The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1791-01-03 00:00:00

The PATOWMAC GUARDIAN, and BERKELEY ADVERTISER.
PRICE TWO DOLLARS PER ANN.]
M O N D A Y, JANUARY 3, 1791.
[NUMBER 8 OF VOL. I]
WHERE LIBERTY DWELLS, THERE IS MY COUNTRY.
Franklin.
Foreign Advices.
P A R I S, October 3.
The FRENCH KING's intended flight to Rouen.
The following is a translation of an official letter received from Rouen by the committee of enquiry of the National Assembly.
T HE King is determined at last to come and live at Rouen; he has yielded to the earnest entreaties of her Majesty, whose mind has been filled with terror by the Duke of Villequier. This nobleman has persuaded the Queen, that his Majesty would be dethroned if he did not fly from the capital, and that the inhabitants of Rouen, gained by the Duchess of Villeroi, who has been very active these ten months to form a considerable party, would answer on their heads for the success of a counter-revolution, if the King would but consent to come to Rouen, or suffer himself to be removed thither.
The principal agent of this surprising and unaccountable woman, is M. Portier, Director of the Farms at Rouen; it is he who has engrossed the five hundred signatures that have been presented to the King by the Duke of Villequier; it is he who is the nobleman, who has sworn to form amongst them a flying camp, to equip themselves at their own expence, and to defend their monarch to the last drop of their blood.
There exists likewise another confederacy between them and the National guard of Rouen. The moment the King shall appear in the midst of the troops, the Parliament of this town are to take their seats, fix the price of bread at one sol (half penny) per pound, and order the most refractory to be hung. The King is to hold a bed of justice, wherein he will annul all the National Assembly's decrees. An edict in the form of a manifesto, will order the provinces to send new members to the States General, who are to subscribe to the declaration of the 23d of June. The Duchess, in her visits at Dieppe, a la Meillerie and at Havre, has procured many valuable friends. They say she can command ten millions of livres to defray the King's expenses: she has likewise monopolized all the corn necessary to keep the bread for six whole months at so low a price as a sol per pound. She is the soul of the plan, and keeps a correspondence in cypher, with the Duke, her brother. Portier and Le Picq, a physician, do all they can to enlist the malcontents. Unluckily have been of the number. Piqued at some of the National Assembly's decrees, that deprived me of part of my fortune, and of some manor-rights, I entered the list; but my conscience looking with horror at a counter-revolution, that cannot be brought about but by the effusion of so much blood, I sacrifice my hatred of some of the operations of the assembly, for the sake of preventing, if it is in my power, a new conflagration.
All the writings against the Assembly come here addressed to Portier, who takes care to distribute them to foreign powers, in order to excite them to defend the nobility. The chief conspirators names are, Messrs. Portier, Le Picq, Mauduit, de la Houssaye, and Ferret du Havre; and the ladies, Mortonville, and Fouquet. Mauduit carries the dispatches to and from Paris, under the name of La Bourdonnaye.
P. S. Since the writing of the above, new discoveries have been discovered. The Chevalier de Belbeauf set out this morning for Paris, with several packets addressed to the Archbishop of Toulouse, to the Abby Maury, and to Messrs. Bergasse and Cazales, who are the pivots of the conspiracy. He carries likewise an address to his Majesty from the section of the Oratoire of Rouen, who invited him to come hither, and enjoy the love of his subjects. The Chevalier has his dispatches in the barrels of his pistols, and the linings of his coat.
L O N D O N, October 11.
There is a Spanish Count now in London, a Mexican by birth, who has frequent interviews with the Minister. He has been ill-treated by his own court, and has taken refuge in this country, as an asylum against further prosecution. He is a man of letters and talents, and is well able to give the best information concerning the present state of the Spanish American Colonies.
Complaints have been daily made for some time past, of the secrecy of government in all its different departments. It surely cannot be well founded, for immediately upon the return of the fleet, we had the order of battle and of sailing displayed in a morning paper, for the benefit of our enemies.
The five ships for the grand naval armament have barrels well supplied; there is in each barrel about 120lb of corned powder, 63lb. of pitch, 10lb. of tallow, 40lb. of sulphur, 50lb. of salt petre, 6lb. of rosin, and three pints of oil.
October 15. By a gentleman who arrived from Paris on Monday night last, we are informed, that the marine officers of that kingdom, in a body, have refused acting in case of a war with England. This refusal is generally known to arise from an idea, that such a circumstance would be favourable to a counter-revolution.
Admiral Earl Howe and the officers of his fleet, are getting their live and other stock on board, previous to sailing, which will take place the latter end of this week—his Lordship is indefatigable in forwarding every preparation for that event.
The troops intended for immediate embarkation, including those to be shipped from Ireland, will amount to 6000 men, and these consist of some of the ablest veterans of the English army.
October 16. There was a considerable alarm upon the stock-exchange yesterday, owing to a report very industriously circulated, of unfavourable news from India; and it was confidently asserted, that Tippoo had totally defeated the British army in the Carnatic: but upon the fullest enquiry, we can assure our readers, that there is not any foundation for the report; and that the real fact is as follows:—Tippoo has been for some months before the lines of Travancore, and the last accounts from India stated, that there could be no doubt of his carrying them, as they were many miles in extent, which he has at length effected, and has taken an inconsiderable fortress, called Crongora, in the dominions of the Rajah of Travancore; but there was not a single British soldier opposed to him.—The event is no farther of consequence, than it makes the war between the English and Tippoo inevitable: and the account further states, that a very considerable British army was on its march from the Carnatic to Serengapatam, the capital of Mysore, which must draw Tippoo immediately to the defence of his own dominions. Colonel Hartley, of the Bombay establishment, was also arrived at the head of a considerable force in the neighbourhood of Tellicherry, or the Malabar coast, and the Bengal detachment was in full march to join the Nizam, so that there can be little doubt of our receiving intelligence of the utmost importance, as soon as these separate armies shall have reached the scene of action. The account of Tippoo's success before the Travancore lines, came to St. Helena in the London East-Indiaman, and was transmitted from thence by a vessel employed in the Whale Fishery, which arrived yesterday morning.
