The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1791-01-18 00:00:00

United States.
TREASURY-DEPARTMENT.
DECEMBER 13, 1790.
In obedience to the order of the House of Representatives, of the 9th day of August last, requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and report on this day such further provision as may, in his opinion, be necessary for establishing the public credit—the said Secretary RESPECTFULLY REPORTS,
THAT the object which appears to be most immediately essential to the further support of public credit, in pursuance of the plan adopted during the last session of Congress, is, in the establishment of proper and sufficient funds, for paying the interest which will begin to accrue after the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, on the amount of the debts of the several states, assumed by the United States; having regard at the same time, to the probable or estimated deficiency in those already established, as they respect the original debt of the union.
In order to this, it is necessary, in the first place, to take a view of the sum requisite for those purposes,
The amount which has been assumed of the state debts, is
21,500 000.
The sum of annual interest upon that amount, which according to the terms of the proposed loan, will begin to accrue after the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, is
788,333. 33
The estimated deficiency, in the funds already established, as they respect the original debt of the United States, is
38 291. 40
Making together, 820,624. 73
For procuring which sum, the reiterated reflections of the secretary have suggested nothing so eligible and unexceptionable, in his judgment, as a further duty on foreign distilled spirits, and a duty on spirits distilled within the United States, to be collected in the mode delineated in the plan of a bill which forms a part of his report to the house of representatives, of the 9th day of January last.
Under this impression, he begs leave, with all deference, to propose to the consideration of the house—
That the following additions be made to the duties on distilled spirits imported from foreign countries, which are specified in the act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States, namely.
On those of the first class of proof therein mentioned, per gallon, eight cents.
On those of the second class, per gallon, eight and a half cents.
On those of the third class, per gallon, nine cents.
On those of the fourth class, per gallon, ten cents.
On those of the fifth class, per gallon, ten cents.
On those of the sixth class, per gallon, fifteen cents.
And that the following duties be laid on spirits distilled within the United States, namely :
If from molasses, sugar, or other foreign materials, and of the said first class of proof, per gallon, eleven cents.
—of the said second class of proof, per gallon, twelve cents.
—of the said third class of proof, per gallon, thirteen cents.
—of the said fourth class of proof, per gallon, fifteen cents.
—of the said fifth class of proof, per gallon, twenty cents.
—of the said sixth class of proof, per gallon, thirty cents.
If from materials of the growth or production of the United States, distilled within any city, town, or village, and of the said first class of proof, per gallon, nine cents.
—of the said second class of proof, per gallon, ten cents.
—of the said third class of proof, per gallon, eleven cents.
—of the said fourth class of proof, per gallon, thirteen cents.
—of the said fifth class of proof, per gallon, seventeen cents.
—of the said sixth class of proof, per gallon, twenty-five cents.
And upon each still employed in distilling spirits from the like materials in any other place than a city, town, or village, in lieu of the rates above-mentioned, the yearly sum of sixty cents, for every gallon English wine measure of the capacity on
each still, including its head; exempting nevertheless all such stills, within a certain defined dimension, as are used essentially for domestic purposes of their respective proprietors.
The product of these several duties (which correspond in their rates with those proposed in the report above referred to, of the ninth of January last) may, upon as good grounds as the nature of the case will admit, prior to an experiment, be computed at eight hundred and seventy-seven thousand and five hundred dollars; the particulars of which computation are contained in the statement which accompanies this report.
This computed product exceeds the sum which has been stated as necessary to be provided, by fifty thousand eight hundred and seventy-five dollars, and twenty-seven cents; an excess, which, if it should be realized by the actual product, may be beneficially applied towards increasing the sinking fund.
The secretary has been encouraged to renew the proposition of these duties, in the same form in which they were before submitted, from a belief, founded on circumstances which appeared in the different discussions of the subject, that collateral considerations, which were afterwards obvious, rather than objections to the measure itself, prevented its adoption during the last session; from the impracticability which he conceives to exist, of devising any substitute equally conducive to the ease and interest of the community; and from an opinion that the extension of the plan of collection, which it contemplates, to the duties already imposed on wines and distilled spirits, is necessary to a well grounded reliance on their efficacy and productiveness.
