The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1794-11-03 00:00:00

The POTOWMAC GUARDIAN, and BERKELEY ADVERTISER.
[PRICE TWO DOLLARS PER ANN.]
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1794.
[NUMBER 207—VOL. 4.]
WHERE LIBERTY DWELLS, THERE IS MY COUNTRY.
Franklin
MR. PRINTER,
SIR,
By inserting the inclosed Dialogue which happened between one of my neighbours in the lower counties in this state and an Excise Officer you will oblige an old customer.
October 4, 1794.
IT IS ENOUGH TO MAKE A QUAKER SWEAR!
The above sentence was uttered by a country distiller, very early one Monday morning, in the year 1794, at the great distilling season, in Virginia. After a great rain, (he having much ado rested the Sabbath,) all his fuel wet, he being driven up without half sleep to set his still to work, that he might not be ruined with the tax, and oblige as far as might be, complaining customers:—he not being able to make his fire burn, all overwhelmed in smoke and stench, the weather being warm, and he warmer, when one of his neighbours, an Excise Officer, being early in the exercise of his business also, rode up of a sudden with his ruffled shirt, &c. brought on the following dialogue:
G OOD morning neighbour! The distiller rising up and looking about, it being dark, wiping his eyes, &c. said good morning to you sir. Ex. Off. You seem to be angry this morning.—Do Quakers ever swear? Dist. I do not know that I ever heard one swear; but this hellish Excise Law , and other things that I know of in the general government, is enough to make the best man in the world swear, and worse too, if possible. Ex. Off. Without doubt you are out of your senses this morning; it is the law you so much exclaim against, makes your brandy bring such a price this year as it is like to do:—as to the other things you know of in the general government, I do not know what you mean. Dist. Pox take the price for me! what good will it do me when I am dead? but I know it is not the duty on our spirits, that raises the price thereof. Ex. Off. What then? Dist. Why the duties on foreign spirits, and the articles they are composed of; or else we might drink our brandy at our old price, and have our own time for distilling it, without endangering our health &c. Ex. Off. You are very much mistaken; for you ought to thank your stars, that it ever entered into the head of Congress, to pass such a law. Dist. Thank the devil! Ex. Off. You seem to be warm through this morning; I should have thought you would have cooled from Saturday midnight by this time. Dist. I do not know what should cool me; except I were like my cursed still, void of life; for it seems as if the devil was in her this morning, the wood, the fire, or all of them together; for it appears as though I shall never get her to running:—but to tell you the truth sir, I am never cool when I think of this iniquitous law , even the coldest day in winter. Ex. Off. You do not seem to be in a proper frame for conversation, or else I think I could easily convince you of your mistake. Dist. I have been angry it is true; and am now troubled at my heart, that the general government whom I had such confidence in, should so soon after the adoption thereof, treat their constituents like a set of slaves; but if you can convince me of my mistake, I will attend with all the ears I have, and give your arguments all the weight I think they can deserve. Ex. Off. You know there must be money raised to pay our debts, and defray public expences. Dist. I do so, and am heartily willing to bear my equal part of that expence. Ex. Off. Well then, what can be more equal than the duty on spirits;—for those who consume them pay the tax? Dist. I confess it appears so at the first view;—and has, and does fool thousands; and at the first had the same effect upon me; but I have seen better since: for I must assure you, that when any man gives up his liberty for money he makes a bad bargain! Ex. Off. I know not what sort of eyes you must have, or how you calculate to draw such an idea in this case. Dist. I think it is very easily seen, (I mean the imposition of this law,) by all those who have the use of their common senses; not to say any thing of their rational faculties. Ex. Off. Now do tell me wherein? Dist. Why to be short, every man's still is not a lil. expeditious of the same capacity, every man has not the same advantage of working his still to the same profit; and besides, men of slender force who have no one to depend on but a few weakly children with himself to carry on the business (at the best hand)
at this sickly season of the year; it must be presumed, will lose abundance of time, which it seems he must account for if he enters by the month, and if he enters by the gallon it is worse. Wretched alternative!  Ex. Off. But you are running away with the argument; are not men of other descriptions liable to the same inconveniences?  Dist. No for men of property, always have their hands; or at least eat within their reach to effect their purposes; so that this law, you speak to much in favour of, is I say, an iniquitous law.  Ex. Off. It seems you are very hard to please:—what could Congress do, to please every body? You have already given up, that money must be raised for public purposes, what better method could be taken?  Dist. A method not to oppress, nor endanger the health, nor lives of the citizens, nor create a useless number of officers to prey upon the revenue.  Ex. Off. I am at a loss to know what method you can have in your head, that would answer better than the honorable Congress, has thought proper to adopt.  Dist. Why if the revenue requires it, put a moderate tax on the stills themselves annually, whether we work them or not, according to their capacities, as they do on riding carriages, &c. (though I must confess, it is a doubt with me, whether either are strictly constitutional) and then there would not be half the use there is, for so needless a set of beings as you are, riding about in splendor, lording it over honest, and industrious labourers, committing in the execution of your office horrid blunders; (which has not been uncommon, even within the narrow circle of my acquaintance,) to the great prejudice of a number of citizens.  Ex. Off. I think you talk with more confidence than good sense; for I do not know who should be so capable to determine in this case, as our well chosen representatives in that respectable body.  