They write from New-York, that Spanish dollars are more plentiful in that city than at any former period. One Spanish vessel openly landed 50,000, and lodged them in a merchant's hands, who is well known to have a political, as well as a pecuniary disposition. But whether these dollars are to buy goods, to buy friendships or to buy votes, is not so easily determined.
Might not an offer to Congress, for a supply of seamen to serve on board our fleet, be a subject worthy the consideration of government? We have often applied to Germany for troops, and why not to America for sailors.
It is possible that such a measure might also destroy that resentment against Great Britain, which many individuals there find it their interest to keep alive, and bring about an union between the two nations, as sincere and permanent as the similarity of the language and religion would naturally warrant.
The honorable Admiral Leveson Gower, in the ensuing cruise, is to hoist his flag on board the Illustrious of 74 guns; and Sir Robert Curtis is appointed first captain to Earl Howe, as commander in chief. Captain H. C. Christian is removed from the Colossus into the Queen Charlotte.
Two fleets are preparing for the West-Indies.—The first, under rear admiral Cornish, will accompany the grand fleet, which is to convoy it clear of the channel and bay.
The second squadron destined for the West-Indies will consist of
Victory 110 guns, to bear lord Hood's flag, captain J. Knight—Barfleur 98, vice-admiral Elliot, captain J. C. Reynolds—Royal Sovereign 110, J. Dikes—Elephant 74, captain C. Thompson—Robust 74, captain R. Cotton—Asia 64, captain R. Mitchell—Lizard 28, captain J. Holt.
Many persons are still serious of opinion that there will be no war. But did ever any man prepare a large and sumptuous banquet, who did not expect guests to partake of it? The citizens of London can answer the question.
PORTSMOUTH, October 13.
This forenoon a King's Messenger arrived here with despatches for Admiral Earl Howe, which he carried on board the Queen Charlotte at Spithead; and it has been since reported, that a reconciliation has taken place between the Courts of England and Spain.
This morning about three hundred Marines were draughted from the division here, and shipped on board the fleet at Spithead.
CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16.
IN Committee of the whole on the militia bill.—Mr. Livermore in the Chair.
The committee made some progress in the discussion of the bill. Several amendments and alterations were proposed and some of them adopted.
Mr. Gilman moved that persons upwards of 45 years of age, instead of upwards of 50, as in the bill, should not be enrolled in the militia. This motion was agreed to.
A motion made by Mr. Parker, that such persons, as are unable to furnish themselves with military accoutrements, should be supplied by the United States, after some debate was negatived.
The residue of the conversation this day was on the subject of exemptions from militia duty. Several motions were made; but no essential alterations took place in the bill.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17.
Hon. Benjamin Bourne, Esquire, Member from Rhode-Island, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat.
Hon. J. Hathorne and J. Sevier, also took their seats this day.
Mr. Seney moved that the petition from the town of Baltimore should be referred to a select committee.
Mr. Smith, [S. C.] observed, that as the subject of regulating harbors, &c. would undoubtedly come before the legislature, and a general provision be made respecting the object of the petition—he submitted it to the gentleman whether it would not be best that this petition should be referred to the committee that would be appointed for that purpose.
Mr. Seney acquiesced, as he said his wish was to have this petition referred to a select committee.
An Address was presented from the people called Quakers, praying an exemption from militia duties, and penalties on that account.
The bill for continuing an Act declaring the consent of Congress to certain Acts of several states, was read the second time, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
A message was received from the Senate informing, that they have passed a bill supplementary to an act making further provision for the debts of the United States, in which they desire the concurrence of the House, which was read the first time.
In committee of the whole, on the Militia bill.—Messrs. Lawrence and Fitzsimons had given their opinion on the merits of the question then before the house, "Whether a power of exempting from militia duty should be left with the State Legislatures;" or, "whether it was proper for the house to specify every exemption that ought to take place." Mr. Fitzsimons was of the second opinion, Mr. Lawrence supported the first principle.—The debates now ran on an amendment of Mr. Fitzsimons's to a motion of Mr. Lawrence, to strike out that clause in the section which vested an exempting power in the individual states. Mr. Fitzsimons wished that instead of striking it out, the following words be substituted, viz. "and also the members of the State Legislature, and such other officers as shall be exempted by laws passed for that purpose by the several states."
Mr. Vining said, that as the power of organizing the militia had been, by the constitution, intrusted to the general government, he conceived they should use it, and specify what persons should be exempted from militia duty. If part of this power was entrusted to the different states, he feared there often would be a clashing in the laws of the general government, and those of the particular states directing these exemptions. To leave it in the power of the different states to make exemptions, he conceived, would render them too general, and deprive the militia of many valuable soldiers. He said he thought that this privilege should by no means be extended to all judiciary officers and magistrates; they were necessary to preserve that order so desirable in the military. He hoped Mr. Lawrence's motion would succeed without alteration, and that the house proceed to make every exemption they might think necessary. If they took too great a latitude, or confined the limits too much, he trusted to the wisdom of the Senate to rectify the error they might fall into.
