about noon it mutually slackened. The axle of one of the twelve pounders was broke in firing. In this attack, Lieut. John Bell of the artillery, was slightly wounded; one artillery-man killed; 10 men of the 2d regiment, and 2 of the 7th battalion, wounded. A storming party was ordered to be in readiness, commanded by Major Skelly, consisting of two flank companies of Trichinopoly grenadiers; and the reserve, the 20th and 22d battalions of infantry, commanded by Capt. Oram. On the 2d, in the evening, the breach being judged practicable, the storm was attempted; but the assailants met with very steady resistance. Of the forlorn hope, a sergeant and corporal of the 52d, and 2 men of the Madras regiment, were killed in the breach. Lieut. Davidson, of the 20th battalion, was killed by a six pounder shot, and many were severely bruised by falls, as they endeavoured to ascend the rock; but we are happy to add no other officer was killed, though many were exposed to a heavy fire, and Major Skelly received a ball through his hat. It is needless to add that every possible exertion was made by the officers who conducted and supported the attack; at length, however, it was found necessary to discontinue it till the next day. But before it recommenced, a flag of truce was held out from the fort, and it surrendered on the morning of the 22d.  By the last accounts from Colonel Oldman's detachment, it appears that the Bavani was not then formidable. When the river falls sufficiently for the transport of his heavy guns, there can be no doubt of his success against the small forts, and of his taking post securely at Guzzlegerry, at the bottom of the pass of that name: if the intention is continued which has hitherto appeared probable, of forming there the grand rendezvous of the army, and commencing from thence the ascent of the gauts.  The cavalry under Colonel Floyd have been equally successful and active against various parties of the enemy's horse. The very spirited alert of the Colonel, in which gallantry and presence of mind were equally conspicuous, has been followed by the very effectual success of the party under Major Affleck. On the 20th ultimo, the Major, with two troops of the 19th dragoons, and two of the 5th native cavalry, set out to scour the country; and falling in with a large party of the enemy, charged sword in hand, killed 40 of them, and sent in 18 horses.  OCTOBER 14.  The effects of discipline, conjoined with cool intrepidity, were in no instance better exemplified than in the behaviour of the whole of the troops under Colonel Floyd, in the action of Sattamungallum; each corps vied as it were with another for the palm of glory. Colonel Floyd having but a slender supply of ammunition, was under the necessity of using the strictest economy in the expenditure of it. However, when it was used, it was with full effect, as was evinced by the great execution it did among the enemy. He himself was much exposed during  the action; but in order to avoid the havoc which would have been made in his little army by a heavy fire from the enemy's numerous artillery, he made the troops lie down on their faces; the enemy, in advancing, were not opposed in the least till they were close upon our line, where they were received with a complete discharge of musketry, and the point of the bayonet. This immediately broke the line of the enemy, who retired in the utmost confusion and disorder; and, to add to their discomfiture, they were severely annoyed by our cavalry in their retreat.  OCTOBER 21.  From the MADRAS COURIER.  September 29th, 1790.  Tippoo's apparent inaction for some time past is now better understood. It now appears that he has been collecting all his troops, and selecting his best; not to wait for our invasion of his higher country, but to pour down his myriads and overwhelm us on the plains. For this fatal purpose, it is certain that he has made the most formidable preparations that his military talents and experience, and all the resources of his country, could supply. He took his resolution at the beginning of this month, when encamped with Lally on the banks of the Cavery. He then issued three months pay to his army; and bound his men by oath to the destruction of the English. He moved with much celerity as he planned with deliberation; and in a few days joined Seyed Saheb, and appeared at the foot of the Ghauts, with a select army consisting, according to computation of the most moderate account, of 25,000 infantry, 15,000 horse, and 10,000 piadas, with 80 guns: elephants and camels in large proportion, and bullocks innumerable.  