Dist. If you are not careful I fancy you will get warm presently! But say what you may about self confidence, or non-sense, it is from a very painful use of my senses, that I have learned what I have said, and I do most candidly assure you, that I depend more on those monitors, than all their visionary theories in politics, and inconsistent syllogisms which either ancient or modern philosophers, politicians, or logicians, have drawn, and I again repeat it, and must say, that the excise law, as it now stands has not a feature of republicanism in it; but it is iniquitous, oppressive, and a law, dangerous to the health and lives of citizens, and needlessly expensive; and fool as you think I am, I can demonstrate it, if you had patience to hear me.  Ex. Off. Pray let me hear how?  Dist. It is iniquitous;—because it does not bear equally on the citizens in the Union; as might easily be shewn, in sundry instances. It is oppressive, because it deprives free men of the free use of their liberty and property; and it is a question with me, whether a greater stretch of power has ever been exercised in the most despotic governments,—for I ask, might not Congress, with as much propriety, make a law to number and mark our ploughs, carts, wagons, or even our horses, &c. and that when we wanted to use our ploughs, &c. we must apply to a certain officer by law appointed for that purpose, namely: To grant us license to use our ploughs, &c. certifying when we should begin to use them, how long we might use them, and that if we wanted more time to finish our crops, or accomplish our journey, &c. as the case might be, supposing it should be only a day or two, we wanted, or a small remnant of a month, we must stop our ploughs, leave our carts, &c. from home; or else take out a new license for a whole month: or be subjected to a heavy fine. It is dangerous to the health, and lives of the citizens, because it pushes, and unnecessarily drives them night and day in a sickly season of the year, to avoid being ruined by a heavy and oppressive duty.—Upon the whole, if liberty breaths through any part of this law, I have lost all my ideas of republicanism.  Ex. Off. But there is one comfort, viz. you are only one of a discontented few, who lays a word against it.  Dist. That may shew the meekness and patience of Americans in general, and their desire of supporting a government honorable to them; knowing that the eyes of all the world are upon them; if their governors would only let them be half free; (I mean) enjoy liberty in a tolerable degree: but let me tell you, that from what little I know; though that is but little, that Americans have some courage yet, and that very few like the excise law, as it now stands; except it be those who are tinctured with aristocratism , and I fear if a rupture should turn up, the consequences would be very serious.  Ex. Off. Then I suppose, you think that Congress is composed of a set of aristocratical tyrants!  Dist. I have not said so; but if I may be permit-
ed to speak freely, I think from their proceedings in this matter, and some other things that I have discovered in their management; that they mean to try what we can bear: and it is my opinion as an individual, that it is the best way to let them know, or at least, keep them in mind, that they are our servants , and not our masters .  Ex. Off. Be careful lest you should speak treason.  Dist. I am not afraid of that in this case, for I have seen, and noticed the Constitution, on this particular.  Ex. Off. But it appears you are too warm and noisy.  Dist. Well I may: for I do not know, but you are come to take me in, by some of the eninating clauses of this law, (and it is evident there are many,) perhaps you are come to see, whether I have marked my house with capsols, DISTILLER or SPIRITS, or whether I have not left out a letter, or been guilty of some little matter you can get hold of to bring me to punishment; these things, and such like, are enough to warm a man and make him noisy too.  Ex. Off. I see there is nothing to be done with you at present: I must pursue my business: but shall see you before long, and shall wish to know what you mean by the "other things you know of in the general government."—Good day to you.  Dist. The like to you sir.
FOREIGN ADVICES.
FRANCE.
NATIONAL CONVENTION. IMPORTANT OFFICIAL LETTERS.
19 THERMIDOR—Aug. 6.
Letters from the Armies of the Republic. A Secretary read the following from the Commander in Chief of the Northern army. Antwerp. 16 Thermidor, (Aug. 3) 2d year of the Republic, one and indivisible. "Citizen Representatives,
THE whole Republic ought to testify its gratitude to you, on account of the energetic courage with which you have overwhelmed the tyrants, who after having evinced themselves the friends of the people, endeavoured to subjugate them. The army of the North is doubly indebted to you, for these very tyrants were its avowed enemies; they affected to diminish, and to alienate our labours and our triumphs; they pretended that we were vanquished, when we were victorious; but on the very day that their crimes were unveiled, the army of the North took possession of the Island of Cadland. "I felicitate myself, Citizen Representatives, on being the interpreter of this brave army, and in thus offering to you the sentiments of its gratitude and devotion:—It has but one will, and that is liberty:—But one centre, and that is the National Convention.
"PICHEGRU.
Commander in Chief of the army of the North. The same Secretary then read the following letter from the army of the Rhine: Michaud, commandant of the army of the Rhine, to the National Convention.
"Head-Quarters at Neustadt, 14th Thermidor, 2d year of the French Republic, one and indivisible.
"Citizen Representatives, The army of the Rhine received along with the order of the day, your Proclamation relative to the unexpected discovery of the most frightful of all conspiracies. The greater the reputation of the conspirators, the more inestimable becomes the service you have rendered to liberty and the Commonwealth."
"Continue to keep a watchful eye over the interior, to unmask intriguers, to overwhelm the factious, to punish conspirators; and to cause virtue and probity to be respected!
"On our part, we will undermine thrones, we will humble tyrants, we will disperse their slaves, and we will annihilate their satellites.
"The army will never utter but one exclamation, and that is—La Republique & la Victoire!—The Republic and Victory!
"Health and Fraternity. "MICHAUD."
[Then follow several other letters from different departments, societies, &c. all of them expressing great satisfaction at the doings of the Convention, and exhorting them to be firm to their trust—One of them concludes—"Tyrants and Traitors pass away, but the Commonwealth will remain eternal."

L O N D O N, August 22. The people of Brussels now drink deep in the cup of despair. The exactions of the French commissioners are at their height. They have seized from the warehouses of the Merchants, every article for the army service, such as clothes, linen, leather, and hats, and even withheld the wretched payment of assignats.