Mr. Sherman said, that the different states had certainly an inherent right to arm and protect the lives and property of the citizens. More effectually to exercise this right, they have been willing to give up to the general government the power of fixing what arms the militia should use, by what discipline they should be regulated, and by what number of officers commanded, in order to obtain

that uniformity so necessary to enable the militia from the different states effectually to co-operate in the common defence; but he conceived the states had still the right to say what descriptions of persons should compose the militia, and to appoint the officers that were to command it.
Mr. Seney thought differently; the constitution, he said, expressly gave the organization of the militia to the general government. If it was left with individual states, they might chuse to make exemptions too numerous for the general good.
Mr. Ames said, that if he understood the intention of the amendment proposed by Mr. Fitzsimons, it was to lessen the list of exempted; but he conceived that giving to the states a power of making those exemptions, would have a contrary tendency. He was of opinion, however, that the house might be very liberal in their exemptions, or that the militia of the United States would be found too numerous and unweildly.
Mr. Bloodworth was in favour of Mr. Fitzsimons' motion.
Mr. Jackson said that if the motion of the honorable gentleman from Pennsylvania was adopted, there could be no uniformity observed in the establishment of the militia. It had been said, he observed, that Congress might be very liberal in making exemptions, as the militia would still be sufficiently numerous. He was of a different opinion; in case of insurrection or invasion, it was impossible to say in what part of the continent the storm might threaten; if an armed force was found necessary in Georgia, the New-Hampshire militia could be of no use, if the country was suddenly invaded and required immediate aid for its defence. It was therefore essential that every part of this extensive country be provided with immediate means of defence by a numerous and well-regulated militia. He concluded by giving it as his opinion, that the exemptions be as few as possible, and all be made by the House.
Mr. Madison inclined to strike out the clause.—He fore saw that the house would be led into many difficulties in endeavouring to make a proper list of exemptions. The practice of the States, he remarked, was various, as appeared by their militia bills; in some, the Members of the Legislature, even, were not exempted.
Mr. Lawrence observed, that the power given to the general government of organizing a national militia had been given by the different states for their own good. It was said, he remarked, that the constitution did not absolutely declare that the house should determine what persons ought to compose the militia, but might content itself with saying who should make that determination. The house, he added, had shewn its sense of the construction that ought to belong to the word organized in this case, having already declared that the militia should be composed of men between 18 and 45. The house could very well make the exceptions to that general rule, so as to suit the different states, by consulting their militia laws. Offices it had been said, might in future be created, this he allowed; but the bill was always open to amendment. He concluded by inviting every gentleman on the floor to propose such exemptions as were thought necessary; there could be no inconvenience, he observed, in increasing the list of them, the militia would still be sufficiently numerous for every good national purpose.
Mr. Huntington hoped the clause might be struck out altogether; if it stood, it could not be said, he observed, how far the States might incline to carry their power. One State might for the encouragement of a particular art or manufacture, grant an exemption from militia duty to all engaged in it, and thereby draw artificers and tradesmen from neighbouring States, much to their prejudice. Exemptions, he said, should be uniform throughout the States.
Mr. Baldwin was of opinion that exemptions should not be uniform. Different states, he said, would naturally call for different regulations. In some fishermen should be privileged, in some inspectors of merchandise, in others those who had long rivers to navigate, to convey the produce of the country to market. He wished therefore the power lodged with the different states. It was said, he remarked, that they might in their exemptions go too far; they had he observed, every reason not to carry them beyond proper bounds. The right of bearing arms was a privilege granted to the states, and not a duty imposed on them. This gentleman concluded with making some general remarks upon the nature of a militia. It never could be, he said, very effective. In those parts of the country indeed, that were populous, it might be of consequence by its numbers, but the want of proper discipline would always render it a feeble means of defence.
Mr. Fitzsimons withdrew his motion and Mr. Lawrence's was carried without alteration. A motion was then made to exempt all practising physicians, surgeons, apothecaries and their apprentices. This was unsuccessful.
Mr. Seney moved for a provision to exempt, besides ministers of religion having the charge of congregations, such as were authorized in their different sects and societies to preach the gospel. This was agreed to.
Mr. Jackson called for an exemption in favour of the Printers of Newspapers and of Pilots.
The first part of the motion was lost, the second part relating to Pilots carried.
Mr. Giles moved for an exemption in favour of inspectors of tobacco.
Mr. Vining added and of flour. Mr. Giles agreed to the alteration.
Mr. Bloodworth wished that all inspectors of American exports be exempted. This was agreed to.
All ferrymen on post roads were also included in the list of exempted.
Mr. Wadsworth feared that the exempted would soon become so numerous as to cut off seven-eighths of the militia. He moved that the Vice-President of the United States and other officers belonging to the general government, as specified in the bill, together with such as in the different states, by their militia laws were exempted, be exempted.
Mr. Jackson moved to have the principle of requiring a compensation from the exempted, now fixed. After some debate he withdrew his motion.
The house passed to the consideration of the third section, and some debate ensued on the first clause of it.
Mr. Fitzsimons moved that the power of arranging the militia under proper divisions, &c. be lodged with the President of the United States, and not given to the governors of each state.
Mr. Ames said that the only way of obtaining an uniform militia, would be to leave the arrangement of it to one person.
Mr. Boudinot was against the motion. He conceived that as the constitution had expressly given a power of organizing the militia to the house, it was incumbent on the house to exercise it, and not in their power to transfer it. The President's advice might be taken, it had been taken by the committee.
Mr. Seney observed, that it was proposed to give to the President not more power than what was by the bill delegated to the state governors.
