The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1794-04-21 00:00:00

CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
In committee of the whole, on Mr. DAYTON's resolutions, for sequestering British property.
FRIDAY, March 27.
MR. DAYTON first rose in support of his propositions. When he brought them forward he did not accompany them with many observations, because he was then labouring under indisposition. The same cause would render him very concise now.
The injuries and insults we have suffered from Great Britain, he conceived, need not be dwelt upon—they are well known and it is universally acknowledged, that we ought to adopt such measures as would screen us from a repetition of them and secure to us reparation. The resolutions he had brought forward he intended as part of that system of defence and preservation, other portions of which had already received the sanction of the house.—These resolutions, he conceived would not be the least efficient part of that system.
He believed that when the conduct of Great Britain is reviewed, it would be found, that it is treating their subjects with great lenity to speak of sequestration only, we should be warranted in confiscating, for they have subjected our property to condemnation, without an appearance of an intention to indemnify.
As to restitution of the property of which we have been plundered on the high seas it is impossible. It is condemned, sold and scattered, and no hope can be entertained that they intend to indemnify our suffering citizens. If it had been their intention to indemnify, their court, in explanation of the instructions of the 6th of November, would not have given orders to condemn vessels detained in suspension in the West-Indies until the elucidation was received.
Since then restitution is impossible, and not a shadow of hope exists that indemnification will be granted, we have only to determine whether we shall give up the property of which we have been plundered, or claim, by shewing that we have the means of retaliation within our power.—
After the proceedings of the British towards us, he believed we should have been warranted in confiscating the property now proposed to be sequestered, without negotiation. This would have been meting to them as they meted to us.
If sequestration is hostility (as he had heard it called) what, he asked, is condemnation? Besides they have impressed American citizens into service. We have reason to believe from the negotiation of our Minister with Lord Grenville, from private information on the table of Congress and from the conduct of some of their officers, high in command, that to make war on us, is part of their system.
Mr. Smith (Maryland) said, he always had wished for peace, as the first desideratum. With this view, agreeable to the wise recommendation of the President, he agreed to those measures calculated to put the country in a posture of defence. This was the best mode of securing peace. With the same view he proposed an embargo to be laid, which have drawn to our ports the remainder of our maritime possessions, and have left them no longer within the grasp of a nation, whose only rule of right is the measure of her power.
He still wished, as long as a shadow of hope exists, to secure the blessings of peace. With the resolutions now offered he was of opinion that we might yet have peace; but without them we shall certainly have war. They will arrest 20 millions of dollars in our hands, as a fund to reimburse the 3 or 4 millions which we have been stripped of by that piratical nation, Great Britain, according to the instruction of that king of sea-robbers, the Leviathan, which aims at swallowing all that floats on the ocean, that monster whose only law is power, and who neither respects the rights of nations nor the property of individuals.
This character, the nation he had mentioned, had long deserved—many proofs might be cited in support of the assertion—he would only refer to their conduct at St. Eustatia, when they robbed their allies the Dutch, and their generals and admirals turned vendue-masters and conducted the plundering, to collect rewards for their exploits.
It is from such a nation, he asked, that we are to hope for justice? they know not what justice is.—It is said, that they shewed their love of justice, when they so liberally compensated the Tories after the war with us. Though they despise traitors, yet self interest will lead them to reward the treachery, to encourage a principle which may again be useful to them; self interest, then, and not justice, actuated them only, as on every other occasion.
Let us pass the resolutions, then send an envoy to Great Britain, and we shall have peace. We shall then be able to speak to them of their interest.—but if war should be the inevitable issue, Americans,
he was sure, would meet it like men, rather than submit to insult and suffer the honor of the country to be prostrated.
If we were able while in infancy as a nation to assert our rights, will it be said, that now we have arrived in a state of manhood, we shall fear them?—No!
Our young men burn for an opportunity to defend the Liberty, Rights and Property of their country! they will step as one, and meet the event, like men.
He read a quotation from Vattel to shew, that a nation has a right to pay her citizens for losses inflicted by another nation, contrary to the right, by confiscating the property belonging to the citizens of that nation. The tie of interest (he concluded by remarking) is the strongest tie we have upon Great Britain. Let us pass the resolution, and that nation will never again give us cause to pass a similar one. The people out of doors will say that we have done right. The nations of Europe will rejoice to see this power, which is committing depredations on all nations, humbled. The resolutions, he observed, do not regard the property in the funds; to touch this is not the means of retaliation warranted by the law of nations; public contracts should be sacred.
Mr. Boudinot said he had not intended to take part in the debate at this early stage of it; but what had fallen from the member last up convinced him, that the house should not go into a consideration of the subject at this time. It should be considered with coolness, and all passions put out of the question.
No doubt we have a right to make reprisals, as the legislature has a right to declare war, but he doubted whether the United States in their present situation would find it their interest to go into such measures. The authority read from Vattel by the member last up, he observed, made against that member's opinion. Vattel expressly says, that reprisals should not be made on property entrusted to public faith. The debts of British subjects here are in that predicament. He had heard that gentleman not long since with pleasure, expatiate with warmth on the advantages of credit, especially to this country, should that credit be destroyed, he asked, by destroying the confidence of foreigners in our faith? but even if this retaliation is lawful will it be the interest of the citizens, or rather the government to take such a step at the present time? we have no doubt been cruelly treated; but have we made proper application for redress, and received an answer; we should first send a special envoy, and insist on an immediate answer; this would be the mode of securing peace, at least it offers the best chance of securing it.
The aggressions on our commerce made by Great Britain, are no doubt enough to rouse any American's feelings, but the legislature ought not to be swayed by passions, they should discuss the subject calmly and deliberately. He hoped the committee would rise, and allow time, at least to take the necessary measures of defence; for could the legislature justify to their constituents this step of retaliation, should immediate hostilities, warlike hostilities, be the consequence? to justify a measure of this kind, time should be given for the defensive system adopted, to be carried into operation.