The city of Brussels, with its proclamation, not having been able to pay the Five Millions of contribution imposed—Two hundred of the most considerable inhabitants have been arrested as hostages and sent into France.
These vexations, robberies, and the ravage of their fine park, of which a part has been razed to the ground, for the encampment of the troops, has caused a moment of fury to succeed the general consternation. The people have dared to murmur, but the cannon every where mounted, and commanding the public streets to sustain the threat of burning the city to ashes, have quieted their indignation, which will only return augmented by this check.
Antwerp is not better treated, although within the four-and-twenty hours they paid the Ten Millions imposed upon them. Their fine pictures are carried off, the only testimony of their former opulence, the objects which attracted the admiration of genius and the curiosity of the traveller.
A gentleman who has made a very accurate calculation of the number of Frenchmen killed by the Treasury prints since the opening of the campaign of 1792, finds, that it amounts exactly to 4,779,000 men, exclusive of the odd hundreds of which the above papers has always disdained to take any account. This gives us a very pleasing prospect of a peace, as the bellum ad internecionem , must consequently be drawing towards a conclusion.
The British armies and the subsidized troops must have spent a prodigious deal of English money in Flanders since the commencement of the war, which stands the Carmagnols in good stead now, that they have put every thing in a state of requisition.
The French, in the expences of carrying on the war, have a very important advantage over Great-Britain in particular. All the necessary expenditure for supporting the immense armies of the Republic is circulated in the nation, and confined within its territories.
England on the other hand, sends her treasures into quarters far from home, and from which it is never to return.
The King of Sardinia receives one part, which is circulated throughout Italy—
The King of Prussia lays hold of an immense sum, which he employs in the reduction of Poland.
The Prince of Hesse and other German Potentates obtain large subsidies, which they take care to keep, and the pay of the British army is all expended in Flanders.
A drain such as this can only be justified by the importance of the contest in which we are engaged, and the knowledge that Great-Britain, from a variety of causes, can render its allies a more effectual assistance on the continent in money than in men.
The Germans have food "for powder" in tolerable plenty, if they could get money to pay them with. England has no slaves whom it can force upon involuntary service; but it has the means of giving money to the mercenary slaves of others.
August 29. The dispatches brought yesterday by Mr. Major from Earl Spencer, and the Right Hon. Thomas Grenville, at Vienna, are, we are informed, of a very satisfactory nature. The Emperor, at the expence of this country, is now willing to defend his own territories, and to co-operate, in the most decided manner, in the views of the British Cabinet, in prosecuting the war against France.
That is, he has agreed to take our money, and has promised to send his armies against France; which, we have no doubt he will perform with as much punctuality as our faithful ally the King of Prussia. We have not learned whether there is to be any article in the agreement between the two countries, stipulating that the conquests shall be at the disposal of Great-Britain, as was the case in the treaty with Prussia, from which we received so many substantial benefits.
The brave Poles are likely to reap important advantages from a jealousy that subsists between their combined oppressors respecting the disposal of the conquests which they have already made, or may in future make.
The King of Prussia insists on having Warsaw when he has conquered it, for which reason the Empress has refused him the least aid in that enterprise.
According to the accounts received by the Admiralty, the French have 25 ships of the line in Brest water, ready for sea:—and 12 others huing. According to our accounts, they have at Brest 42 ships of the line, 22 of which were not in the action of the 1st of June.
On Thursday night there was an attempt made to raise a riot in St. George's Fields, at the milk house, the corner of the London Road, the master of which is a temporary Serjeant to recruit for some of the volunteers in that quarter, the incendiaries did not proceed to their intended acts of violence. It was evidently apparent that the mob was led on by persons above the common rank, whose sole aim is, if possible, under the idea of some pretended grievance, to raise a general riot in the metropolis. The public should, therefore, be on their guard, and narrowly watch these Revolutionary plunderers, who, if once assembled en masse , might commit much depredation before they were stopped in the career of their robberies. As some persons in those mobs frequently cry out, LIBERTY, FRATERNITY
AND PEACE WITH FRANCE, it is an easy matter to conjecture by what party they are encouraged thus illegally to assemble, and wantonly insult the law and constitution of their country. It is yet fresh in the memory of the citizens of London, to what a pitch the wickedness of the mobs in June 1780 arose, and what devastations they committed, for want of a proper severity in government to oppose them at first. Had those who pulled down the Sardinian Ambassador's chapel been fired upon by the guards, and pursued by the horse until they were completely defeated, there the riot would have ceased. But an ill-timed lenity encouraged the insurgents to proceed to that wide spreading devastation which followed. Let us profit from precept, and be warned by example.
The mails from Holland are not arrived, but yesterday we received letters from Flushing, which informs us, that apprehensions are entertained for the safety of Coblenitz, which is not in a condition to resist any attack. Sluys and Hulst had not then surrendered nor was the siege raised, as was reported. The regular communication between Maastricht and Amsterdam had been stopped for a week.
On the 9th inst. the French, after a bloody engagement, carried the entrenchments of Treves, and took possession of the town. Coblenitz is now in imminent danger, and the inhabitants are flying with their effects.
A very respectable merchant in the city has received letters from Lisbon, which mention that Lord Hood has burnt seven sail of the line, seven frigates and six transports.
UNITED STATES.
BOSTON, October 20.
Copy of a letter directed to Messrs. Harrison, Arley, and Co. Merchants in London, and by them sent to Captain Scott, just before he left the Downs.
"GENTLEMEN,
"An order has just been received at the Admiralty Office, (of which a printed copy shall be sent you as soon as obtained) Revoking the article of the instructions of 8th June, 1793, which made it lawful to detain all ships laden with Corn, Flour or Meals, bound to France—but otherwise continuing in force the said instructions.