Mr. Jackson said, in his opinion, an executive officer should perform the duty. The President's time, he observed also, was too precious to be spent in a business of that nature.
Mr. Madison observed, that the President would hold the power which it was proposed to give him, in an executive, not a legislative capacity.
Mr. Jackson remarked, that the opportunities which state governors have of being informed of the population in the states over which they preside, would enable them to make proper arrangement in divisions, &c. with greater facility than the President could do the same.
Some further objections were made to the amendment, which was however finally carried.
Mr. Wadsworth's amendment here followed, and was carried, and then,
Mr. Smith made his motion, which was ordered to lie on the table.
The committee rose, reported progress and asked leave to sit again.
The house adjourned to Monday.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21.
The bill supplementary to the act entitled, an act making provision for the public debt, was read, the third time, and passed.
A bill declaring the officer who, in case of vacancy in the office of President and Vice-President, shall act as President, was read a second time, and ordered to be referred to a committee of the whole on Monday next.
A bill declaring the respective times when the electors to vote for a President of the United States shall be elected, and give in their votes, was also read a second time, and referred to a committee of the whole on Monday next, as was a bill directing the mode in which the list of the votes for a President shall be transmitted to the seat of the government of the United States. One hundred copies of these bills were ordered to be printed.
Mr. Williamson gave notice, that he intended to ask leave to bring in a bill for preventing invalids from selling, or disposing of their pensions, before they become due.
The house then resolved itself into a committee of the whole, on the militia bill, Mr. Livermore in the chair. After some time spent in considering the same, the committee rose, and reported the bill with amendments.
The Vice-President of the United States, the Chief Justice of the United States, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Attorney General of the United States, Report to Congress, That pursuant to the act making provision for the reduction of the public debt, they, on the 26th of August, 1790, convened in the city of New-York, and entered on the exercise of the trust reposed in them;—that conformable to their resolution, approved by the President of the United States on the 28th of the same month, they have commenced the purchase, through the agency of Samuel Meredith, which on the 29th day of November last, amounted to the sum of 278,687 dollars, 30 cents, registered debt of the United States, for which there have been paid 150,239 dollars, 24 cents in specie, as will more particularly appear by a return of the same Samuel Meredith, confirmed by an authenticated copy of his account settled at the treasury of the United States, and prayed to be received as part of this report, in which are specified the places where, the times when, and the persons of whom the said purchases have been made.
Signed, by order of the board, JOHN ADAMS. The return above-mentioned, was read; after which the House adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22.
The house proceeded to the consideration of the committee of the whole on the Militia Bill. The amendments to the first section, as proposed by the committee, were adopted by the house.
A motion was then made by Mr. Bloodworth,
for a further amendment: on which a debate arose, which lasted without interruption till the usual time of adjournment.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23.
Mr. Lawrence presented an address from the representatives of the religious society of the people called Quakers, inhabitants of the state of New-York.
Mr. Floyd from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported, that they had examined the enrolled bill, entitled, An act supplementary to an act, entitled an act making further provision for the payment of the debt of the United States.
On motion of Mr. Lawrence, it was ordered, that copies of the report of the Secretary of State, on the uniformity of weights and measures, and the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, on the establishment of a national bank, be transmitted to the Senate.
A message was received from the President of the United States, with papers from the Governor of the territory northwest of the Ohio, which was read, and transmitted to the Senate.
The House proceeded to the further consideration of the Militia Bill, made some progress therein, and then adjourned.
IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
DECEMBER 23, 1790.
RESOLVED, That it would be inexpedient to alter the system for funding the public debt established during the last session of Congress, and that the petition of Thomas McKean and others, filing themselves a committee of the public creditors of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, cannot be granted.
The yeas and nays being required upon the above resolution were as follows:
YEAS—Messrs. Basset, Butler, Dalton, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Elmer, Few, Foster, Hawkins, Johnson, Lard, King, Langdon, Maclay, Read, Schuyler, Stanton, Strong, Johnston, Wingate. NAYS—Mr. Morris.
S A L E M, December 17.
Capt. Wallace arrived here, since our last, from Bilboa, from whence he sailed the 22d of October. Immediately before his departure, his merchant, who had before supposed that the courts of Spain and England had mutually agreed and settled, informed him, that the last mail brought intelligence, that England had rejected the terms proposed by Spain for an accommodation. And it was expected, that the demands of Britain would rise in proportion to the increase of their armaments: and that Spain would hazard the event of a war, rather than submit to them.
By what we can learn, the Spaniards place but little reliance on any effectual assistance from France. The internal circumstances of France must render an interference on her part extremely dangerous.
B O S T O N, December 2.
A CORRESPONDENT
Thinks the rulers of the United States ought not to view the impending hostilities in Europe with indifference. It never can be supposed, that the vast preparations making in Great-Britain, are intended merely to carry on a war with Spain, about the unimportant harbour of Nootka, or even the fisheries of the Southern Ocean. Neither interest nor honor could induce her to purchase so trivial a benefit at the price she must inevitably pay for it. The leading trait in the character of the British minister is secrecy; and if his ambition should lead him to endeavour to replace in the crown of England, the GEM which it hath lost in our revolution—it is most likely he would assign a foreign cause for his preparations therefor. Tho' such an attempt is not to be dreaded, we ought to be prepared to meet every attempt of either envy or ambition. The detention of the Western Posts, by the British, is not calculated to remove suspicion, and the British minister may, perhaps, think that the French nation is in too deranged a situation again to assist us.
The English papers assert, That the American Congress have unanimously resolved, not to take any part in the present impending war. The wisdom of the American Congress will do what is right.