Mr. Mercer next spoke. He owned the measures proposed, appeared to him great and momentous, and had he any powers of declamation, he should think improper to give loose to them on a question of this kind. We should weigh well our interest, examine carefully the situation in which we stand, and determine calmly where we shall place our next step. The proposition is to arrest, not confiscate the debts due to British subjects. From his recollection of the positions established by the best jurisprudential writers, no doubt remained in his mind that we have a clear right to secure to ourselves reparation in that way; and in our predicament, confiscating, even, would be warranted, and by a point as firmly established as any principle which has the general practice of nations for a basis. One of the latest, Binkershoek, is of opinion, that debts are property as well as any thing else, and sees no reason why they should not as well as any other kind of property be seized to secure indemnity for injuries. This is the opinion of Walsius, Vattel, Grotius and of his commentator. He could go on, he said, with a long list of authorities, and refer to actual treaties to shew, that it has been the practice of nations. Having established the right, he proceeded to consider the expediency of the propositions. Gentlemen, he hoped, did not wish that we should make a solemn declaration of war before we acted. This is no longer the custom among nations: it would be a pompous display of candor which no longer exists. Has any nation in the present European war premised their operations by a declaration? no, their first step was to do all the injury in their power to their enemies. Then we having tak-
en what steps will best tend to our security, and give us the best hold of our enemy; let us not, however, lose sight of a settlement by negotiation; let us shew mankind that peace is our first wish.
When we are thus prepared let us step forward to an amicable negotiation; let us call on the executive to send forward some proper person to the court of Great Britain, to assure them that we have a high sense of the injury done us, that we have it in our power to resent it, but with to see the difference settled by receiving an indemnification. We shall then make it their interest as well as duty to allow it.
This he conceived to be the line of conduct we should adopt if we wished to preserve the western hemisphere from the scourges that desolate the old world. By some such measure as that proposed we should make their motives for peace more weighty, and we should give assurances of our amicable disposition, by shewing that all we wish is a just compensation.
In a business of this kind he was sensible of the danger of precipitation; the best mode of arresting the property proposed should be calmly weighed.—He believed that something like the proposition made by Mr. Smith (S. C.) before the house resolved itself into a committee, to stop all transfers of British property, would be proper as a preliminary step.
He concluded with some observations on the respect which nations however weak will command from their superiors in strength by shewing that they will not suffer imposition; by joining heart and hand in defence of their rights. This spirit, he was sure, animates Americans, and now their power is better able to keep pace with that spirit than when we humbled that nation. At that time we were in our infancy, an infancy by no means thriving under the trammels of the mother country, and when they turned us adrift and began their hostile operations, they carried with them all our means of defence; but now, thank providence, we have spirit and power to defend ourselves.
If the gentleman from South Carolina, he said, would modify his proposition and make the term 30 days, it should have his assent in preference to that now before the committee.
Mr. Smith (S. C.) said, that he had suggested the proposition alluded to by the gentleman from Maryland, in order to afford sufficient leisure for the mature deliberation on the subject of sequestration. It was in the nature of an embargo, to arrest all transfers until the question of sequestration should be decided. As the proposition seemed to be more agreeable to some members than the other, he should lay it on the table when the committee rose.
The question now before the committee is, whether British debts ought to be sequestered, as a pledge for indemnification to the sufferers by unlawful captures. He regretted that the two subjects were connected; each ought to be decided on its own merits: the latter might give a weight to the former, which on consideration, it might be found not intrinsically to deserve.
Mr. Smith said, if ever there was a time when the crisis of affairs required that the passions should be banished and reason courted, it was the present: it required all the wisdom and gravity of the legislative councils, to combine our national honor with our national safety.
He was not surprised that the unprovoked aggressions of Great Britain on our commerce, should excite the most unbounded resentment, or that in the moment, our passions should invite to a measure like the one proposed. He was willing to admit the full force of the arguments which suggested themselves in its favor: they had at the first glance made an impression on his mind. Comparing the circumstances of this country with those of other commercial nations, added weight to this impression: the commercial nations of Europe, with whom we were likely to quarrel, had large fleets to protect their commerce and to commit depredations on our's. They could therefore seize our vessels, and we were not in that respect upon a footing with them; it seemed therefore plausible at the first blush, that if such nations seized our ships and we could not retaliate on their's, we should be justified in laying our hands on their property of any description which was within our reach.
This reasoning, he said, he was compelled in candor, to admit, had no inconsiderable weight. At the same time, however, he was compelled to declare, that there was in his mind a sacredness attached to the character of debts which shielded them from a proceeding of this kind, and which superceded every other consideration.
The gentleman last up, had relied on the authority of ancient foreign jurisprudence. Mr. Smith admitted, that the more ancient writers on the law of nations had sanctioned this measure; it was also true that by the ancient law of nations, the putting prisoners to death was warranted. Burlamaqui, a

is against the modern usage and practice of nations; indeed the progress of civilization, the improved state of commerce, and respect for credit and public faith, have abolished this practice in modern times.
He did not believe a single instance could be cited of a departure from this principle among nations, which valued commerce and credit. In all the most bloody and ferocious wars which had been carried on for near a century among the different powers of Europe, he did not recollect any precedent of this kind. Contracts between the individuals of the belligerent nations were always considered as out of the reach of the government; and even in cases where all other property has been seized, debts have always been screened from the gripe of confiscation.
During the late war, debts were protected: South Carolina, though roused by injuries to the highest resentment, though the warmest passions were alive, while confiscating all other property, left debts untouched, under the idea that private contracts were sacred.