I am yours, &c.
R. PARKER "
A vessel is said to have arrived at Salem on Tuesday last, in a short passage from St. Lucia, which brings an account, that the French patriots, mulattoes and negroes, united, have retaken the town, and put all the British and Aristocrats to the sword.
A letter from Fort-Royal, Martinico, dated Sept. 10, 1794, received last evening, confirms the above report, and adds, that the French Privateers are cruising off Fort-Royal Bay, and in the channel of St. Lucia. This happy circumstance for the French took place on the 29th August. This letter further informs, that a proclamation had been published throughout the British islands, forbidding American vessels coming there after October, till then they are allowed to bring live stock and lumber only.
N E W Y O R K, October 21.
By the brig Betty, Captain Champlin, 41 days from Hamburg, we learn, that the French are still going on with their victories. Valenciennes and Conde are taken—Sluys taken—The corn in the vicinage of Flushing was cut down and carried off by the French—The English gun-boats, commanded by Smith (who commanded at Toulon) had been cut off by the French, taken, and sunk.
Pichegru had returned from Paris, to the army, with orders to prosecute the war with vigour.
It was reported that Capt. Bombard was beheaded, for breaking the line of the French fleet, in the late engagement with the English, under Lord Howe.
Seven English frigates were cruising in the north seas, supposed to be a convoy for the Duke of York and British troops under his command, who, it was said, were hastening to England.
The French were bombarding Rotterdam, which was expected would soon fall.
PHILADELPHIA, October 27.
Capt. Banner, of the ship Lady Walterhoff, has just now arrived here from Hamburg, which place he left on the 30th of August. He gives a report, as we hear, which he claims to be authentic, that there has been a general engagement between the two armies; that the Poles have been victorious; and that Frederick William has been taken prisoner and burnt alive !
That, before this time, there must have been a bloody battle is more than probable. That the Prussians may have been defeated, and that their king may have been taken prisoner is possible enough; and as he has acted towards Poland with a degree of baseness greater than is usual even among kings, it is not unlikely that in such a condition, he would be made an example of revenge. In a late engagement with Kosciutko, his majesty had a person killed with a cannon ball close by his side.
Capt. Harding, of the ship Pennsylvania, sailed from Liverpool the 29th of August, and had a newspaper of that date, which he was deprived of on Wednesday last by the captain of the Resolution man of war, who took two of his men. Captain Harding and his passengers agree that the French have taken Sluys, and closely invested Breda. The British fleet was reported to have gone out to sea.
Capt. Loke, who sailed from St. Petersburg the 6th of August, informs that the Russians have a fleet
of 22 sail of the line in the Gulph of Finland, and another fleet almost ready for sea at Cronstadt. The Poles have had some successes over the Russian troops. They surprised the town of Libbo, a Russian seaport, where they killed 1000, and threatened Memel.
Head Quarters, Bedford, October 18.
We still are uncertain as to what time we shall tarry here. Parties of horse are detached to scour the country:—Last night they brought in 10 of the insurgents, and this day 2 or 3. Among these are several notorious rebels; one being accused of forging letters, with the signature of the governor, expressing a wish that "the people should persist in their opposition, and they would be protected;"—another is accused of cutting, and a third of hewing the pole set up in this place. They have been examined, and committed to goal to stand trial at the Federal court to be held here.
The first two were taken about 12 miles distant (over the Mountain) without any resistance, out of one house.
I am told that information is received that about 100 more are collected about 20 miles off; 'tis expected a party will be detached after them this evening.
Sunday morning, October 19.
The light horse brought in about 10 more last night.
It appears that several of the persons taken up have been bailed in trifling sums and permitted to depart—this has caused some dissatisfaction.
AUTHENTIC.
The under signed envoy of the United States of America, has the honor of representing to the right honorable Lord Greenville, his Britannic majesty's secretary of state, for the department of foreign affairs.
That a very considerable number of American vessels have been irregularly captured, and as improperly condemned, by certain of his majesty's officers and judges.
That in various instances, these captures and condemnations, were so conducted, and the captured placed under such unfavourable circumstances, as that, for want of the securities required, and other obstacles, no appeals were made in some cases, nor any claims in others.
The under signed presumes, that these facts will appear from the documents which he has the honor of submitting to his Lordship's consideration; and that it will not be deemed necessary at present, to particularize these cases, and their merits, or detail the circumstances, which discriminate some from others.
That great and extensive injuries having thus, under colour of his Majesty's authority, and commission, been done to a numerous class of American Merchants, the United States, can for reparation have recourse only to the justice, authority and interposition of his Majesty.—That the vessels and property taken and condemned, have been chiefly sold, and the proceeds divided among a great number of persons, of whom some are dead, some unable to make retribution, and others, from frequent removals, and their peculiar circumstances, not easily reached by civil process.
That as for these losses and injuries, adequate compensation, by means of judicial proceedings, has become impracticable, and considering the causes which combined to produce them, the United States confide in his majesty's justice and magnanimity, to cause such compensation to be made to these innocent sufferers, as may be consistent with equity; and the under signed flatters himself that such principles may without difficulty be adopted, as will serve as rules, whereby to ascertain the cases, and the amount of compensation.
So grievous are the expences and delays, attending litigated suits, to persons whose fortunes have been so materially affected, and so great is the distance of Great-Britain from America, that the under signed thinks he ought to express his anxiety, that a mode of proceeding as summary, and little expensive may be devised, as circumstances and the peculiar hardship of these cases may appear to permit and require.