With such a force, and with the time and place of attack in a great measure at his option on the march of the 14th; and by all accounts they were well chosen and the attack boldly made; it appears almost miraculous that any efforts even of British valour or British discipline confirming the courage and fidelity of our native troops, should effect a march not only so safe but so highly honorable, and actually drive the enemy from the field of battle.  The fatigues of the three days, absolutely without any refreshment, except a few biscuits and a little water, were scarcely felt in the glory of the service. The horses of the cavalry were bridled and saddled above 100 hundred hours, and mounted 16 hours each day. In the two last days, on the first of which the heat of the action is not to be forgotten, the whole detachment marched near 50 miles; the fatigue of the men not a little enhanced by the humane duty of carrying off the wounded, and from the destruction of the bullocks, the necessity of the sepoy's dragging the guns.  If every idea of danger had not been absorbed in duty and zeal of service, the mischief fell so heavy in particular places, as might have shaken the firmest corps. Of the 36th regiment alone, the killed and wounded were 112. We happen just to receive a particular account of the steadiness of the sepoy's, who waited the attack of the enemy with perfect coolness, presented and recovered their arms three times by word of command; gave their fire within the distance of a few paces, and received the horse on their fixed bayonets. —The loss of the enemy cannot be ascertained. It must be very great. It appears they retired towards Sattamungallum.  By the last letters from the army, of the 22d inst. they were in camp 10 or 12 miles from Coimbatore. General Meadows had joined Col. Floyd, with his powerful reinforcement on the 16th, at Veladdy, and had ordered back from Paulgautcherry, the flank companies of the 71st and 72d regiments. —They returned to Coimbatore, and performed their march with great expedition: 35 miles in nine hours.  The 4th regiment of native cavalry, commanded by Major Younge, had returned, by letters of the 24th, to Carore from Erode; whither it had marched on the 17th with the 6th battalion and garrison from thence, and the stores and rice; leaving a subadar and some sepoy's in the fort. It was thought they would move in a few days to Coimbatore.  On Thursday last the Hon. Commodore Cornwallis arrived in the roads from Calcutta, on board his Majesty's ship the Phoenix, Capt. Byron.  UNITED STATES.  PORTLAND, (Massachusetts) April 18.  Capt. Stickney, in the brig Minerva, arrived here on the 13th inst. after a passage of five weeks from Portsmouth, in England. A number of ships of the line, frigates, &c. destined to the Baltick, were equipping and manning with the utmost expedition. While Capt. Stickney was in Portsmouth, there was a warm Press, from which no one was free who could speak the English language. They were twice on board the Minerva—and Capt. Stickney was obliged to send his men on shore, and there kept them secreted.  BOSTON, April 20.  Yesterday, the memorable 19th of April 1775—the day on which our then injured countrymen convinced the troops of Britain, by solid arguments, that even undisciplined Freemen were superior in arms to veteran Mercenaries—was celebrated at the American Coffee-House, by the Independent Light  Infantry commanded by Major Otis; after dinner, a federal compliment of toasts were drank, each announced by martial music.  One of the prizes of 2000 dollars, in the Semi-Annual Lottery, we learn, belongs to three Negroes in the town of Newport, Rhode-Island.  NEW-LONDON, April 21.  By the arrival of Capt. Truman, who left Port-au-Prince the 10th of March, we are enabled to inform the friends of humanity, that the acrimony of party in that place is fast subsiding: Absentees, of whatever party, are returning; business begins to resume its former appearance; and, in place of the drawn sword, is extending on all sides the hand of fellowship.  NEW-HAVEN, April 13.  Extract of a letter from Mr. Samuel Smith, at St. Mary's, to his friend in this city, dated March 10, 1791.  "A shocking accident happened near this place yesterday—As Colonel Jacob Weed, and several other gentlemen were returning down the river, from an excursion they had made into the country about 16 miles from this place, on a party of pleasure in a sail boat, a sudden flaw of wind struck the boat as the was under sail, and overset her, when seven persons out of eleven that were on board were unfortunately drowned; the other four narrowly escaped and arrived here this morning, who bring the news of the unhappy fate of their companions. Among the unfortunate number drowned are, Col. Jacob Weed, of this place, Mr. John Cartmel, merchant, of Philadelphia, a Capt. Miller, late of Stamford, in Connecticut, and a negro boy; the names of the others I have not been able to learn."  