This was not even done in a state of war—the measure was much more objectionable before war was actually declared—it might have very different consequences from those contemplated. It had been said, that the adoption of the resolution would be a means of obliging Great Britain to do us justice, that it would strike a terror among the subjects of that country, and make them clamorous for a restitution of our property.
It might, he feared, have different effects; it might exasperate the people of that country, and unite them with their government; on the other hand, a forbearance in this respect and a rejection of this measure might detach the people from the administration, it would convince them that we respected their private rights, that we considered the aggressions as the acts of the administrators, that we cherished peace, and if war takes place, we are driven to it by the government.
This conduct would give effect to our demands and a refusal on their part would be so unpopular in Great Britain as to hasten a change in their military and produce another more friendly to this country. It would put the government of that nation in the wrong not only in the eyes of other nations but in the eyes of their own people; and this was a policy we ought to pursue.
Mr. Smith again adverted to his proposition, which, if the committee were determined to do anything on this subject, he recommended as a sufficient provision in the present exigency; it would give time to deliberate on further measures, to take advantage of the change of events in Europe, which he believed would have great influence on the policy of Great Britain towards the United States, and bring forward a material change, either in the measures of their administration, or in the administration itself, in which case we might expect, without a war, a full reparation for our wrongs. Under these impressions, if called upon to give his vote, he should be obliged to vote against the proposition; deeming credit of the highest importance to this country, considering it as connected with its commercial prosperity—he deprecated the measure as one which would give a fatal shock to it. He looked upon the precedent as a dangerous one, from its tendency to involve us in future wars. The intercourse between the United States and foreign nations will, from the course of things, create debts from the citizens of this country to those of others. Whenever any considerable number of these debtors become embarrassed in their circumstances, they will be stimulated to embroil us with the creditor nation, in the hopes that a confiscation or sequestration of debts may afford them relief. And although they might not expect a total discharge, yet the prospect of being less pressed for payment by the government than the creditor, would be a motive with many.
He had observed, that some members who had advocated the measure spoke with horror of touching the public funds: for his part, he did not see much essential difference; if the one is warrantable as a retaliation for property taken, he did not immediately see why the principle did not apply to the other. If the barrier be once broken down which protects debts generally, he did not know to what length the principle, by gradual extensions, might not be carried; if there is a war with Britain, it is not improbable Holland may be implicated: if British debts are confiscated, because Great Britain seizes our vessels, Dutch debts ought to be seized: shall we confiscate what the Dutch lent us during the war or since the peace? they have borrowed largely in our funds; the same principle will warrant the seizure of that property. It will be difficult to draw the line, if the principle be once admitted. Mr. Smith also questioned whether Congress had a right, by the Constitution, in time, to meddle with private contracts; he saw no such power vested in them by that instrument; and before they exercised it, they ought to be well satisfied that they possessed it.
Wednesday, April 9.
The sitting of the House of Representatives this day and the day before was almost wholly taken up in debates on the resolution for a non-importation of British goods. Toward the close of the sitting, this day Mr. Smith, (S. C.) moved for the committee's rising, as it was near the usual time of adjournment and he had an amendment to make to the resolution extending the operation of it to restitution for the negroes carried off by the British, contrary to treaty, without which modification, he believed, it would not meet the approbation of many of his constituents.
The motion for the committee's rising was carried
and the chairman (Mr. Sherburne) obtained leave for the committee to sit again.
An addition was moved to the resolutions for a sequestration of British debts, the purport of which is, that the importers or consignees of goods, which may be received in the United States, shall on oath declare at the custom-house, whether any such goods are on account of English subjects, or whether they are on credit: in which case, bond shall be required for the payment of their value into the treasury.
This resolution was ordered to be printed.
In committee of the whole on the motion of 2d inst. to prohibit all commercial intercourse between the citizens of the United States and the subjects of Great Britain or Ireland, so far as the same shall respect articles of the growth or manufacture of Great Britain or Ireland, after some time, progress was reported.
EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.
By the Peggy, Capt. M'Kenzie, arrived at Alexandria, the following fresh advices have been received.
MANHEIM, December 31.
THE Austrians have retired beyond the Rhine. The Duke of Brunswick covered their retreat. The head-quarters of gen. Wurmser are at Schweitzingen. The French yesterday kept up a brisk cannonading on the other side of the Rhine against Ketsch, where there are Austrian troops stationed. The army of Wurmser extends from our city into the Brisgau. The Prussians are posted on the other side of the Rhine, from Ogerthum to Oppenheim. Batteries and redoubts are erected in the environs of Durrkheim, Haffen, and Franckenathal. The head-quarters of the Duke of Brunswick are to be transferred to Worms. By this position, Manheim is in some measure covered; but it is believed, that another attempt is still proposed to be made against the French. Yesterday the duke of Brunswick and gen. Wurmser had a conference here. Our garrison is to be immediately reinforced with between four and five thousand Austrian troops, both infantry and cavalry; the regiment of the Duke of Deux Ponts comes here. The Austrian general de Fouch will command all these troops. The advanced posts of the French are at Neustadt, Spies and Germanheim. The Prussian magazine in the last place has been burnt, and partly thrown into the Rhine; a considerable part of it has however still been saved. The French advanced from Selg to Knellengen, but were repulsed by the troops of Bade.
Jan. 6. It is believed that the Duke of Brunswick will pass the Rhine at Oppenheim, in order to take the position on that part of the river, and join the army of General Wurmser, which extends from that city to Brisgau.
Jan. 7. We learn that the French have entered Worms. Their advanced posts extended to Orthofen, Worthofen, and Berhem. The prince of Hohenlohe was at Gunterblum, and the Duke of Brunswick at Oppenheim. A part of his army had just recrossed the Rhine.