N E W-Y O R K, December 16.
The celebrated Capt. PAUL JONES is now in France, having quit the Empress of Russia's service, where, it is said, his longer continuance had become dangerous to himself, on account of the plots and machinations of the British officers, in the Russian navy, against his life.—Envy, it is further said, had no small share in procuring the dismissal of this brave officer from the Russian service.
"The great Alcides, every labour past, Had still that monster to subdue at last."
PHILADELPHIA, December 17—24.
It is strange, that, when some men are inclined to deviate from truth, they do not observe an appearance of candour, and a consistency with probability. A late paragraph in sundry newspapers has suggested this idea. We are there (however weakly) informed, that the American Regulars had been defeated by the savages in the western country; and that the bodies of the savages which were slain stopped the current of St. Joseph's river, by forming a dam. Wonderful, indeed! Either their army must have exceeded one hundred millions in num-

ber, or St. Joseph's river must not have been deeper than a Philadelphia gutter. Amplification, it is confessed, frequently gives animation to eloquence. The defeat of Xerxes, by a few heroic Greeks, at the pass of Thermopyle, is a trifle when compared with this miraculous account. The Hellespont, we are told, groaned beneath the weight of the navy of Persia. So numerous was the army (which perhaps had only salted provision to subsist on) that their thirst exhausted rivers, when their appetite was delicately gratified by the fish which they found gasping in their channels. Where they found fuel to cook their food, it is impossible to say, but it must be presumed, that they eat it raw, without bread or vegetables.
Be it remembered, that, when it is intended to please by invention, although facts may not be strictly adhered to, probability ought in some degree to be consulted. When therefore editors, or other paragraphists, think proper to indulge fancy, let them not altogether lose sight of reason, lest disgust should be felt by their readers, and sooner or later contempt ensue.
The truth is, that the BRAVE GENERAL, commanding in the Western Territory, and the few gallant troops under his auspices, have acted bravely, and are victorious. By far the greater part of them will return with glory to their homes, where, instead of stopping the current of a river, they will stop the torrent of defamation.
It appears from the New-York newspapers, that fire-wood is now sold at three pounds a cord in that city. It is fortunate, however, that their celebrated oysters will save them much wood, in the business of cookery, as these may be eat raw.
It must, observes a correspondent, be highly pleasing to every friend of the growing manufactures of this country, to be informed, that the elegant plated work of the harness belonging to the President of the United States, was manufactured by Mr. Healy, of this city.
The Friends of American Manufactures present their compliments to Congress, and wish to be informed how far it is consistent with justice, that, whilst the sons of the wealthy, attending our universities, are to be exempt from militia duty, the sons of poor men, acquiring the knowledge of some useful trade or manufacture, should be subject to it?
An English paper says, A most extraordinary bridge has been built over the river, Boyle, at Londonderry, which is about nine hundred feet wide, and forty feet deep at high water: this bridge joins the city and county. This immense pile was constructed by Mr. Cox, an American, who, with twenty of his countrymen, and a few labourers, completed this bridge, consisting of fifty eight arches, all of American oak, in five months—not a log of this wood having been imported before the first of May last.
N. B. The river was surveyed by the late Mr. Millae, last summer, who declared that a bridge there was impracticable.—The cost was about 15,000l.
It is with great pleasure we inform the public, that the PRESIDENT of the United States declines receiving visits on Sundays—an example worthy of the imitation of all men, more especially of those gentlemen who fill public stations.
In taking a view of the present situation of the UNITED STATES, there is no idea more forcibly impressed on the mind, than the peace and tranquility which prevail under the auspices of the general government; The inferences which naturally result from this consideration are highly complimentary to the public administration of our affairs—With one solitary exception only, not a whisper of disapprobation has been heard—and this is so confessedly local and partial, that it can hardly be supposed to have the smallest influence out of the state where it originated, and even there, it is to be presumed, that a deep impression of the importance of preserving the harmony of the STATES, will forcibly operate to prevent the smallest schism in the sacred bond of Union. What then remains, but that our civil fathers should proceed with confidence in perfecting the great work they have so ably begun?—The present session commences under the most favourable circumstances; the public approbation of men and measures has been so generally exemplified in the recent elections, that we may justly expect, that energy, independence and despatch, in the public business, which past success and public confidence inspire.
Civil government is the first gift of Heaven to man—It is the only safeguard of liberty—that form which Heaven has bestowed on the people of the UNITED STATES, appears the most conducive to this great object, because it provides for an equal and just representation of the various interests of all: Had the representation been comprised in one branch, it may well be doubted whether the public business would have been conducted with that despatch, or been so cordially accepted by the people as it has been—the decisions of a majority of one body, can never be supposed to speak the sense of the people so fully as that of two—for the opposition in opinion which frequently occurs between the two branches, and that mutual jealousy which is always discernable, plainly prove that an interest always exists among the people, which cannot be recognized and have justice done to it, in a single assembly.
GEORGE-TOWN, December 18.
On Tuesday 7th inst. the ship Sampson, Captain Thomas Moor, arrived at Baltimore from London. In this vessel came passenger the Right Rev. Doctor JOHN CARROLL, recently consecrated Bishop of the CATHOLIC CHURCH in the UNITED STATES—On the landing of this learned and worthy Prelate,
he was respectfully waited on by a number of his fellow citizens, of various denominations, who conducted him to his residence. In the same vessel also came passenger (and was landed in Virginia) the Right Rev. Doctor JAMES MADISON, Bishop of the EPISCOPAL CHURCH of VIRGINIA.