NEW-BRUNSWICK, May 3.  Last Saturday was determined the fate of Jones confined on suspicion of having murdered Samuel Shotwell; he was found guilty, and received the sentence of death, to be executed next Friday.  NEW-YORK, May 3.  On Saturday morning last was found under a stoop near the Coffee-house in this City, the body of an infant, supposed to have been exposed there several months since, by some unnatural parent. The greater part of the flesh was wasted away from the bones, and it was only from the intolerable stench that the skeleton was discovered.  Capt. Truxton relates, that when General Meadows first penetrated to the borders of Tippoo's territory, that prince sent a flag, and an officer to inquire whether the General was in want of any provisions—adding, that any thing the country afforded would be at his service; but at the same time requesting to know what his intentions were in advancing with so formidable an army into his territory. Meadows treated the message with contempt, and did not deign to return an answer—He proceeded. —The next day on the road, a board was perceived fixed in a conspicuous place, with a hand pointing in a particular direction, and on it— The way to Saratoga —put up, probably, by some of the French officers belonging to Tippoo's army, who might have served in this country during the late war.  Yesterday sailed from this city, for India and China, the ship President Washington, Capt. Jacob Sary, allowed by good judges to be one of the completest merchantmen ever built in America. She has undergone an entire rest since her arrival here in distress, on the 8th ult. and such alterations made in stowage of her cargo (which is chiefly iron) as, it is expected, will prevent a similar casualty in the future course of her voyage.  In the lottery established by the legislature of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of building a City-Hall, Samuel Anderson, Esq. of Philadelphia, was the greatest adventurer, and has drawn the highest prize, viz. Three Thousand Dollars.  From the FREEMAN'S JOURNAL.  Mr. BAILEY,  You will oblige a Yankee, in giving the following a place in your next paper.  IN looking over the General Advertiser, and Political, Commercial and Literary Journal, I found a curious definition of the word Yankee . The gentleman is under a mistake respecting the word and the application.  True it is, that the word Yankee , amongst the vulgar and illiterate in English, is like the word Swope among the Germans, signifying a poor silly creature, who has no more knowledge than just to cheat in dealing whenever there is an opportunity. But whoever thinks so are mistaken.  The word Yankau , which the word Yankee has taken its derivation from, when interpreted right, is conqueror ; a nation of Indians amongst the New-England colonies who were always victorious and were never conquered. So that, instead of a word of reproach, it is an honour to the name of any man who was so fortunate as to be born in any of the New-England colonies.  A. CITTDOTUS.

PHILADELPHIA, May 5.
The following statement of the transactions of the general government, relative to the Indian tribes, is the result of the most diligent enquiry we have been able to make into the subject. We doubt not it will prove satisfactory, as it contains facts, and such general information as the public have a right to receive; it will also furnish the means of forming just ideas of the present posture of Indian affairs.
THE measures adopted by the general government, relative to the Indian tribes, within the limits of the United States, are replete with moderation, justice and humanity. Philosophers, and the intelligent part of the human race, approve the wisdom of such conduct, while its opposers will consist entirely of people of a different description.
Instead of an oppressive system, having for its object, the extirpation of a race of men more sinned against than sinning, it appears to be the design of the general government, to impart to the Indians, who were the original lords of the soil, all the blessings of life, of which their situation will admit, and to lead them, by degrees, to a more settled and civilized mode of existence.
Waving the consideration of civilizing the Indians, which by many is deemed impracticable, the policy of observing a liberal and humane conduct towards them cannot be well denied.