Treves, Jan. 5. We learn that 300 French entered St. Wendel, and that they have been reinforced by another corps of 5000 men, a division of whom advanced to Birkenfeld. Yesterday a division of cavalry left this place for St. Wendel; another of 500 men took the same route. To-morrow the battalion of Mitrowsky will set off for the same destination. We cannot affirm, whether these troops are to attack or observe the enemy.
L O N D O N, January 22.
The Flanders mail of this morning brings favourable accounts from the neighbourhood of the Rhine. By letters both from Cologne and Bonn, we are assured, that on the 8th inst. the French were completely defeated by the Prussians at Oppenheim, and obliged to retire under the walls of Landau.
The Republicans are retiring from every post which they had occupied—they have left Worms, Meisenheim, and Oberstein, and are gone into winter quarters behind Spierbeck.
A letter from Brussels of the 15th inst. states, that the armies of the Low Countries having made a general movement, the result is expected with the utmost impatience. General Jourdan, notwithstanding, talks of speedily hoisting the tricolor upon the walls of Valenciennes, Conde, and Quesnoy.
By our Brussels letter, and the extracts we have made from the German papers, our readers will see that the French accounts of the progress made by their armies of the Rhine and the Moselle, were not exaggerated; and that all we have ever said of the danger to which Gen. Wurmser's army was exposed, is fully confirmed.
UNITED STATES.
S A L E M, April 1.
By Capt. Crowninshield, from St. Kitts, we are informed, that the judge at that island appears to have proceeded cautiously to condemnations. It was a considerable time before he would consent to begin the "adjudication": at length he said he had positive orders which obliged him to condemn the whole; and the business was begun on the same day in St. Kitts, Dominique, Antigua and St. Vincent.
Capt. Crowninshield and others, previous to the decree of condemnation, claimed their property as bona fide American: to which the judge replied, that he considered it American property, and condemned it as such. This is "British amity!"
B O S T O N, March 31.
By Capt. Lovell, from Montserrat, in 22 days,
we have line upon line as to the cruelty, oppression, and insults of the British in the West-India islands. His list of prizes is 269, most of which are already condemned, not only at Montserrat but in the other islands. The new orders which had been received, had occasioned no relaxation; the cruisers were again putting out on new adventures, and the Captains and crews in high spirits. The property condemned had been told, and the spoils divided among the sailors, who indulged themselves in the utmost riot and dissipation: they add insult to outrage; they laugh at the measures Congress may pursue; they make the Americans pay the charges of their condemnation.
Capt. Lovell reports that the Danes and Swedes are forming a fleet, for the protection of their trade, and will submit no longer.
April 2. Yesterday general Belgarde landed in this town, and waited on the French Consul. He was attended by an Aid-de-Camp, and has several persons in his suite.
From Bordeaux, January 4.
"The National Representatives have given 300,000 livres,* to be distributed among the American masters, and I hear that to-morrow they are to give 100,000 livres more for the same purpose.
* DREW."
# About 100 dollars for each ship.
April 4. Yesterday arrived here a vessel from St. Vincent, in 11 days passage, confirms the agreeable intelligence, that the new orders had arrived there from England, not to molest any American vessel, and all processes were to cease against those already taken. This vessel spoke with a droger from Grenada, which confirms the same news. Before the vessel sailed from St. Vincent, intelligence had been received from Martinique, that the British forces had attacked Fort-Republic, and had been repulsed with the loss of 700 men.
NEW L O N D O N, April 3.
By a gentleman of unquestionable veracity, who arrived here on Sunday last, from New York, we are informed of the following, which he received of a gentleman directly from Philadelphia:
A petition has been received by the President, signed by upwards of one hundred of the most influential characters in the state of Vermont, requesting permission to invade Canada; in which they assert, that within 5 days after obtaining permission, they will march with 20,000 men, to besiege Quebec; and that in case of failing of success, they will ask no indemnification; but, if successful, they will be content with taking the military stores of the British King, and all other property shall be resigned to the United States.
We hear that 2 disorderly rages at New-Haven, which appears to be all the skill of the physicians; many die with it in 48 hours after they are attacked.
N E W Y O R K, April 3.
There are accounts in town, said to be authentic, that Gen. Rochambeau, Commandant of Martinique, is so plentifully stocked with provisions at Fort-Bourbon, the ultimate point of resistance, that no measures the enemy can pursue will be able to starve him into submission these 12 months; nor will any force they can bring against him reduce him by a coup de main , as he commands between 6 and 7000 men, completely armed and disciplined, eager for action, patient of fatigue, inured to the climate, and upon whom the firmest reliance may be placed. It is added, on the same authority, that a French fleet, consisting of 8 line of battle ships, had recently arrived at Martinique, and landed 3000 men, who immediately advanced into the country, occupied an advantageous and commanding position, and effectually intercepted the intercourse between the British land forces and their fleet; so that it is extremely probable the British invincibles may return re infecta , at least, if not experience a Burgoining : this catastrophe of the drama is inferrable from military principles.
Accounts, through different channels, state, that Fort Bourbon was invested; hence appears, that attacked by the forces from within, and repulsed in their flight by the newly arrived succours from without, they will be placed between 2 fires and will be obliged to dance to the tune Yankee Doodle , as at York-Town; or, if unwilling to do that, adopt the other alternative of conquering the assailants; a hard job, and rather unlikely, even though impelled by the heroic ardour of Prince Edward, who lately went there from Barbados, to aid in accelerating the reduction of the island.
Capt. Chancy spoke the Eagle, of Philadelphia, in 49 days from Bordeaux, who informed him, that the embargo was taken off American vessels, and that France was carrying all before her.