The national debt of France is said to be four thousand nine hundred and fifty-two millions, one hundred and forty-five thousand, sixty-five livres—two hundred and six millions sterling.—[How much the National Assembly will lessen this sum, time alone must determine.]—By a late statement it appears, that since the meeting of the National Assembly, their expenses, and the debts of the Clergy, payment of which they have assumed, with incidental charges, amount to nineteen hundred million of livres!—Query, whether the national bankruptcy of France, supposing such event possible, would not affect the neighbouring powers, particularly Great-Britain, whose debt is about the same?
M. DUPERNE has been appointed Director of the Public Treasury of France, in the room of M. NECKAR.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, January 3.
The important subjects of deliberation submitted to the National Legislature—and on which they will be called to decide, must render the debates of the present session highly interesting.
From past experience we justly anticipate a full and candid discussion of every proposition; and the success of public measures already adopted, no doubt, will insure a confidence in all parts of the Legislature, in discharging the powers with which they are invested by the Constitution.
Our commerce, our navigation, our agriculture and manufactures, those great objects of national concern, on the prosperity of which depends that of every individual citizen of the UNITED STATES, derive an invigorating principle from the speech of the President of the UNITED STATES.—They appear to have engrossed a great share of his contemplation during the recess—and with that zeal with which he embraces every idea connected with the public happiness, he recommends them to the serious consideration of the National Legislature.
By reason of the severity of the weather last week, the Patowmac now forms an impregnable BRIDGE—loaded waggons pass and repass with the greatest safety.
Saturday night last, between the hours of 9 and 10, a fire broke out from a kitchen occupied by Mr. Michael Dilarock, in this town, which, in a very short time was reduced to ashes. Notwithstanding a large wooden house stood not more than 10 feet from the building consumed, yet, by the alertness of the inhabitants, who immediately repaired to the place on the first discovery of the fire, it was rescued from the devouring FLAMES.—It is not known from what circumstance this accident took place, as there had not been any fire in the kitchen during the day—but it is supposed, as the blaze first made its appearance at the chimney, that some spark had lodged the day before in a beam which went athwart it, and had been smouldering until the time of its breaking out.—Previdentially the wind was very still—had it been otherwise, from the situation of a number of wooden houses situated in the neighbourhood, the most distressing and fatal consequences must have ensued.
QUERE—Whether the above accident may not tend to rouse the public-spirited citizens of this place, to set on foot some plan, by lottery or otherwise, to furnish the town with that very necessary and valuable machine, a FIRE ENGINE, which, of course, would lead to forming FIRE COMPANIES, and consequently obtaining a supply of LEATHER BUCKETS, the want of which was very sensibly felt on Saturday night.
Extract of a letter from Barbadoes, to a gentleman in Philadelphia, dated November 10, 1790.
“Nothing of any consequence has reach'd us yet from Europe, in the political way.—We have now in the road, eight very large ships, laden with provision for the troops in the West-Indies, a sufficiency for at least two years, and some more are expected. We can hardly expect hostilities to commence this winter. The spring of the year will bring on serious work.”
The following is the 4th Section of the Militia Law of the United States, which was the subject of debate in the House of Representatives, the 20th ult.
“And be it further enacted, That in order to promote military knowledge among the citizens of the UNITED STATES in their youth, and for the purpose of furnishing the means of immediate defence in case of invasion or insurrection, the citizens of the UNITED STATES, forming the militia thereof as aforesaid, and who shall be of the age of eighteen years, and under the age of twenty-five years, shall be separately enrolled by the captain or other commanding officer of the company, and officered by the state, and formed into distinct companies by themselves, in like manner as is herein before directed, which companies shall form the light infantry or riflemen of each battalion or regiment.—That to each brigade there shall be at least one company of artillery, and one troop of horse. The officers of each company of artillery shall consist of one captain, two lieutenants, four sergeants, four corporals, six gunners, six bombardiers, one drummer and one fifer. The officers to be armed with a sword or hanger, a fuzee, bayonet and belt, with a cartridge box to contain twelve cartridges; and each private or maréchal shall furnish himself at his own expence with all the equipments of a private in the infantry, until proper ordnance and field artillery is provided. The officers of each troop of horse shall consist of one captain, two lieutenants, one cornet, four sergeants, four corporals, one fad-
ler, one farrier, and one trumpeter. The commissioned officers to furnish themselves, at their own expence, with good horses, of at least fourteen hands high, and to be armed with a sword and pair of pistols, the holsters of which to be covered with bear-skin caps. Each dragoon to furnish himself, at his own expence, with a serviceable horse, at least fourteen hands high, a good saddle, bridle, housing, holsters, and a breast-plate and crupper, a pair of boots and spurs, a pair of pistols, a sabre, and a cartridge box, to contain twelve cartridges for pistols. That each company of artillery and troop of horse shall be formed of volunteers from the brigade, at the discretion of the commander in chief of the state, not exceeding one company of each to a regiment, nor more in number than one eleventh part of the infantry, and shall be uniformly clothed in regimentals to be furnished at their own expence, the colour and fashion of which to be determined by the brigadier commanding the brigade to which they belong.
By the GOVERNOR of the Commonwealth of VIRGINIA.
A Proclamation.
WHEREAS the Reward offered for apprehending BENJAMIN WOODWARD, by a Proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, issued on the 29th day of June last, has been deemed insufficient, the said Benjamin still absconding from Justice; I have therefore thought fit, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Council of State, hereby to offer a Reward of FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS to any person who shall apprehend and convey the said Ben. Woodward to the Jail of the district of Petersburg: And I do moreover require all Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs and Constables, within their Counties and Bailiwicks, to use their best endeavors to apprehend and convey to the district Jail aforesaid, the said Ben. Woodward.