It may be safely affirmed, that the expence of conciliating, and attaching all the neighbouring Indians to the interests of the United States, for a period of fifty years would not be so great, as the expences of one campaign against either the Creeks, or the Choctaws.
At the commencement of the present constitution, the affairs upon the south western frontiers, presented a gloomy aspect.
The State of Georgia had been involved, for a number of years, in serious hostilities with the Creek nation of Indians. In this contest, the State of Georgia had been greatly distressed, its frontier inhabitants compelled to abandon their plantations, and guards were mounted, even in the city of Savannah itself, to prevent a surprise.
Congress early took this subject into consideration, and voted the sum of twenty thousand dollars, for the purpose of defraying the expences of negotiations, or treaties, with the Indian tribes. Three Commissioners were accordingly appointed for the purpose of holding a treaty with the Creek nation, in Sept. 1789, who were about to assemble at that time by virtue of a previous arrangement made under the directions of the old Congress.
Altho' these Commissioners were characters of high reputation, and repaired to the place appointed in due season, yet they failed of effecting a treaty at that time, owing to causes which are here unnecessary to be detailed.
But, altho' no permanent treaty was concluded, an informal truce was agreed to until the spring of the year 1790.
The issue of this business placed the United States in a new and critical situation: Before it seemed a contest arising out of disputes between Georgia and the Creeks, relative to local boundaries. But, the United States having interposed, they became interested therein, and responsible for all consequences.
The treaty has been broken off rather abruptly, on the part of the Creeks, and under circumstances which indicated aversion to an intimate connection with the United States. Had the Creeks committed hostilities, either before or after the expiration of the truce, it would have been difficult to have found the colour of an excuse, for the United States not entering into an immediate war with that nation.
While on the other hand such a war, in which neither honor nor profit could be obtained, was to be avoided if possible, so on the other the United States were bound to protect all their citizens from violence.
In order therefore to prevent the former, and to establish the latter, measures, honorable to the government, were devised, and executed with great ability, to induce the chiefs of the Creeks, to repair to the residence of the general government, as the only means by which they could avoid the ruin impending over their nation.
The treaty with the Creeks at New-York, on the 7th of August, 1790, was the consequence of the visit of the Chiefs. This treaty has been reprobated by land-jobbers, interested individuals, and some of the inhabitants of Georgia.
But, the enlightened citizens of America, highly approve of the treaty, as the ground work of attaching the Creeks, and the whole body of the southern Indians, to the interest of the United States, upon principles entitled to the approbation of the disinterested part of mankind.
The supreme executive of the United States, has also taken measures to secure the Choctaws and Chickasaws, in their attachment to the United States, by assuring them of the full performance of the treaties of Hopewell.
And, a treaty is to be held by Governor Blount, of the territory of the United States south of the Ohio, during the present year with the Cherokees.
Indeed there is the fairest prospect, of not only making a permanent peace with all the southern nations of Indians, but of attaching them in such a manner to the interests of the United States, as to command their active services, if necessary.
The Yamacraw company, so called, who have purchased of the State of Georgia, the pre-emption, to almost the entire lands of the Choctaws, Chickasaws,
and part of the Cherokees, are dwindling away, and the boasted plains of Mr. O'Fallon and his associates, are far from being realized. The general government will never be so lost to sentiments of justice and virtue as to suffer a number of land-jobbers to dispose of the Indians of their country, against existing laws and treaties, and thereby to plunge the United States in a war with those powerful tribes, who are otherwise zealously disposed to be our firm and intimate friends.
The warriors of the Creek Nation of Indians, are estimated at 6000—the Choctaws at 5000—the Chickasaws at 1300, and the Cherokees at 2500, amounting in all to nearly 15,000 warriors—The friendship of such powerful tribes, even upon principles of policy, is well worth cultivating. The value of their friendship is to be estimated by the expence of their enmity, independent of the disgrace attendant upon the injustice of attempting to deprive them of their lands, against the faith of the United States, stipulated by solemn treaties.