By the Schooner, from Norfolk, arrived yesterday, we are assured that the Ambuscade lately fell in with the Hutsar British frigate, and a Bermuda privateer, which she engaged both together, and after an obstinate battle, took and sent them into that port, where they had safely arrived last Thursday. Our informant adds, that the Capt. of the Ambuscade, finding them, jointly, of superior force, nailed his colors to the staff, and swore, with his brave ship's company, that they would take them or sink.
P I T T S B U R G, April 5.
The latest intelligence from the army is by letters dated Cincinnati, March 6th. The Indian flag, White-eyes, &c. had given reason to expect 30 chiefs, to treat, with all the prisoners amongst them, to be with Gen. Wayne by the 14th of February. The General in order to give them a good impression of our force, was at the expence of bringing the cavalry from Kentucky, where they were

wintering. But no Indians had appeared. It is most probable the British discovering their intention, have had a talk, and have removed their dissatisfaction, and encouraged them to continue war. General Wayne had prepared to march to Auglaize river, where there were said to be 200 Indians collected. The Miami towns were deserted, so that it was unnecessary to pursue the same route which General St. Clair had intended.
PHILADELPHIA, April 12.
Yesterday in the House of Representatives of the United States, Mr. Clark's motion for sequestering British property, was again under consideration in committee of the whole. A lengthy debate took place. Mr. Boudinot, Mr. J. Wadsworth, Mr. Coit, Mr. Hillhouse, Mr. Dexter, Mr. Tracy, and Mr. Ames, spoke against it; Mr. Clarke, Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Dayton, and Mr. Page in its support. The committee at length rose and reported progress and the House adjourned till Monday.
Extract of a letter from London, dated January 10.
"Manufactories and trade are growing worse and worse with us in this nation. The war with France and the depredations on American property in the West-Indies, are execrated by many good men who are friends to "the Rights of Man," notwithstanding the influence of the crown and the almost innumerable host of placemen, dependants and sycophants around it.
"By the obstinacy of the present king, we have lost the best part of America, and what we shall lose by this stroke of his folly against France, we know not; this much however we are convinced of, that we are yearly getting more and more into debt, which is already become so great, that we dread a general bankruptcy, revolution, and ruin to the nation, unless it is prevented very soon by the king and his ministers, pursuing an opposite line of conduct from what has been made use of during the present reign; and should that not be the case, we fear our king, who is otherwise a good natured man, will experience either the fate of Charles the first, or that of James the second."
Extract of a letter dated St. Eustatius, 14th March.
"Having just reason to congratulate myself and you on reaching this without molestation, while multitudes of my countrymen who have fallen victims throughout the whole course of my route—and learning the numerous captures on our vessels to leeward, I have thought it most prudent to stop and sell here, and no longer tempt the good luck that has conducted me thus far in safety. Although this is foreign to my instructions, and the original plan of the voyage, I trust I shall stand justifiable in what I have done, on a reflection of the hazard, and persecuted state of our navigation. The manifest risk in prosecuting the voyage to leeward, and the propriety of preserving while in my power, your property, rather than expose it longer to the uncertainty of those numerous disastrous events, to which it is at every step now subjected.
"Long ere this reaches you, you will have been apprised of the monstrous, infernal conduct, exercised in these seas, upon our defenceless, unoffending trade. During my route, which has been extensive, I have been witness to so many scenes of horrid iniquity, that I can no longer find epithets to express my feelings.—They stupify—they suffocate me.
"Notwithstanding fresh orders have been issued by the council of Great Britain, dated 8th January, revoking those of the 6th November, and substituting others, depredations are hourly making on our trade, and the number of victims goes on increasing at St. Kitts, Antigua, Montserrat, &c. By an estimate tolerable accurate, it is found that not less than 290 sail, including those that fell at Martinique, have been captured to windward. I trust I shall be with you before long, when our footing will be more positively ascertained, but whatever may be the result, I pray Heaven a sense of their country's wrong will never, never, be obliterated from the breast of all good Americans!
April 9. There is a report in town, that a truce between France and Spain has taken place.
By a gentleman, just arrived from Lexington (Kentucky) we are informed that Gen. Wayne removed from his Winter cantonments, with the legion of the United States, on the 1st of March, for the Miami villages.
Extract of a letter from Oporto, to a merchant in this city, dated 13th of February, '94.
"The French are giving them enough of it, and are now preparing to enter England with 100,000 men."
Two regiments sent from Portugal to assist the Spaniards against the Republicans, were totally cut to pieces by the French, after a very obstinate engagement.
A letter from Salem of the 31st of March, says, "a vessel is arrived at Marblehead, from Bilbao, which left that place the 30th of January, and brings an account, that the Prussians had left the combined armies, and returned home."
BALTIMORE, April 10.
Extract of a letter from the Captain of an American vessel, to his owners in this town, dated Falmouth, January 8, 1794.
"A report is current here, and generally believed, that immediately after the meeting of parliament, Great Britain will declare war against America.—In consequence of the instructions issued on the 6th November, upwards of 300 privateers have been fitted out, from the different ports of this kingdom; one of which sent in here, a few days ago, the ship Active, of Philadelphia, with a cargo valued at 50,000l. She is condemned and to be sold for the benefit of the captors. A war between America and
England appears certain—it is the common topic, and expected by every body. By the king's proclamation we are liable to seizure—but as we have put in here in distress, I presume the rigor of the law will not be enforced."
April 11. Letters received in town, by yesterday's eastern mail, inform that a French squadron, of 8 ships of the line, with 5000 troops on board, has arrived in the West-Indies from Brest, and blockaded up the British squadron under Admiral Jarvis.