The expediency of improving the resource of distilled spirits, as an article of revenue, to the greatest practicable extent, has been noticed upon another occasion. Various considerations might be added to those, then adduced, to evince it. But they are too obvious to justify the detail. There is scarcely an attitude in which the object can present itself, which does not invite, by all the inducements of sound policy and public good, to take a strong and effectual hold of it.
The manner of doing it, or in other words, the mode of collection, appears to be the only point about which a difficulty or question can arise. If that suggested be liable to just objections, the united information and wisdom of the legislative body ensure the substitution of a more perfect plan.
The secretary, however, begs leave to remark, that there appears to him two leading principles; one or the other of which must necessarily characterize whatever plan may be adopted. One of them makes the security of the revenue to depend chiefly on the vigilance of the public officers; the other rests it, essentially, on the integrity of the individuals, interested to avoid the payment of it.
The first is the basis of the plan submitted by the secretary; the last has pervaded most, if not all the systems which have been hitherto practised upon, in different parts of the United States. The oaths of the dealers have been almost the only security for their compliance with the laws.
It cannot be too much lamented, that these have been found an inadequate dependence. But experience has, on every trial, manifested them to be such. Taxes or duties, relying for their collection on that security, wholly, or almost wholly, are uniformly unproductive. And they cannot fail to be unequal, as long as men continue to be discriminated by unequal portions of rectitude. The most conscientious will pay most; the least conscientious, least.
The impulse of interest, always sufficiently strong, acts with peculiar force in matters of this kind, in respect to which a loose mode of thinking is too apt to prevail. The want of the habit of appreciating properly the nature of the public rights, renders the impulse, in such cases too frequently an overmatch for the sense of obligation: And the evasions, which are perceived or suspected to be practised by some, prompt others to imitation, by the powerful motive of self-defence. They infer, that they must follow the example, or be unable to maintain an advantageous competition in the business; an alternative very perplexing to all but men of exact probity, who are thereby rendered in a great measure victims to a principle of legislation, which does not sufficiently accord with the bias of human nature. And thus the laws become sources of discouragement and loss to honest industry, and of profit and advantage to perjury and fraud.
It is a truth that cannot be kept too constantly in view, that all revenue laws, which are so constructed as to involve lax and defective execution, are instruments of oppression to the most meritorious part of those on whom they immediately operate, and of additional burdens on the community at large.
The last effect is produced in two ways. The
deficiencies in the funds (which is the main afford only partial exemptions) must be supplied from other taxes: And the charges of collection, which, in most cases are nearly the same, whether a tax or duty yield much or little, occasion an accumulation of the ultimate expence of furnishing a given sum to the treasury.
Another, and a very serious evil, chargeable on the system opposite to that proposed, is, that it leads to frequent and similar violations of oaths: which by loosening one of the strongest bands of society, and weakening one of the principal securities to life and property, offends not less against the maxims of good government and sound policy, than against those of religion and morality.
It may not be improper further to remark, that the two great objections to the class of duties denominated excises, are inapplicable to the plan suggested. These objections are—First, the summary jurisdiction confided to the officers of excise; in derogation from the course of the common law, and the right of trial by jury: and, secondly, the general power vested in the same officers of visiting and searching, indiscriminately, the houses, stores, and other buildings of the dealers in excised articles. But by the plan proposed, the officers to be employed are to be clothed with no such summary jurisdiction, and their discretionary power of visiting and searching is to be restricted to those places, which the dealers themselves shall designate by public insignia or marks, as the depositories of the articles on which the duties are to be laid.—Hence it is one of the recommendations of the plan that it is not liable to those objections.
Duties of the kind proposed are not novel in the United States; as has been intimated in another place. They have existed to a considerable extent, under several of the state governments, particularly in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. In Connecticut, a state exemplary for its attachment to popular principles, not only all ardent spirits, but foreign articles of consumption, generally, have been the subjects of an excise, or inland duty.