And as (at least in some of these cases,) it may be expedient and necessary, as well as just, that the sentences of the courts of vice admiralty should be revised and corrected by the court of appeals here;—the under signed hopes it will appear reasonable to order that the captured in question, (who have not already so done) be there admitted to enter both their appeals and their claims .
The under signed also finds it to be his duty to represent, that the irregularities before mentioned, extended, not only to the capture and condemnation of American vessels and property, and to unusual personal severities, but even to the impressment of American citizens, to serve on board of armed vessels. He forbears to dwell on the injuries done to these unfortunate individuals or on the emotions which they must naturally excite, either in the breasts of the nation to whom they belong, or of the just and humane of every country. His reliance on the justice and benevolence of his majesty, leads him to indulge a pleasing expectation, that orders will be given, that Americans, so circumstanced, be immediately liberated, and that persons honoured with his majesty's commissions, do in future abstain from similar violence.
It is with cordial satisfaction that the under signed reflects on the impression which such equitable and conciliatory measures would make on the mind of the United States and how naturally they would inspire and cherish those sentiments and dispositions

which never fail to preserve, as well as to produce, respect, esteem and friendship. (Signed)
JOHN JAY.
London, July 30, 1794.
The undersigned Secretary of State had the honor to lay before the king the ministerial note which he has received from Mr. Jay, envoy extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America, respecting the alleged irregularity of the capture and condemnation of several American vessels, and also respecting the circumstances of personal severity, by which those proceedings are stated to have been accompanied in some particular instances.
The undersigned is authorised to assure Mr. Jay, that it is his majesty's will, that the most complete & impartial justice should be done to all the citizens of America, who may, in fact have been injured by any of the proceedings above mentioned. — All experience shews that a naval war, extending over the 4 quarters of the globe, must unavoidably be productive of some inconveniences to the commerce of neutral nations, and that no care can prevent some irregularities in the course of those proceedings, which are universally recognized, as resulting from the just rights incident to all belligerent powers. — But the King will always be desirous that these inconveniences, and irregularities, should be as much limited, as the nature of the case will admit, and that the fullest opportunity should be given to all to prefer their complaints, and to obtain redress and compensation, where they are due.
In Mr. Jay's note, mention is made of several cases, where the parties have hitherto omitted to prefer their claims; and of others, where no appeals have been made from the sentences of condemnation pronounced in the first instance.
As to the cases of the first description, Lord Grenville apprehends that the regular course of law is still open to the claimants; and that by preferring appeals to the commissioners of prize causes here, against the sentence of the courts below, the whole merits of these cases may be brought forward, and the most complete justice obtained.
In the cases of the second description, the proceeding might, in some instances, be more difficult, from the lapse of the time usually allowed for preferring appeals. — But his Majesty being anxious that no temporary or local circumstances, such as those to which Mr. Jay refers in his note, should impede the course of substantial justice, has been pleased to refer it to the proper officers to consider of a mode of enlarging the time for receiving the appeals, in those cases, in order to admit the claimants to bring their complaints before the regular court appointed for that purpose.
The undersigned has no doubt that, in this manner, a very considerable part of the injuries alleged to have been suffered by the Americans, may, if the complaints are well founded, be redressed in the usual course of judicial proceeding, at a very small expence to the parties, and without any other interposition of his majesty's government than is above stated: — until the result and effect of these proceedings shall be known, no definitive judgment can be formed respecting the nature and extent of those cases, if any such shall not have been practicable to obtain substantial redress in this mode. — But he does not hesitate to say before hand, that, if cases shall then be found to exist, to such an extent, as properly to call for the interposition of government, where, without the fault of the parties complaining, they shall be unable from whatever circumstances, to procure such redress, in the ordinary course of law, as the justice of their cases may entitle them to expect, his majesty will be anxious that justice should at all events be done, and will readily enter into the discussion of the measures to be adopted, and the principles to be established for that purpose.
With respect to all acts of personal severity and violence, as the king must entirely disapprove every such transaction, so his majesty's courts are always open for the punishment of offences of that nature; and for giving redress to the sufferers in every case where the fact can be established by satisfactory proof; nor does it appear that any case of that nature can exist, where there would be the smallest difficulty of obtaining, in that mode, substantial and exemplary justice.
On the subject of the impress, Lord Grenville has only to assure Mr. Jay, that if in any instance, American seamen have been impressed into the king's service, it has been contrary to the king's desire; though such cases may have occasionally arisen from the difficulty of discriminating between British and American seamen, especially, where there so often exists an interest and intention to deceive: Whenever any representation has been made to Lord Grenville on the subject, he has never failed to receive his Majesty's commands for putting it into a proper course, in order that the facts might be enquired into, and ascertained; and to the intent that the persons in question might be released, if the facts appeared to be satisfactorily established.
With respect to the desire expressed by Mr. Jay, that new orders might be given with a view to prevent, as far as it is possible, the giving any just ground of complaint on this head, Lord Grenville has no reason that his Majesty's intentions respecting this point are not already sufficiently understood by his Majesty's officers, employed on that service, but he nevertheless obtained his Majesty's permission to assure Mr. Jay, that instructions to the effect desired will be renewed in consequence of his application.
The undersigned avails himself with pleasure of this opportunity to renew to Mr. Jay, his assurances of his sincere esteem and consideration.
D. William Street, 11t August, 1794.
Department of State, Oct. 1794.
I hereby certify that the foregoing representation by Mr. Jay, to Lord Grenville, of the 30th July, & Lord Grenville's answer of the 11t Aug. are truly copied from the originals on file in the office of the Department of State.
GEO. TAYLOR, Jun. Chief Clerk.