In the House of Representatives of the United States, on Monday last, Mr. Sedgwick from the committee to whom has been referred certain resolutions to render more efficient the force of the United States, reported a bill to detach 20,000 men from the militia: a bill to raise a corps of artillery and engineers: and a bill to augment the military force of the United States, by raising 25,000 rank and file additional troops. These bills were twice read, and ordered to be printed, and committed for yesterday.
April 14.
In the House of Representatives of the United States, on the 8th instant, after some observations on the distresses of our seamen, who have been captured in the West-Indies, Mr. Sherburne laid on the table the following resolution:
"Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to appoint two or more persons to repair with all convenient speed to the Islands of the West-Indies, for the purpose of collecting, and aiding in their return to the United States, such American seamen as have been captured and carried to those islands by the ships or cruisers of any foreign nation: and that the persons who may be so appointed be further authorized and directed to assist all Captains, Supercargoes, or Agents of any American vessels that have been or may be captured, and carried to said islands for trial in the legal defence of their vessels and property."
NORFOLK, April 7.
By a letter from an official character in Philadelphia, to his correspondent in this place, there is reason to believe that the resolution for the embargo would be continued, and followed by an act of sequestration of British property. This measure, a correspondent remarks, would speedily bring matters to a crisis—mean while our courts could make use of our sequestration as an offset for British adjudication.
RICHMOND, April 2.
We are informed from good authority, that all the American vessels which have been condemned in the British islands of St. Kitts, Montserrat, and Dominica, have been sent to England, loaded with the produce of the West-Indies.
ALEXANDRIA, April 17.
Capt. McKenzie, arrived here from Grenada, says he has felt the effects of the instructions of the British Court of the 6th November, and affirms that those of the 8th of January have not had the least tendency to check their piratical depredations on our commerce. It should be mentioned, that of the crews of 50 sail of American vessels condemned at Montserrat, not one could be prevailed upon to enter on board their cruisers, notwithstanding the extravagant bounties that had been offered them.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Philadelphia, to his friend in this town, dated April 11.
"Two French 74 gun ships and a few frigates with four French Commissioners, had arrived at Port-au-Prince. They have retaken Jeremie, and made prisoners of all the British troops at that port. Santhonax and Polverel are under arrest—two of the Commissioners immediately proceeded by land to Aux-Cays. They also took two English frigates and three privateers, in the Bite."
MARTINSBURG, APRIL 21, 1794.
At a meeting of the freeholders of this County the 15th inst. for the purpose of electing two fit persons to represent them in the General Assembly, Majors, David Hunter and Henry Bedinger were unanimously re-elected.
At the same time an election was held for the choice of two persons to represent them at a meeting to be held at Leesburg, on the 2d Monday in June next, for the purpose of concerting a plan for putting the main road leading from Athbey's, Snicker's, and Vestal's gaps, in the Blue Ridge, to Alexandria, in fit condition, and keeping the same in repair, to be submitted to the next session of Assembly for their sanction, by a law for carrying the same into complete effect—at the close of the poll the votes stood as follows:—
Mr. Winn Winship, . . . . . 72 General W. Dark, . . . . . 65 Col. J Bull, . . . . . 27 When the two former were chosen.
Number of vessels taken and carried into the West-Indies, belonging to the United States of America, viz.
Into St. Pierre, 60 sail; Dominique, 62; Antigua, 45; Nevis and St. Christopher's, 50; Montserrat, 40; St. Vincent's, 10 or 12—most of which were already condemned, and in all probability the remainder are by this time.
It is computed the British have taken from eight to nine millions of pounds from the Americans.
Saturday last Michael Montgomery was tried at the District Court for passing counterfeit Bank Bills, and acquitted, but recommitted on a second indictment, for a similar offence.
STRAYED , or was taken away from the commons of this town, on Friday last, a black Mare, with a ball face, between 13 and 14 hands high, her fore and hind feet white, newly shod all round. Whoever will return said Mare to me, or to James Timmins, shall have Two Dollars reward, and reasonable charges. PATRICK BOYL.
Martinsburg, April 21, 1794.
TAKE NOTICE.
WHEREAS my father George Hagley , in his lifetime passed a note to George Heiges , for about forty pounds, perhaps something more or less; but as it was unjustly obtained, I never will pay it unless compelled by law.
PETER HAGLEY, Administrator for George Hagley, dec'd.
Berkeley County, April 19, 1794.
ALL Persons indebted to the subscriber are earnestly requested to come and settle their respective balances, as no longer indulgence can possibly be given. WILLIAM CHAPLINE.
Shepherd's Town, April 19, 1794.
TO BE SOLD,
An active Negro Boy, about 7 years old. Apply to the Printer.
ALL Persons indebted to, or have any demands on the estate of John Tayler , late of Berkeley , deceased, are hereby notified to come in for immediate settlement with
WILLIAM TAYLER, JOHN TAYLER, Executors.
April 21, 1794.
WANTED,
A BLACKSMITH, who is a good workman, to take a shop with a good set of tools, either on shares or wages. Apply to WILLIAM RUSH , 3 miles from Martinsburg , near Opeckon .
April 19, 1794.
OLIVER and WILLIAM ASHENHURST, From CARLISLE,
INFORMS their friends and the public, that they carry on the Taylors' Business, near the Printing-Office, Burke Street. They will make up their work in the best and neatest manner. Cash or country produce, at market price, will be received in payment.
April 19, 1794.
NOTICE is hereby given to the purchasers of goods at the sale of the effects of the late Mr. William Skinner and have not taken them away, and given bonds agreeable to the conditions of the sale, that unless they comply with the same in three weeks from this date, the forfeiture will be put in suit, without further notice.
REBECCA SKINNER.
April 19, 1794.
ALL persons are cautioned against trespassing on my meadow or fields in the vicinity of this town, as I am determined in future to prosecute every offender to the utmost extent of the law.