If the supposition, that duties of this kind are attended with greater expence in the collection than taxes on land, should seem an argument for preferring the latter, it may be observed, that the fact ought not too readily to be taken for granted. The state of things, in England, is sometimes referred to as an example on this point. But there the smallness of the expence in the collection of the land tax, is to be ascribed to the peculiar modification of it; which proceeding, without new assessments, according to a fixed standard long since adjusted, totally disregards the comparative value of lands, and the variations in their value. The consequence of this is an inequality, so palpable and extreme, as would be likely to be ill relished by the landholders of the United States. If, in pursuit of greater equality, accurate periodical valuations or assessments are to afford a rule, it may well be doubted whether the expence of a land tax will not always exceed that of the kind of duties proposed.
The ingenious, but fallacious hypothesis, that all taxes on consumptions fall finally, with accumulated weight, on land, is now too generally, and too satisfactorily exploded, to require to be combated here. It has become an acknowledged truth, that in the operation of those taxes, every species of capital and industry contribute their proportion to the revenue; and, consequently, that as far as they can be made substitutes for taxes on lands, they serve to exempt them from an undue share of the public burden.
Among other substantial reasons, which recommend, as a provision for the public debt, duties upon articles of consumption, in preference to taxes on houses and lands, is this. It is very desirable, if practicable to reserve the latter fund for objects and occasions, which will more immediately interest the sensibility of the whole community, and more directly affect the public safety. It will be a consolatory reflection, that so capital a resource remains untouched by that provision, which, while it will have a very material influence in favour of public credit, will be also conducive to the tranquillity of the public mind in respect to external danger, and will really operate as a powerful guarantee of peace. In proportion as the estimation of our resources is exalted in the eyes of foreign nations, the respect for us must increase; and this must beget a proportionable caution, neither to insult nor injure us with levity. While, on the contrary, the appearance of exhausted resources (which would, perhaps, be a consequence of mortgaging the revenue to be derived from land, for the interest of the public debt) might tend to invite both insult and injury, by inspiring an opinion, that our efforts, to resist or repel them, were little to be dreaded.
It may not be unworthy of reflection, that while the idea of residuary resources, in so striking a particular, cannot fail to have many beneficial consequences; the suspension of taxes, on real estate,

can as little fail to be pleasing to the mass of the community; and it may reasonably be presumed, that so provident a forbearance, on the part of government, will ensure a more cheerful acquiescence on that of the class of the community immediately to be affected, whenever experience, and the exigency of conjunctures, shall dictate a resort to that species of revenue.
But, in order to be at liberty to pursue this salutary course, it is indispensable, that an efficacious use should be made of those articles of consumption which are the most proper and the most productive; to which class distilled spirits very evidently belong: and a prudent energy will be requisite, as well in relation to the mode of collection, as to the quantum of the duty.
It need scarcely be observed, that the duties on the great mass of imported articles, have reached a point, which it would not be expedient to exceed. There is, at least, satisfactory evidence, that they cannot be extended further, without contravening the sense of the body of the merchants; and though it is not to be admitted as a general rule, that this circumstance ought to conclude against the expediency of a public measure; yet when due regard is had to the disposition which that enlightened class of citizens has manifested towards the national government—to the alacrity with which they have hitherto seconded its operations; to the accommodating temper with which they look forward to those additional impositions on the objects of trade, which are to commence with the ensuing year, and to the greatness of the innovation, which in this particular, has already taken place in the former state of things, there will be perceived to exist the most solid reasons against lightly passing the bounds which coincide with their impressions of what is reasonable and proper. It would be in every view, inauspicious to give occasion for a supposition, that trade alone is destined to feel the immediate weight of the hand of government, in every new emergency of the treaty.