BALTIMORE, October 24.
Capt. Ward, of the sloop Industry, arrived here on Sunday last, informs, that St. Marks was taken by the Republican army, and that the British lost 700 men in the engagement — that there has been a severe earthquake in the neighbourhood of l'Anceveaux, which damaged a great number of plantations and other property.
ALEXANDRIA, October 25.
[A gentleman immediately from Kentucky communicated the following.]
"Mr. Pringle." "On the 11t September Col. Whitley, with 250 Volunteers from Kentucky, marched against the Southern Indians living on the Tennessee river, after being joined by a party from Cumberland and Clinch, amounting to 230, and attacked one of the Cherokee and Chickamaw towns, killed 54, and took 23 prisoners — on the part of the whites 9 wounded, three supposed mortal. This may be relied on, as I had it from Col. Whitley himself, and saw the prisoners he had taken."
It is reported with confidence, that in consequence of the statu quo agreement between Mr. Jay and the British minister, Major Campbell has evacuated the fort at the rapids of the Miami.
[Minerva]
Extract of a letter from an Officer in the army defeats a-gainst the Western Insurgents, to a gentleman in this town.
"Fort Cumberland, October 18."
"The President of the United States arrived here the day before yesterday, with Col. Hamilton, and will probably remain only until to-morrow. I does not appear that he intends to take the command of the army, or cross the Mountain. I suspect he has made some alteration relative to the movement of the Maryland and Virginia troops. They were to have marched in two columns. The Southern division, consisting of General Duke's brigade, would have been commanded by General Morgan, and the Maryland line (about 1000 effective) with General Mathews's brigade under the immediate command of the Governor. It seems that this arrangement is discontinued, and that the whole of the Virginia and Maryland troops will go on together, which I imagine will take place in five or six days. This new plan I take to have originated with the President, from a disposition of guarding against any shadow of advantage on the part of the insurgents. I do suppose the whole army will cross the Mountain in two columns, and unite on the other side. So formidable a force will probably prevent opposition, and restore order and subjection without bloodshed. In most of the countries they are busily employed, but it is with the pretext of defence against the Six Nations of Indians. Should a spirited and popular leader place himself at their head, they are most unquestionably ready to be led on to the field of slaughter."
"The Pennsylvania and Jersey troops are at Bedford. I am told they are deficient with respect to their quotas, except as to cavalry. Maryland is shamefully deficient, while the patriotic state of Virginia has within one or two hundred of her full compliment, and better disciplined militia I think I am authorised to say have scarcely ever been seen in America. The day after their arrival here, they had a scurried demonstration that a militia man might be flogged, and two or three instances of a similar nature since has operated a scene of order and subordination scarcely to be exceeded in an army of veterans."
I inclose you the general orders of to-day this moment come to hand, from which you will discover that we shall probably move sooner than I have mentioned above. On the back of the general orders I have put down a list of the general officers, with their grades.
"I am, &c."
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head Quarters, Fort Cumberland, October 18.
A corps of light troops consisting of two battalions of Infantry, two battalions of rifle-men, a detachment of artillery, and one squadron of dragoons to be immediately formed, to consist of four complete companies, and will be commanded by a major, and the whole by a Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.
The army will hold themselves in readiness to move at a moment's warning: Major General Morgan with the corps under his order will join the main body, the time and place of junction will be communicated to the General.
The President of the United States has been pleased to appoint General Hand Adjutant General; he is to be respected accordingly.
His Excellency Governor Lee, Commander in Chief.
M ss lin, 2 Pennsylvania Howell, 3 New Jersey
Major General Tron, 4
GRENVILLE.
Brigadier General Smith, 6 Chambers, 7 Pennsylvania Proctor, 8 Pennsylvania Darke, 9 Virginia Mathews, 10 Virginia Waite, 11 Cummings, 12 New Jersey Major General Miller, Q. M. Gen. Hand, Adjutant General. Pennsylvania Colonel P. Neville, Pay-Master General.
MARTINSBURG, November 3. 1794.
The last accounts from Europe stated that the Prussians, under the command of their king, had laid siege to Warsaw: that the city, from different circumstances, could not be subjected to a complete blockade; but that the Prussians had begun to bombard it. One of the reasons why it was not closely invested, may have been that Kosciusko, at the head of fifty thousand Poles, was entrenched under the walls. This was the common report, and the substance of it was undoubtedly genuine.
A letter from Brest mentions, that since the execution of Robespierre, the guillotine at Paris has been taken down, and the city is tranquil. Bombard is executed, and Vandogen late of the Concord, has been slain in action.
Capt. Smith, of the ship Nancy of Baltimore, arrived at New York on the 24th ult. from Brest, which he left on the 4th September, has furnished the following information: —
Capt. S. left in Brest waiting for sailing orders, 5 three deckers, and 29 two deckers, besides a number of frigates: the French have out of Brest, cruising, 42 frigates, besides corvettes.
The day before Capt. S. sailed, 11 British prizes, 9 Danes and Swedes, and 2 Americans, arrived in Brest; one of the prizes was the Belmont East-Indian, outward bound.
Capt. S. says it was currently reported in Brest that the French had taken St. Sebastian, and were heaving shells and red-hot shot into Ferrol, which, it was thought, would soon surrender; they likewise had an account of the taking Valenciennes, the garrison of which were all put to the sword, except one man, whom they gave liberty to go and inform his countrymen of it. It was also supposed that the French would soon be in possession of Amsterdam, as they met with little resistance.
The division of troops under General Morgan, were, on the 21st ult. eight miles east of the Big-Crossing, proceeding on their way to Pittsburgh.