ROBERT COCKBURN.
Martinsburg, April 19, 1794.
At a Court continued and held for BERKELEY COUNTY , the 20th day of March, 1794.
IN CHANCERY.
William Wilson and John Potts, jun. merchants and partners in trade, under the name and firm of William Wilson, and Co. of Alexandria, and Thomas Williams and Joseph Carey, merchants and partners in trade, under the name and firm of Williams and Carey, of Alexandria.— Complainants.
John Leamy, William Crammond, and Hugh Holmes, executors of the last will and testament of David Cay, deceased, who was surviving partner of the late house of Andrew Clow, and Co. of Philadelphia, and George Hite and John Conrad, merchants and partners in trade at Rutherford's mill, in BERKELEY COUNTY , under the name and firm of George Hite, and Co. and John Conrad and George Hite, merchants and partners in trade at Charles Town, in the said County of BERKELEY , under the name and firm of John Conrad and Co.— Defendants.
THE defendants, John Leamy, William Crammond, and Hugh Holmes, not having entered their appearance, agreeable to an act of Assembly, and the rules of this Court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that they are not inhabitants of this Commonwealth, on the motion of the complainant, by their counsel, it is ordered, that the said John, William, and Hugh, do appear here on the third Tuesday in May next, and answer the bill of the complainant, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in the Virginia Gazette , for two months successively, and published at the church door in the parish of Norborne, on some Sunday immediately after divine service, and also at the door of the Court House of the said County.
A copy. Test.
MOSES HUNTER, C. B. C.
ALL Persons indebted to the Printer hereof, are requested to make immediate payment.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
To LIBERTY.
HAIL Liberty thou fairest bright, Grand source of every pure delight, The virtuous heart's desires— To thee my ardent vows I'll pay! Vouchsafe t' accept the votive lay, Which love of thee inspires. To thee we owe benignant power, The fertile field the fragrant bower, With each gay smiling scene! Where e'er thou deign'st a charming ray, With brighter lustre shines the day, And fairer blooms the green.
From thee, the social joys of life, The tender joys of child and wife Acquire their sweetest charms; With double bliss we view them still, When sure no rigorous tyrant's will Can wrest them from our arms.
To thee pertains pure truth untaught, Bold elocution, strength of thought, And dignity of mind; Un sullied honor, public zeal, Devotion to our country's weal, And love to all mankind.
For thee what battles have we won, For thee what deathless deeds were done Let each pathage proclaim; For thee our fathers spilt their blood, Inspir'd by thee they hither fled— To this new land they came.
These new regions to explore, For thee they left their native shore, Beneath their favoring smile; While happy in thy youthful sway, Thy presence cheer'd the gloomy way, And recompens'd our toil.
While here thy radiant form is seen, The arts attendant hail the scheme, And rose at thy command: They bade this cottage grace the plain, And scatter round the golden grain To clothe the savage land.
Then pure reli' on soon appears, Her peaceful standard mild the rears, And sheds her brightest ray; Descending Angels sung around— Attentive pilgrims caught the sound, And join'd the joyful lay.
The temple rose, the city smil'd, The garden bloom'd amid the wild, And culture rul'd the plain; Bold commerce spread her whit'ning ray, Her streamers wav'd with breezy gales, And danc'd along the main.
O deign once more mild queen to thine. Vouchsafe again thy light divine To bless the heathen lands; Let discord cease her jarring strains, Let peace and mercy clothe the plains, Our drooping hearts to cheer.
Eid Europe's better genius rise, And teach her to be truly wise, And set the captives free; For their content we'll turn the soil, And fondly bear to each his toil, If not bereft of thee.
A CITIZEN of the WORLD.
LEXINGTON, March 22.
BY a gentleman who arrived in town on Wednesday last from Cincinnati, we are informed, that the spies from Grenville have lately taken a white man prisoner, who has been with the Indians since the year 1782, who informs, that the united tribes of Indians are for war. That they have lately held a general council, at which they determined to make peace with the United States; in consequence of which they sent to their different nations for all the prisoners they had, in order to deliver them up to Gen. Wayne on the 9th of February. That Girty and Elliot arrived at the council from Detroit, before the prisoners, informing the Indians that it was the will of the British that they should not make peace with the United States, and that if they would but prosecute the war, they should be furnished from Detroit with arms, ammunition, provision and cloathing, at the Big Falls of Glaize. Upon this information a number of the chiefs went
to Detroit to confer with M'Kee, the British agent with the Indians, on the subject, and who confirmed, with them what Girty and Elliot had promised. At the return of the chiefs to the council, they broke up, determined to prosecute the war with the utmost rigor.
We are informed, that on Tuesday the 11th inst. a company who were going through the Wilderness, was defeated by the Indians on Richland creek, 4 of which were killed and 1 mortally wounded, who has since died of his wounds.
On the 16th inst. the Indians stole 10 horses on Lecompt's run, and on Tuesday night last stole a number more from the same neighborhood.
Last week the Indians killed 4 persons in one family on the Rolling fork of Salt river.
Extract of a letter from Nashville, dated March 8. "The Indians are very troublesome in our country, they have killed a number of persons, and the ensuing summer we much dread, as they appear to be on all quarters of our frontiers; though we have had success with them lately. They killed a man not far from this place, and a party pursued them as far as the Tennessee, where they came up with them encamped, and killed 11 fellows and took 2 squaws prisoners which was the whole of the party since which, we have lost 7 men on our frontiers within about 4 weeks."
At a Court continued and held for BERKELEY County, the 20th day of March, 1794. IN CHANCERY.