However true, as a general position, that the consumer pays the duty, yet it will not follow, that trade may not be essentially distressed and injured, by carrying duties on importation to a height which is disproportioned to the mercantile capital of a country. It may not only be the cause of diverting too large a share of it from the exigencies of business; but as the requisite advances to satisfy the duties will, in many, if not in most cases, precede the receipts from the sale of the articles on which they are laid, the consequence will often be sacrifices which the merchant cannot afford to make.
The inconveniencies of exceeding the proper limit, in this respect, which will be felt every where, will fall with particular severity on those places which have not the advantage of public banks, and which abound least in pecuniary resources. Appearances do not justify such an estimate of the extent of the mercantile capital of the United States, as to encourage to material accumulations on the, already considerable, rates of the duties on the mass of foreign importation.
Another motive for caution on this point, arises from the reflection, that the effect of an important augmentation made by a law of the last session, is hitherto a mere matter of speculative calculation, and has not yet even begun to be tried.
It is presumable too, that a still further augmentation would have an influence, the reverse of favourable to the public credit. The operation would be apt to be regarded as artificial—as destitute of solidity—as presenting a numerical increase, but involving an actual diminution of revenue.—The distrust of the efficacy of the present provision might also be accompanied with a doubt of a better substitute hereafter. The inference would not be unnatural, that a defect of other means, or an inability to command them, could alone have given birth to so unpromising an effort to draw all from one source.
A diversification of the nature of the funds is desirable on other accounts. It is clear, that less dependence can be placed on one species of funds, and that too liable to the vicissitudes of the continuance, or interruption of foreign intercourse, that upon a variety of different funds formed by the union of internal with external objects.
The inference, from these various and important considerations, seems to be, that to attempt to exact wholly from duties on imported articles, the sum necessary to a complete provision for the public debt, would probably be both deceptive and pernicious—incompatible with the interests, not less of revenue than of commerce; that resources of a different kind must of necessity be explored; and that the selection of the most fit objects is the only thing which ought to occupy enquiry.
Besides the establishment of supplementary funds, it is requisite to the support of the public credit, that those established should stand upon a footing which will give all reasonable assurance of their effectual collection.
Among the articles enumerated in the act making further provision for the payment of the debt of the United States, there are two, wines and teas, in regard to which some other regulations than have yet been adopted, seem necessary for the security of the revenue, and desirable for the accommodation of the merchant.
With these views, it is submitted, that the term for the payment of the duties on wines be enlarged, as it respects Madeira wines, to eighteen months; and as it respects other wines, to nine months; and that they be collected on a plan similar to that proposed in relation to imported distilled spirits.
And that a third option (two being allowed by
the present law) be given to the importers of teas, which shall be, to give bond without surety for the amount of the duty in each case, payable in two years, upon the following terms.
The teas to be deposited at the expence and risk of the importer in store-houses to be agreed upon between him and the proper officer of the revenue; each store-house having two locks, the key of one of which to be in the custody of the importer or his agent, and the key of the other of which to be in the custody of an officer, whose duty it shall be made to attend, at all reasonable times for the purpose of deliveries.
These deliveries, whether for home sale, or for exportation to a foreign country, to be warranted by permits from the chief officer of inspection of the place.
If for home sale, the permits to be granted after the duties shall have been paid, or secured to be paid.
When the amount of the duties shall not exceed one hundred dollars, four months to be allowed for payment. When it shall exceed one hundred dollars, and not exceed five hundred dollars, the term of payment to be eight months; and twelve months whenever the amount shall exceed five hundred dollars. Provided, That the credit shall in no case extend beyond the period of two years originally allowed for the entire sum. If the duties on the whole quantity deposited shall not have been paid, or secured to be paid, before the expiration of that time, it shall be lawful for the proper officer to cause a sale to be made of so much as shall be sufficient to discharge what shall remain unsatisfied. In every case, it shall be at the option of the party applying for the permit, either to pay the amount of the duties on the quantity to be delivered, or to give bond for it, with one or more sureties, to the satisfaction of the officer whose province it shall be to grant the permits.