We learn from Kentucky, that about the 7th ult. Mr. Elliot, one of the principal contractors for the army under General Wayne, was killed by the Indians, near Fort-Hamilton.
THIS PAPER completes the 4th Volume of the POTOMAC GUARDIAN: — All persons indebted to the Editor, are requested to make payment; those who are in arrears exceeding one year's subscription and do not discharge the same, must expect their papers discontinued. — It being the determination of the Editor immediately to adjust his concerns, calls on all persons having accounts open with him to bring them in for settlement.
November 3, 1794.
LOST, on the 28th ult. between Martinsburg and my own house, a small bundle containing sundry BANK BILLS, to the amount of 80 dollars. — Whoever should have taken up the same and returns it to me, shall be entitled to Fifteen Dollars. NICHOLAS ORRICK.
Nov 3, 1794.
HENRY BROTHER, INFORMS his friends in particular, and the public in general, that he has taken that old accustomed Tavern, kept, for many years, by his Father-in-Law Christian Brengle, in Patrick Street, Frederick-Town, Maryland, next door to Major Montz's, where gentlemen will receive kind treatment, good liquors, and careful treatment to their horses.
Frederick Town, November 1, 1794.
ONE DOLLAR per Bushel, in cash, Will be given for RED-CHAFF WHEAT, weighing 60, By DAVID HARRIS, at his Mill in Martinsburg.
November 3, 1794.
THE subscriber takes this method of informing the public, that he has erected a Tan-Yard in Martinsburg, where he purposed carrying on the Tanning business in all its various branches. He has now on hand, and ready for sale, Upper, Sole, Bridle, and Skirting leather; country produce will be taken in exchange. The highest price given for Hides and Skins.
WANTED
Immediately, a few loads of Corn, and two apprentices to the Tanning business.
JOHN O'FERRALL.
October 29, 1794.
THE subscriber will sell, on the last day of November Court next, several empty barrels and kegs, together with twelve gin cases with empty bottles, and about 20 dozen black bottles. Three months credit will be given, with security.
FLO. MAHONY.
November 1, 1794.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
A NEW SONG.
THE GUILLOTINE.
Tune, "God save the King."
GOD save the Guillotine. Till England's King and Queen, Her power shall prove: Till each anointed knob Affords a clipping job, Let no vile halter rob, The Guillotine.
Tame let thy trumpet sound, Tell all the world around
How Caesar fell:
And when great GEORGE's poll Shall in the basket roll, Let mercy then controul
The Guillotine.
When all the scepter'd crew Have paid their homage due The Guillotine, Let Freedom's flag advance, Till all the world like France, O'er tyrant's graves shall dance, And peace begin.
AT a meeting of the Justices of the Peace, for the County of Berkeley, at the Court-house, on the 18th day of September, 1794. Resolved that Robert Stephen, John Kearsey, John Davenport, William Little, William Hayscow, John Kearney, and Richard Baylor, Gentlemen Justices, do attend throughout the whole of the ensuing Quarterly Term.
Teste, MOSES HUNTER, Clk.
THIS is to caution all persons from throwing down my fences, travelling thro' any of my fields, or committing trespass in any manner whatever, as heretofore has been practiced to my injury, as I shall in future put the law in force against any one who shall be found taking upon themselves such unwarrantable privileges.
DAVID GRAY.
October 6, 1794.
THE Partnership of David Harris and Jacob Edge is this day dissolved by mutual consent, and no further purchases to be made or dealings had in future under the said firm. Cash given for wheat at my mill in Martinsburg.
DAVID HARRIS.
October 3, 1794.
NOTICE.
WHEREAS a number of Bonds and Notes passed to the Subscriber, dated 7th November last, payable in nine months, have been some considerable time due, it is requested that immediate payment be made; an indulgence to the 7th of November next being the greatest that can possibly be given, therefore, such as fail payment by that time, may depend upon having suits commenced immediately without discrimination.
JAMES RUSSEL.
Berkeley County, October 18, 1794.
FULLING and DYING.
THE Subscriber takes this method of informing his customers, and the public in general, that he still carries on the Fulling and Dying Business, as usual, at Edward Beeton's fulling mill, in sight of Martinsburg, in Berkeley County; he having furnished himself with a quantity of Dye-Stuffs, which will enable him to accommodate his customers with the most fashionable colours.
To make it more convenient for those attending Court, raw cloth will be received at Edward Beeton's Store, near the Court-House, and returned when dressed; specimens of the work may be seen there.
WILLIAM BAILEY.
October 14, 1794.
Good encouragement will be given to a person who will collect RAGS.
TAKE NOTICE.
AN advertisement, published in the Potomac Guardian the 13th instant, authorising my brother John Cook, to transact business for me for two years, was done without my knowledge or consent.
GILES COOK, jun.
October 18, 1794.
Three Dollars Reward.
STRAYED from my stable on the 13th September last, a two year old stud colt, midling dark bay, black mane and tail, between 14 and 15 hands high, had a scar on the rump done by a hot iron, and a scar on the inside of the left gambel joint of the hind leg, some white on one of the hind feet. Any person bringing said horse to the subscriber, at David Harris's mill, Martinsburg, shall receive three dollars reward. The colt trots naturally.
JACOB EDGE.
October 18, 1794.
WHEREAS I passed my note of hand with Capt. Joseph Chapline, security, bearing date the 19th instant, to a certain Joseph Clark, jun. of Berkeley County, and State of Virginia, for the payment of seven pounds ten shillings, in twelve months from the date, which note was for a mare which proved to be unsound, and died in three or four days afterwards. Now this is to forewarn all persons whatsoever from taking an assignment of the said note, as I am determined not to pay it until compelled by law.