James Webb, vs. William Weathers, Defendant. THE defendant, William Weathers, not having entered his appearance, agreeable to an act of Assembly and the rules of this Court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that he is not an inhabitant of this Commonwealth, on the motion of the complainant, by his counsel, it is Ordered, that the said William do appear here on the third Tuesday in May next, and answer the bill of the complainant, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in the Virginia Gazette , for two months successively, and published at the church door in the parish of Norborne, on some Sunday immediately after divine service, and also at the door of the Court-House of the said County. A copy. Test. MOSES HUNTER, c. b. c.
At a Court continued and held for BERKELEY County, the 21st day of March, 1794. IN CHANCERY.
William Dark, vs. Ignatius Simmes, Philip Pendleton, and Robert White, Defendants. THE defendant, Ignatius Simmes, not having entered his appearance agreeable to an act of Assembly and the rules of this Court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that he is not an inhabitant of this Commonwealth, on the motion of the complainant, by his counsel, it is ordered, that the said Ignatius, do appear here on the third Tuesday of May next, and answer the bill of the complainant, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in the Virginia Gazette , for two months successively, and published at the church door in the parish of Norborne, on some Sunday immediately after divine service, and also at the door of the Court-House of the said County. A copy. Test. MOSES HUNTER, c. b. c.
WANTED, by the Subscriber, at the new brick house, opposite Mr. Smith's tavern, A Journeyman Waggon-Maker, To whom, if he is master of his business, good wages will be given; if he is not a complete workman what he is deficient in will be taught him, and wages in proportion given. JOHN ROHR. Martinsburg, March 29, 1794.
THE partnership of Samuel Theobald, Esq. being dissolved by mutual consent, I request all persons having their receipts, to bring them forward from the year 1792 and 1793, and that in the time of three months, otherwise those that are deficient in settlement for the above years, I shall detain any property that is in my possession of those indebted to the above partnership. SAMUEL THEOBALD. Great Falls, February 28, 1794.
WANTED, A Quantity of Spanish, Chetnut, white and black Oak Bark, for which the highest price will be given. Any persons having land to clear, may have the timber cut down, and a reasonable allowance for the bark, on application to Mr. Andrew Siling, or the Subscriber, who has, to be rented, a House and Lot, in Burke-Street, opposite the Printing-Office. JOHN O'FERRAL. April 12, '94.
At a Court continued and held for Berkeley County, the 20th day of March, 1794. IN CHANCERY.
William Wilson and John Potts, jun. merchants and partners in trade, under the name and firm of William Wilson and Co. of Alexandria, and Thomas Williams and Joseph Carey, merchants and partners in trade, under the name and firm of Williams and Carey, of Alexandria, and Philip Richard Fendell, also of Alexandria.—Complainants. vs. John Leamy, William Cratamond, and Hugh Holmes, executors of the last will and testament of David Cay, deceased, who was surviving partner of the late house of Andrew Clow, and Co. of Philadelphia, and George Hite and John Conrad, merchants and partners in trade at Rutherford's mill, in Berkeley County, under the name and firm of George Hite, and Co. and John Conrad and George Hite, merchants and partners in trade at Charlestown, in the said county of Berkeley, under the name and firm of John Conrad, and Co.—Defendants.
THE defendants, John Leamy, William Cratamond, and Hugh Holmes, not having entered their appearance agreeable to an act of Assembly and the rules of this Court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that they are not inhabitants of this Commonwealth, on the motion of the complainants, by their counsel, it is Ordered, that the said John, William, and Hugh, do appear here on the third Tuesday in May next, and answer the bill of the complainants, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in the Virginia Gazette , for two months successively, and published at the church door in the parish of Norborne, on some Sunday immediately after divine service, and also at the door of the Court-House of the said County. A copy. Test. MOSES HUNTER, c. b. c.
ALL persons are hereby cautioned against taking down my fences, travelling through my fields, or trespassing in any manner on my lands, as I am determined in future to prosecute them to the utmost extent of the law. WILLIAM PATTERSON. March 3 1794.
ALL persons indebted to me for Taxes, Clerk's Notes, or Sheriff's Fees, are hereby earnestly requested to make payment, on or before the 1st day of May next. Those who do not attend to the above request, may expect no further indulgence from, their hitherto too indulgent, Humble Servant, M. TATE, jun. D. S. B. C. April 12, 1794.
PUBLIC NOTICE. WHEREAS on the 7th day of last month, a certain Michael Montgomery and John Dixon, was apprehended in this town on suspicion of having forged a number of notes of the American U. S. Bank. The said Dixon having made his escape, left his horse behind him, which is now in my possession, and I have reason to suspect he is stolen. He is a black horse, full fifteen hands high, about twelve years of age, and no perceivable brand about him. Whoever proves the said horse in a legal manner, may have him again, after paying the expences of his keeping. M. FRAME. Charles Town, Berkeley County, Virginia, April 5, 1794.
TO THE PUBLIC. WHEREAS a certain Gabriel Wilkins, in the state of Maryland, and County of Allegany, hath some time ago made a trespass upon my landed property and surveyed the same, viz. one hundred and fifty acres, on the North Branch of Potowmac, and obtained a grant for the same, from the Commonwealth of Virginia. This is therefore to forward any person or persons from purchasing said land from said Wilkins, as the property is mine in justice and equity, and will not be given up to him or any other person or persons that may purchase the same from him. THOMAS ANDERSON. March 26, 1794.
FELIX M'GINNIS, INFORMS the public, that he carries on the Taylor and Lady's Habit-making Business, one door below Mr. Snodickel's. He wants two or three journeymen, to whom constant employ will be given, and cash paid at the expiration of the week. The work will be done equal to any in Philadelphia or Baltimore. Cash, or country produce at market price, will be received in payment. Martinsburg, April 7, 1794.
FOR SALE AT THE PRINTING OFFICE. Blank Deeds of Bargain and Sale. Common Bonds,