Given under my hand, and seal of the Commonwealth, at Richmond, this 8th day of December, 1790.
B. Randolph.
A Purse of Money!
Was left on the Counter of the Subscriber, by some person unknown, a Purse, with a SUM OF MONEY in it. Any one that will give an exact description, prove property, and pay the charge of this advertisement, may receive the Purse and Money from
JOHN KEALSLEY.
Shepherd's-Town, December 31, 1790.
A Stray Cow.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, A Milch Cow, 10 years old—her sides red—her face and belly white—has a white streak along her back—has wide horns—and is ear-marked, but the mark forgot. Whoever will give information where the above stray cow is, shall be handsomely rewarded, by
ABRAHAM MORGAN.
Shepherd's-Town, January 1, 1791.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Dec. 20, 1790.
IT is hereby made known, that the following arrangement has been adopted towards carrying into execution the Act, making provision for the debt of the United States, viz.
Loan-Office Certificates, and those issued by the Commissioners for the adjustment of accounts in the several States, will be receivable only at the Treasury and by the respective Commissioners of Loans within the States in which they were respectively issued. The Certificates issued by the Register of the Treasury, by the Pay Master General and Commissioner of Army Accounts, by the Commissioners for the adjustment of the Accounts of the Quarter Master's Commissary's, Hospital, Cloathing, & Marine Departments, Indents of Interest, and Bills of Old Omission, will be receivable indiscriminately at the Treasury and by the Commissioners of all the States.
The Printers in the several States are requested to insert this.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
FOR THE PATOWMAC GUARDIAN.
WHEN care believes my soul of rest, And passions cloud my day; Come calm CONTENT, assuage my breast, The Intruders drive away.
When anxious thoughts and troubles call, From them with thee I'll roam; Or shut the door and tell them all, That I am not at home.
With thee I'll walk life's mazy round, With thee I'll spend each day; With thee all happiness is found, With thee, ah! let me stray.
Say, what avails the merchant's toil, The statesman's pow'r or pride; The miser's gold, the fair one's smile, If thou art still deny'd?
Vain are the joys in fortune's train, Vain are the gift's of heav'n; All nature's richest gems are vain, Unless thou too art given.
Then leave me not, dear calm CONTENT, Since without thee I pine; Until life's latest ebb is spent, D. B—— is thine.
The following extract from a late European publication shows, that the most distressing consequences may result from judgments founded on circumstantial and presumptive evidence, however strong.
A YOUNG lady, named D'Aumont, was executed in the city of Lyons about six years ago, for the supposed murder of her uncle, the chevalier de la Poulone, with whom she lived in the most affectionate harmony from her infant years. Having conceived a passion for a very deserving young officer, who was quartered in the town, and between whom and the young lady, a mutual affection subsisted, she came to a determination of eloping with him unknown to her uncle, and only admitted one female servant to her confidence. It unfortunately happened, that this woman was plagued with a private soldier, who meditated the plan of murdering the chevalier, with a view of plundering the house on the night the elopement should take place, in order that the unhappy niece should be judged the perpetrator of the horrid deed, which was accordingly effected with every degree of savage barbarity. The young lady and the officer were immediately pursued, brought back and committed to prison. The former was tried and executed on the false evidence of the female servant; the latter was cashiered and condemned to the galleys for life.
About five months ago, the servant being taken ill, threatened to divulge the whole matter before a magistrate; to prevent which, the soldier, who had married her, put an end to his wife's existence. But, at length, feeling sincere remorse for those repeated murders, he voluntarily surrendered himself up to justice, confessed the whole affair, and was publicly executed amidst the execrations of the enraged multitude.
What adds to the dreadful recital is, that the young lady was no less remarkable for her beauty than her unaffected piety and sweet simplicity of manners. A broken heart soon terminated the miserable existence of the wretched officer, who died six weeks after the execution of the most amiable sufferer, in most excruciating tortures.
A most superb monument is to be erected at the public cost, in remembrance of this melancholy event.
Notice!
WHEREAS my Wife Catharine Lindsay, for a long time past, has behaved herself in an unbecoming manner, which I have suffered with every fortitude I was master of, but, on my late return from Winchester, I not only discovered her criminally connected with another man, but that she had run me in debt at several places in this town—I therefore am, in justice to myself, obliged to forbid all persons trusting her in future on my account, as I will pay no debt of her contracting, after this date.
DAVID LINDSAY.
Shepherd's-Town, November 23, 1790.
FOR SALE, A Valuable Plantation,
Situated in BERKELEY COUNTY, About 8 miles from SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, and one mile from HALL'S MILL, containing about 363 acres, 100 of which is now under improvement, has a good ORCHARD, with 120 bearing APPLE-TREES, a two-story stone DWELLING-HOUSE, with a KITCHEN, BARN, convenient OUT-HOUSES, LOOM HOUSE, DISTIL-HOUSE, &c. &c. There are on the above Land 20 Acres of excellent MEADOW, and a number more might easily be made. A stream of good water runs through the whole Meadow. The Plantation is under good improvement. Whoever may incline to purchase the above Land, are requested to apply to the Subscriber, living on the premises.
THOMAS CROW.
November 23, 1790.
A Stray.
CAME to the Plantation of the Subscriber, about a month ago, a small black GELDING, about four years old. He is poled and appraised to forty-two shillings Virginia Currency. The owner may have him by proving his property and paying charges.
GILES COOKE, sen.
December 3, 1790.
Fort-Cumberland Nail-Manufactory.