If the deliveries are to be made for exportation, the permits to be granted upon bond being entered into to secure and ascertain the exportation. This may require some alterations of form, in the manner of proceeding, relatively to the exportation of this article.
All teas to be landed under the care of the inspectors of the revenue; the chests and other packages containing them to be marked, and certificates which shall accompany them to be granted as in the case of distilled spirits.
To these more direct expedients for the support of public credit, the institution of the national bank, presents itself as a necessary auxiliary. This the secretary regards as an indispensable engine in the administrations of the finances. To present this important objection in a more distinct and comprehensive light, he has concluded to make it the subject of a separate report, which he begs leave herewith to submit No. II.
All which is humbly submitted. ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Secretary of the Treasury.
Estimate of the Probable Product of the Funds proposed in the annexed Report.
   Dollars.     4,000,000 gallons of distilled spirits imported from foreign countries, at 8 cents per gallon, $20,000   3,500,000 gallons of spirits distilled in the United States from foreign materials, at 12 cents per gallon, 385,000   3,000,000 ditto, distilled from materials of the United States, at 9 cents per gallon, 270,000   Total dollars, 975,000   Deduct for drawbacks and expence of collection, 10 per cent, 97,500   Net product, Dollars, 877,500  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES.
THURSDAY, December 24.  THE House proceeded to the consideration of the second section of the militia bill, which was as follows:
SECTION 2. And be it further enacted , That the Vice-President of the United States, the members of Congress, with their several officers and servants attending either house: the officers, judicial and executive, of the general government: the Lieutenant Governor and Executive Council of the respective states: the members of Congress, with their several officers and servants attending either house; the officers, judicial and executive, of the general government; the Lieutenant Governor and Executive Council of the respective states, with their officers and servants attending their several houses; all judicial and executive officers of each state—all persons conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms; all ministers of religion, actually having the charge of a church or congregation, all principals, professors, and other teachers together with the students in universities, colleges and academies; every schoolmaster actually having the charge of a school; all post officers and stage-drivers, who are employed in the care and conveyance of the mail of the post-office of the United States; one miller to every grist-mill; all commissioned officers who heretofore served in the continental army; and all mariners actually engaged in the sea-service of any citizen or merchant
within the United States; together with such other persons who may be excepted by any law hereafter to be passed by the Legislature of any particular state, shall be, and are hereby excepted out of this act, and exempted from military duty, notwithstanding their being above the age of eighteen, and under the age of fifty years.
Mr. Madison moved to strike out that part which related to the members of Congress with the officers and servants attending either house, and to insert the members of the House of Representatives, whilst travelling to, attending at, or returning from the session of Congress, and the members of Senate in similar circumstances, or in case of a separate session of the Senate. There was, he thought, no necessity for a total exemption from the service of the militia. When an exemption is made in favor of the framers of a law it should not be carried beyond what is evidently proper.
Mr. Jackson had one objection to the alteration; in case of an alarm or an invasion during the recess, the members of Congress might be taken to the field 3 or 400 miles from the seat of government, and thereby prevented attending their duty in the house if a session was to be ordered, in case of emergency, by the executive magistrate.
Mr. Boudinot was against the amendment; not that he was disposed to excuse the members of Congress from sustaining any burdens which the fellow-citizens underwent, unless there was an evident necessity for it; but in one part of the bill it is declared that such exemptions as do not mutter, shall pay, annually, two dollars; therefore it would be improper to oblige members of Congress to serve in the militia and to pay a sum yearly for a supposed exemption.
Mr. Wadsworth was not for having any thing said in the bill to exempt members of Congress from militia duty—he was for leaving this to the discretion of the state legislatures: and
Mr. Hartley was in favour of Congress determining the question. The laws of all the legislatures in the union, he said, exempted the members of legislative bodies from militia duty.