WILLIAM MOUND.
Washington County, Maryland, Sept. 26, 1794.
At a Court continued and held for Berkeley County, the 20th day of August, 1794.
Adam Weaver, Compt.
vs. In Chancery.
Thomas Crampin, Deft.
THE defendant 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 defendant do appear here on the third Tuesday of November 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 Norbourne, on some Sunday immediately after divine service, and also at the door of the Court House of the said County.
A copy. Teste. MOSES HUNTER, C.B.C.
WHEREAS I passed my note of hand to a certain Benjamin Shepherd, for five pounds six or seven shillings, Virginia currency, payable the fifteenth day of October next; I do hereby caution all persons from taking an assignment on, or buying said note, as I can make it appear that there was a mistake made in settling the account for which the note was given, and I shall not pay it till the mistake is rectified, unless compelled by law. The said Shepherd lives in Frankfort town, Hampshire county.
BENJAMIN SHIPMAN.
September 25, 1794.
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
WAS Stolen out of the Subscriber's pasture, on the night of the 24th inst. a dark bay horse, three white feet, a star in his forehead, a little white on his lower lip, fifteen hands high and about eight years old; supposed to be stolen by a certain John Dobson, (a Collier) lately from Patten and Miles' iron works in Pennsylvania. Whoever will secure said horse, so that the owner gets him again, shall receive Eighteen Dollars, and for horse and thief the above Reward, if delivered to me, near Keeptrist Furnace, upon Potomac.
ADAM MOLER.
Berkeley County, September 25, 1794.
TO BE SOLD, A TRACT OF LAND, lying on Middle-Creek, near Buckles-Town, Berkeley County, containing 512 acres, 8 of which are bottom, and has a mill seat; the land is well timbered.
For terms, apply to
EDMUND FRAYATT.
October 29, 1794.
FOR SALE AT THE PRINTING OFFICE. Bonds for deliverance of Property, Magistrates' Summons. Blank Deeds of Bargain and Sale. Blank notes, &c.
On Tuesday the 28th of November next, Will be sold by Public Vendue, THE Plantation of the subscriber, situated on Opeckon, two miles from Martinsburg, containing about 120 acres, of which 25 acres are good meadow, one third fit for mowing, about 45 acres of the whole tract cleared, the remainder well wooded, with several good springs, on which is a good log house, 20 by 30, 12 1/2 story high, well covered, a good square log kitchen, 18 by 16, a good barn, two bays and a threshing floor, all in good tenable repair, the whole under good fence.
A L S O.
Horses, cows, hogs, a waggon, ploughs, farming utensils, &c. &c.
The sale to begin at 9 o'clock, on the premises, when the terms will be made known.
ALEXANDER RODGERS.
A list of Letters remaining in the Post Office Shepherd's Town which if not taken up before the 1st day of January next, will be sent to the General Post Office as dead letters.
 A. Robert Aull, care of John Kearsey, Esq.  B. Isabella Barras, Berkeley; Robert Brooke, Esq.  C. Joseph Crane, near Charlestown.  D. Bryant Dermont, care of Thomas Pollock.  K. Charles King, Berkeley.  L. Lancelot Lee, near Charlestown.  M. George Mason.  N. William Naylor.  O. Thomas Orr, care of Thomas Pollock.  P. John Potts, Berkeley.  T. William Thompson, Merchant, Charlestown.  W. James Wilson, Cooper, at Foreman's mill. 
WILLIAM GOOD, Jun. P. M.
Shepherd's Town, October 1st, 1794.
A list of Letters remaining in the Post Office Martinsburg, which if not taken up before the 1st day of January next, will be sent to the General Post Office as dead letters.
 B. William Beatty, Charlestown, in Berkeley.  D. Robert Dunn, care of Hugh Vance.  G. William Glenn, near Martinsburg.  H. William Hair, mill creek, care of Hugh Vance, Berkeley.  K. Maurice Kain, care of David Wolgamott, Martinsburg.  L. Sally Lyle, Berkeley.  M. Andrew McDonald, care of J. Campbell, Esq. Berkeley; Morgan Morgan, Berkeley; Thomas Moon, near Martinsburg.  P. George Porterfield, near Martinsburg.  S. Joseph Seal, near Martinsburg. Benjamin Street, Warm Springs, Berkeley.  W. James Wright, sen. care of Josiah Wright, Martinsburg; Corbin Washington, Esq. Prospect-Hill, near Charlestown. 
EVAN SHELBY, P. M.
Martinsburg, October 3rd, 1794.
HOGS' BRISTLES.
Wanted, a quantity of Hogs' Bristles, for which 1/6 Pennsylvania currency per pound will be given, by JOHN GARDNER, in Shepherd's Town. October 19, 1794.
Notice is hereby given, that a Petition will be preferred to the Assembly of this State, at the next session, for establishing a ferry from the land of Richard Henderson & Co on Potomac river, to the land of Denton Jacques, in Washington County, Maryland.
Berkeley County, October 15, 1794.
HOPS, in any quantity, may be had of James Marshall, at Bull-Skin, adjoining Dr. Bull's plantation, at the head of James Connaway's marsh.
Richard Ransone,
INFORMS the Public in general, that he has opened a Public House in Martinsburg, at that eligible stand formerly occupied by Mr. James Graham, and opposite the Harp and Crown. The conveniences of the house, stable, &c. together with his determination of keeping a constant supply of the best liquors, provisions, &c. and every requisite both for the traveller and citizen, he hopes to obtain a share of public patronage.
August 18, 1794.
2m.
Cash given for clean Cotton and Linen RAGS, at the Printing-Office.