It were devoutly to be wished, that in turning our eyes to the regions north-west of the Ohio, that the same prospects of peace appeared.
The general government took early measures for this purpose—Treaties had been formed, under the old government, with the six nations, the Wyandots, and Delawares, and some of the more western Indians—but, the Wabash Indians always declined to attend at the negotiations of those treaties, notwithstanding they were invited thereto.
In order if possible, to bring those deluded people to a just sense of their situation, the President of the United States, directed that they should be invited a new, to treat of peace, and that the consequences of their refusal, and persisting in hostilities should be fully placed before them—and at the same time, the people of Kentucky were prohibited from making any further incursions into the Indian country.
This invitation was executed early in the last year, to all the tribes inhabiting the river Wabash, from Post Vincennes, up to the Miami village. The invitation was not only refused by the Indians, but their hostilities were renewed with greater violence than ever.
The campaign therefore of the last year was a measure of necessity—the Indians had been invading our frontiers, and had killed many hundred innocent men, women and children.
It became just and highly proper, to manifest the power of the United States over these blood-thirsty tribes. That the expedition did not entirely succeed, is to be much regretted, but it is unnecessary in this place to investigate the causes of its failure.
Notwithstanding the provocations of these Indians, it is said measures have been taken to open their eyes to their true situation, and if possible, to induce them to peace, without the necessity of an active campaign against them; but, if the measures taken for this purpose should be in vain, the meekness of christianity, will justify the government, in taking effectual measures to prevent the murder of its peaceable citizens.
And the arrangements made, and which are in train of execution, will in all probability be entirely adequate to the full conviction of the hostile Indians, that they have abundantly more to hope, from the mercy, than to expect from the weakness of the United States.
It was to have been expected that some particular circumstantial accounts would have been received from India by the Canton; the papers however now brought from that country, bear too great a resemblance to those published in England to enable us to ascertain facts with any precision. It appears that Tippoo has gained a very considerable victory, in the outset of the war; Col. Floyd's detachment being in a great measure cut to pieces, lost its artillery, and abandoned its encampment and baggage, which fell into the hands of the enemy. Notwithstanding this the English predict success to their army from every particular enterprise on foot—and a mortal raging sickness having got into Tippoo's army—his entire destruction is to follow of course!
Famine—the concomitant of war in India, is expected to add to the evils of the wretched inhabitants of that ill-fated country.
The rapid subscription to the loan in Holland, on account of the United States, is a most unequivocal evidence of the rising credit of this country.
How much then are the people of America indebted to those distinguished characters, through whose influence such favourable impressions have been made on the minds of the wary Hollanders.—The administration in whose hands the governmental concerns of the country are now happily placed, is entitled to great applause—but the foundation of our respectability in the eyes of that people, was laid in the unparalleled, patriotic and successful negotiations of the VICE-PRESIDENT of this confederated republic.
Monday last the Vice-President of the United States, his Lady and family, left this city on a tour to the Eastward. We hear that his Excellency proposes to pass the summer at his seat in Braintree, near Boston.
Capt. King, of the Schooner Three Sisters, who arrived on Thursday last, informs, that a fleet of four ships of the line, ten frigates, four corvetts, and three gabarres, commanded by Mr. Girard, having on board 5000 troops, under the command of Mr. Biague, who takes the place of Mr. Damas, arrived at Martinique.
There also came out in the fleet four commissioners to settle the disturbances in the islands. One of the commissioners has orders to draw on the United States. They are expected to remain at least a year, as they are to proceed from island to island.
to secure complete the execution of some recent National Decrees.
By the late India papers, it appears, that Tippoo has constantly avoided a general engagement; but always retired behind the Gauts (a ridge of steep mountains, accessible only by a few narrow passes) at the approach of any considerable British force.—He has, by rapidly descending from those mountains with his cavalry, made some fortunate attacks upon small detachments of the enemy: but has always retired rather than oppose any considerable body of troops.