Mr. Madison thought it an important principle, and one that ought in general to be attended to—That all laws should be made to operate as much on the law makers as upon the people; the greatest security for the preservation of liberty, is for the government to have a sympathy with those on whom the laws act, and a real participation and communication of all their burthens and grievances.—Whenever it is necessary to exempt any part of the government, from sharing in these common burthens, that necessity ought not only to be palpable, but should on no account to be exceeded. He thought the amendment, together with the constitution, provided on this occasion for all that was necessary, and that the clause as it stood as present, went beyond that necessity.
After considerable debate, On the question to agree to Mr. Madison's motion, the house divided and it was lost—18 for and 24 against it.
ADJOURNED.
BOSTON, December 22.
BEST EUROPEAN NEWS.
COMMUNICATED BY AN OBLIGING CORRESPONDENT.
[The following letter contains intelligence which has not been adulterated by passing through an English news-paper.]
“London, October 1790.
“MY DEAR FRIEND,
“Every preparation for the most vigorous Maritime Warfare, continues to be made in every department. The fleet that lately returned from sea, is revictualled with four months provisions—and it is thought will put to sea again shortly. Yet the English are certain that there will be peace: For, say they, Spain must give up every thing we wish to get, and they aver that the very next messenger from Madrid, will announce it.—I much doubt it.
“The whole face of affairs among the northern maritime powers, Denmark, Sweden and Russia, is changed—by a sudden and separate peace that was lately ratified between Russia and Sweden. And it is changed adverse to British and Prussian politics. I have good foundation for believing that a Treaty, offensive and defensive, is formed, or forming, between Russia and Spain—and if it be made to embrace France, Sweden, and Denmark, there must certainly be a heavy war.
“France goes on arming. “There is said to be a serious insurrection in Saxony, on revolution principles of liberty.
“The Belgic States are determined to fight the Emperor to their last man.
“In one word, I believe no politician ever saw such a heap of combustibles accumulated in Europe, without bursting into a flame.
“The British, chiefly, I think, to frighten the world on water, have put SEVENTY-FIVE sail of the line in commission: About half of this number are now pretty well manned—but were not before the arrival of the Jamaicamen.
“I am dubious, at present, as to the issue of the European politics—I think you had better calculate upon war in the spring.—My belief points in that direction.”
A request has been made by the inhabitants of Louisiana—a district of South-America, belonging to the Crown of Spain, to be taken under the protection of, and to receive the benefit of the laws of the National Assembly of France.

CHARLESTON, November 25.
The wisdom of publication might, without the gift of prophecy have soon foretold the fate of the late treaty with McGillivray. He might justly conclude, that were no faith can be reposed, alliances can have little duration. The Georgians loudly, and perhaps some of them too violently, reprobated the concessions, as pregnant with injustice and subversive of previous contract, consequently are an ex post facto compact, repugnant to the constitution, and the dearest right derived from their fathers. A gentleman who came to this city a few days since, reports that carnage and depredation have advanced, to desolate the frontiers of that state—a barbarous murder having been committed by a party of the Creeks on a respectable citizen: assassinated him by night in his house, which they pillaged, and stole four horses. They were pursued by a number of the inhabitants, who penetrated into their country, when the savages assembled, the whites were obliged to retreat in turn, and one man received a wound from the Indians, in his abdomen.
The assembly of Georgia is now in session, and we hear that the treaty made by the Congress of the United States, with the Creek Indians, occupies their serious deliberations. It is supposed that they will pass a supplementary act, establishing more clearly the reciprocity which they conceive omitted in the convention: for a white man cannot without a passport travel into the Indian country, nor even pass the boundary line: while the Indians can and do make extensive excursions through every part of Georgia.
PORTSMOUTH, December 15.
Capt. Brown, in the Schooner Blossom, arrived here this morning, in 28 days from Tobago. Capt. Brown informs us, that the disturbances at Martinique had not abated, and that every effort to put a stop to the unhappy differences which subsisted between the people of colour and the whites had proved abortive. The utmost anarchy and confusion prevail there. All accounts from that island state the disturbances in a most distressing light—and from the obstinacy pursued on both sides, there is little prospect of the present troubles soon subsiding.