At this place I make all sorts of
Nails, Brads, Spikes,
and SPRIGS,
Which I will sell low for cash, or country produce. I also want a Number of NAILORS, that are good workmen, and I will give good wages.
JOHN PEIRCE.
November 22, 1790.
N. B. At this place we work all Stone Coals.
Richard M c Sherry,
At his NEW STORE in Martinsburg,
(Lately Mr. M c KEWAN's Tavern)
Is now opening and has ready for SALE, on the lowest terms, by wholesale and retail.
BEST old Jamaica and Antigua Spirits,
West-India and New-England Rum, London Madeira, Lisbon, Teneriff and Claret Wines, Loaf, Lump and Brown Sugar, Molasses, Coffee, Chocolate and Cotton, Hyson, Green and Bohea Tea, Ginger, Pepper, Allspice and Mustard, Gun-Powder, Shot, Flints, and Bar Lead, Indigo, Copperas and Madder, Crawly and blistered Steel, Cotton and Wool Cards, Iron and Salt, Queen's and Glass Ware.
Cash, Wheat, Rye, Oats, Bees-Wax, Indian Corn, and Public Securities, will be received in Payment.
WANTED, A GOOD MILCH COW.
Any person who has one to dispose of, may hear of a purchaser, by applying to the Printer.
CAME to the House of the Subscriber about the first July last, FOUR EWES, all twelvew-forked in the right ear. The owner is requested to come, pay charges, and take them away.
JOHN BANKS.
Berkeley County, Virginia, 5 miles from Shepherd's-Town, near Patowmac River.
The Subscriber returns his most grateful thanks to the citizens of this town and its vicinity, for the generous encouragement they have given him; and at the same time informs them, that his School of Vocal Music, will re-commence this evening, at six o'clock, at Mr. DOWELL's SCHOOL-HOUSE.
J. WILKINSON.
NOTICE is hereby given, that agreeable to Law the following Tracts of Land, or so much thereof, will be sold for the Taxes due thereon, and the expenses, viz.
  JOHN BELL, 150 Acres for 1787 and 1788.   Jonas Bean, 100 for ditto   William Chambers, 225 for ditto   George Coon, 187 for ditto   George Clarke, 115 for ditto   Samuel Davis, 100 for ditto   Benjamin Foreman, 200 for ditto   Tho. Lord Fairfax, 761 for ditto   John Fleed, 100 for ditto   Michael Ingle, 90 for ditto   Matthias Keen, 30 for ditto   John Lemon, 79 for ditto   John Loer, 1 Lot,   Edward M c Kenny, 100 Acres for ditto   James Nourse, 879 for ditto   John Rizer, 103 for ditto   Jacob Roads, 295 for ditto   Daniel Rust, 100 for ditto   William Small, 150 for ditto   Wil. Vassall's heirs, 283 for ditto   James Willett, 123 for ditto   Thomas White, 167 & half for ditto   John Wimmer, 1 Lot   Bazel Abrams, 100 for 1788   John Brannon, 200 for ditto   Sam. Banks's exec's. 127 for 84, 85, 86, 87 & 88.   Jonathan Brown, 100 for ditto   William Barnes, 200 for ditto   William Crawford, 1 Lot for ditto   — Clarke, 1 do. for ditto   John Crockett, 1 do. for ditto   Col. Carlyle's exec's. 4 do. for ditto   Thomas Dent, 550 Acres for ditto   James Elliot, 100 for ditto   James Edmondson, 743 for ditto   George Eskridge 1000 for ditto   James Fulton, 150 for ditto   Peter Finagle, 40 for ditto   George Foland, 2 Lots   Nancy Fox, 148 Acres ditto   Tho. Lord Fairfax, 750 do. and 5 Lots,   William Fitzhugh 1 Lot,   Michael Faulkler, 1 do.   William Gilbreath 105 Acres,   William Grant, 100   Richard Graham, 400   Jean Logan, 272   David Hofman, 240   — Hamlin, 800   — Higgins's exec. 1 Lot   Col. Howard, 1 do.   Col. Hite, 2 do.   Jeremiah Holkinson, 200 Acres,   John Jackson's exec. 86   Joseph Keen, 300   Adam Kellon 1 Lot,   Fielding Lewis, 1 do.   Luke & Milback, 1 do.   William M c Mahan, 300 Acres,   Thomas M c Intire, 200   Joseph Mitchell, 145   Mary Manning, 300   John Noland, 1 Lot,   William Neal, 100 Acres,   William Neely, 400   John Perkins, 172   M. Page, 1 Lot,   Daniel Reed, 10 Acres,   Ann Roberts, 100   Thomas Ruffel, 1 Lot,   Gapser Seever, 96 Acres,   John Stull 1 Lot,   Henry Stephens & Co. 1 do.   Jacob Tabler, 1 do.   Mebling Woolery, 2 do.   Jacob Ward's exec. 50 Acres,   Williams & Cary 100   Henry Yakey 450 
The sale will commence the 10th of FEBRUARY next, on the Land of John Bell, and continue from Day to Day, until the Whole is sold.
SMITH SLAUGHTER, (Late Sheriff Berkeley County.)
December 3, 1790.
Notice.
RAN away from the subscriber, on the 1st of November last, at Winchester, an indentured apprentice named JOHN HUTCHINSON. All persons, particularly Printers, are cautioned against harbouring or employing the said apprentice, as they would avoid the penalty of the law. Whoever will bring him to me at Shepherd's-Town, shall receive what the law allows, for their trouble. N WILLIS.
Wanted immediately, by the Printer hereof,
A strong active Lad, who has received a tolerable education, would be taken as an Apprentice to the Printing-Business.