Such of the towns, forts, and places, as belonging to Tippoo, to the southward of the Gauts generally submitted to the British arms without much resistance.
The main body of Tippoo's troops appears to remain altogether upon the defensive. The Prince's plan seems to be, to defend every pass of the Gauts so as to make it difficult for his enemy to penetrate into the Mysore, a beautiful and fertile country which lies behind them, from which he draws provisions of the best quality, in the greatest plenty.—Tippoo has in his army a number of French officers, principally engineers, who will be of great assistance to him in defending the passes of the Gauts, which are fortified and almost impregnable by nature.
BALTIMORE, May 10.
It is said, the Commander of the French Island of Tobago has forbidden the exportation of Sugars and Cotton to the United States of America, and that an additional duty of four and an half per cent. had been laid on all Rum exported.
The President of the United States arrived at Newbern, North-Carolina, on the 20th ult. where the inhabitants vied with each other in demonstrating their respect and affection for this illustrious character—The Free-Masons "hailed him welcome by the mystic numbers."
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, May 17.
Mr. WILLIS,
Sir,
I have extracted from a letter dated Wheeling, Ohio County, May 4th, 1791, the following particulars.
"I have bad news to inform you of—we are all forced to fly from our farms to fort, and do expect to lose all our stock; we are in continual fear day and night. On the first day of May, the Indians killed three families up Wheeling—Craw's, Harris's, and Williams's. On the second day they attacked one of our stations, some time before day, and set it on fire in three places—killed one man, wounded Lieut. Biggs mortally, through the shoulder—wounded Col. Hedges's son through the body; think he will recover—wounded one of the Van meters' in the head, slightly. On the third day, about thirty Indians attacked fourteen of our men at another station—killed four and scalped them—two more missing. Another party killed Capt. Tilton's son, and took his horse and gun—this day his horse has returned, with a rope round his leg. Without relief soon, we shall be greatly distressed. The Indians leave all signs of war, such as war-clubs, &c. &c."
ABRAHAM SHEPHERD.
May 15, 1791.
The report circulated last week that Fort-Pitt had been attacked and destroyed by the Indians, we are informed from good authority is without foundation.—Some recent accounts from the Indian country, that such a measure was in agitation among the savages, it is supposed, gave rise to the rumor.
The new raised Levies, now in rendezvous at Winchester, are to march for Fort-Pitt on Thursday next.
NOTICE!
SOME time in MAY, 1791, we bought of HENRY ZIMMER a quantity of Pine Boards, amounting to 5/. 6/. 3d. for which we gave our receipt and acknowledgment of debt. Since that JACOB BISHOP has proven part of said Boards to be his property; therefore we forwarn all persons from taking an assignment on said acknowledgment, as we are determined not to pay it, until a settlement with him be made.
GEORGE NORTH & Co.
MAY 13, 1791.
††† Our last Paper, No. 26, completed six months since its first publication: The Printer begs leave to remind such of his subscribers as did not pay one half the subscription money at the time of entrance, that they were to pay two dollars, exclusive of postage, at the expiration of half the year; he therefore requests those who are in arrears, to comply with this very necessary part of the contract, as punctuality alone in the payment of the subscription, will enable him to continue the publication of a weekly newspaper.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
INVOCATION TO THE SUN.
HITHER Phœbus turns thine eyes, Nor longer hide the day; Give light and glory to the skies, And blooming youth to May; Spring implores thy gentle aid, To rise in liv'ry gay; While no rude blast shall pierce the glade, Or cool the warmth of May.
Flora too invokes the pow'r Of thy reviving ray, To scatter roses every hour, And scent the breath of May. Come, and give to Nature, grace; To beauty, quick convey, That lovely excellence of face, That bluth which charms in May.
ANECDOLE.
THE late Bishop of Durham, who was a great scholar and able speaker, but remarkable for a total neglect of dress, and a slovenly habit of keeping one hand almost always in his breeches, having been pitched upon by the Ministry to introduce the bill for making a provision for Officers widows, in the House of Lords, his Lordship, when he made the motion, stood with the bill in one hand, and held the other in the usual place; and then began with great solemnity to acquaint the House, that what he had in his hand was for the benefit of Officers widows ; upon which, the Duke of Argyle, who never missed an opportunity to mortify the Clergy, when it offered, instantly interrupting him before he could proceed farther in his speech, asked with a smile, In which of your hands, my Lord? The jest put the whole House in a roar, but did not in the least disconcert the Bishop, who went on with his motion as if no such interruption had been made.
Joseph M c Muran, IS NOW OPENING, A large ASSORTMENT of G O O D S,
Suitable for the present and approaching Season.
HE is conscious the PURCHASES he has made, will enable him to give general satisfaction. WHEAT, RYE, CORN, &c. will be taken in payment, at the Market price.
He returns his thanks to his Customers, and hopes that his low prices will add a number of his fellow Citizens to his acquaintance.
It is needless to enumerate the Assortment, as he is assured he can please in QUANTITY, QUALITY, and PRICE.
Shepherd's-Town, May 2, 1791.
John Shearer,
From the City of Edinburg, North-Britain,
WITH regard and esteem gratefully acknowledges the goodness of his Employers in the CABINET and JOINER Business , which he now carries on in all their several branches, in the neatest manner, and upon any plan made known to him, in short time, and with exactness. Application for any article in his line of business, will be fulfilled, at his shop in MARTINSBURG, nearly opposite Mr. William Skinner's Tavern, at the sign of the Ship.
JOHN SHEARER.
April 25, 1791.
FOR SALE, A QUANTITY OF HEMP SEED,
Of the best Quality.—ALSO, FLAX SEED,
Which will be sold on the most reasonable Terms, at my Store in BERKELEY COUNTY, at the late General LEE's Plantation.
JOSEPH MINGHINI.
April 11, 1791.
*** Cash given for clean Linen or Cotton Rags, at this Office.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, MAY 2, 1791. The Public will be pleased to take N O T I C E, That at the lower end of the MAIN, otherwise GERMAN-STREET in this Town, In Mr. JACOB STALEY's new Brick House, Nearly opposite Col. MORROW's Store, Is just opening by the Subscriber, FOR CASH ONLY,
A new cheap Store,
Consisting of a great variety of
FRESH GOODS,
Suitable for the Season,
And which he really intends to sell remarkably cheap , but being young in the business, it would ill become him to boast of what he will do, yet he humbly hopes that if the good people who trade to this Town, will be so obliging as to call upon him, they will be perfectly satisfied with the prices of his goods, as well as with that attention which it will be his duty and interest to pay to all his Customers.
He begs to be excused, if in order to avoid giving offence hereafter to any person, he now publicly declares, that it is totally out of his power to give the smallest credit, but to give cheap bargains for ready money, will be a pleasure to
The Public's most obedient,
Humble servant,
ZEBULON WARNER.
TO BE EXCHANGED,
A new and completely-finished
W A G G O N, FOR A
Good Saddle Horse,
Not more than 5 or 6 years old. There are two spare Wheels to the Waggon, which renders it convenient for plantation work. A set of new gears will be furnished, if wanted.
Apply to Conrad Sheets, of Sharpsburg, or the Printer hereof.
L E S K A R D, A BRIGHT SORREL,
SIXTEEN hands and one inch high, full blooded, will stand at my Plantation this season, one mile from Winchester, where he will cover Mares at Four Dollars the season, to be paid the first of October next. Nine Shillings the single leap, paid down.
ROBERT WOOD.
March 15, 1791.
LESKARD's PEDIGREE.
His great grand-dam was imported by Mr. Booth, of Gloucester county; his grand-dam was got by Jolley Roger; his dam was got by the Secretary's colt, Longdale; and his sire was the famous running horse Yorick, the property of the late honorable John Taloe.
HENRY YOUNG.
FOR SALE, A VALUABLE Negro Woman,
Aged about 35 years. She has two healthy fine Children, a boy and a girl, and is pregnant with a third. She is strong and healthy, and has been for many years a cook in a genteel family, remarkable for keeping a good table. She has not been long my property, but I can safely recommend her as a good cook. She is sold for no other reason, but that of my being previously supplied with a cook. I will give six months credit for half her price.
PHILIP PENDLETON.
March 28, 1791.
AN APPRENTICE WANTED.
A young LAD, of good character, who can read and write tolerably well, would be taken as an Apprentice, by the Printer hereof.
May 16, 1791.
SPRING GOODS.
TO BE SOLD,
At the Subscriber's STORE, formerly occupied by Mr. JOHN MARK,
A fresh and general Assortment of
MERCHANDIZE,
Suitable for the Season,
Which will be sold as cheap as any in this Town, or its Vicinity, for
Cash, Country Produce, or Public Securities.
ROGER COLTART.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, May 4, 1791.
Edward S. Deegin,
Begs leave to inform his friends and customers, that he carries on the
Scythe-Factory,
As usual, and is now preparing a large quantity for the ensuing harvest, which may be had at his shop, The sign of the Scythe and Cutting-knife, in Milltown, commonly known by the name of Isaac Perkin's Mill, one mile south-west of the borough of Winchester, on the great road leading to Stephensburg, &c. With a view to accommodate his old customers, his scythes may be had at GAMUEL and JOHN DOWDALL's old store near the Bridge, and at HOLLIDAY and DOUGLAS's Store, the large stone house, nearly opposite the Golden Fleece, in the Main-street, WINCHESTER, wholesale or retail. Gentlemen farmers from the country, who wish to be accommodated with cradle scythes, may have them made to any length by leaving the dimensions at either of the above Stores, and the utmost punctuality and dispatch may be relied on. Country Store-Keepers may be supplied at the above Stores.
He wants an Apprentice of good character, to learn the different branches of making grass, briar and cradle scythes, and cutting knives; as also a Journeyman Blacksmith, to whom good encouragement and constant employ will be given, and he will be instructed in the scythe-making business, &c. gratis—A single man would be preferred.
Mill-Town, April 7, 1791.
An English School wanted,
BY the Subscriber, who has had fourteen years experience, and who has a family.—Further particulars may be known by applying to the Printer hereof.
W. R. HOWE.
May 2, 1791.
POST-OFFICE,
WINCHESTER, March 22, 1791.
THE POST, established by law, will start from the Post-Office, in Winchester, on the 2d of May next, properly equipped, with portmanteau for the Mail, and saddle-bags for parcels, &c.
The route will be through Battletown, over Key's Ferry, through Leesburg to Alexandria, once in each week, to arrive in Winchester every Saturday.
The utmost punctuality being necessary, it is desired that letters may be left in due time, otherwise they must unavoidably be detained until the next post day.
As the conveyance of a Mail is attended with considerable expence, it is hoped the good people of Winchester and others, will encourage this useful undertaking, by subscribing to the carriage of news papers, which shall be punctually delivered, and with such dispatch as to render the present Post by much the most eligible of any that has hitherto travelled from this quarter.
DANIEL NORTON, Post Master.
In consequence of the above regulation, a Post Rider will be dispatched every Friday Morning, from the Printing-Office in this town, to meet the Alexandria Post at Key's Ferry, on his return to Winchester.—Letters, &c. to be forwarded by this conveyance, left with the Subscriber, will be attended to with care and punctuality. The Post from this place to Winchester, via Martinsburg, which conveys the Mail to and from Baltimore, Frederick-Town, &c. will still be continued.
N. WILLIS.
Shepherd's-Town, April 19, 1791.