ALBANY, December 20.
By a gentleman last evening from Quebeck, we are informed of the arrival at that place, of the Hon. Gen. Alured Clark (late Lieutenant Governor of the island of Jamaica) who is appointed to succeed Lord Dorchester in the government: His Lordship, however, continues in it till spring—The above gentleman further informs that news of the expedition against the Indians (mentioned in the President's Speech) under Gen. Harmar, had reached Canada, and various conjectures were then in circulation respecting its real destination; some supposed it was against Detroit, some one place and some another.
NEW-YORK, December 13.
Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia, December 11.
"This city at present is as full as a beehive. "He that goes a borrowing, goes a forrowing," (says the proverb) the same be said of him who now comes here to hire a house. I have been several weeks endeavouring to rent a suitable one, but meet with nothing but disappointments: so must be content to pig in where I am for the ensuing season.—Be not surprised, if in the course of the winter, you hear of attempts made to change the destination of the packets, in favour of this place. Modest assurance you know, can do wonders, and we will have it so was the fore runner of the dereliction of Federal Hall. The shoals in the bay of Delaware are discovered not to be so dangerous as has been heretofore thought, and the piers at Port Penn, opposite Reedy Island are found to be full as convenient for the reception of the Packets in the winter, as New-York; add to this, that in the summer, there is nothing to obstruct their safe and easy passage quite up to the city—Heaven grant those people may leave you the Hudson: I am convinced if the matter was within the verge of possibility, that river would be manœuvred from you in a short time. One great argument in favour of the safety of Delaware bay is just came to light, viz. A member of Congress this day arrived in this town after having been soured head and ears over in the breakers, in the month of December, and nearly drowned a few miles off the Light House—Farewell."
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 1.
Our latest accounts, respecting British affairs, were on Tuesday last brought from the island of Grenada, by Capt. Holman, arrived at New-York, by which we have a confirmation of a first division of troops from Ireland being landed at Barbadoes; they were brought, as before described, by three forty-four gun ships, accompanied by a number of victuallers, and were cantoned at different posts of the island, waiting for the second division including the battalions of foot guards, which, when arrived, forming eight thousand soldiers, would enable the whole to move under the artillery of twelve line of battle ships, supposed to be commanded by Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Hood and Rear-Admiral Samuel Cornish. The general opinion is, that Count Miranda of the Carraccas, will accompany General Garth, expected to command on occasion of any descent that may be projected against the Spanish dominions in the West-Indies, or on the continent.
On Monday last the Hon. Mr. Hartley, a representative from this state in the Congress of the United States, had his arm broken by a fall near the state-house in this city.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman near the Ohio, in this State, to his friend now in this city, dated 8th of December, 1790.
"Our militia have returned: they have burnt towns and destroyed the Indian stores in great quantities; but those things excepted, they have evidently had the worst of it. They had two encounters with the Indians: at least detached parties had: for the main body was never engaged. Two hundred in the first action were compleatly routed. Four hundred in the second action, it is true, I believe, repulsed the Indians after an engagement which, it is said, lasted from a little after sunrise till eleven in the morning: but they left the Indians in sight, rallied in force and prepared for battle; they also left all their dead, and all the wounded that could not easily be brought off, in the field, proceeded to their camp and returned home. They say, however, that they have beaten the Indians; this is the general report—You will probably have official information before this. The Indians have, I believe, lost not more than half of our number, certainly not two-thirds. We have lost one hundred and eighty men, and the greatest part of them regular troops. Their standing in rank, and firing in platoons was the cause of their falling an easy prey to the Indians, who squatted while the soldiers fired, and in the interval rushed up and killed them. It is even said, that they dragged the soldiers from their ranks and tomahawked them; this appears improbable. The worst of the business, as it appears to me, is, that instead of impressing upon the Indians a terror of our numbers, our power, and art of war, which alone can be our lasting safety and protection, we have taught them that they can beat us; at least in art, perhaps in valor too, and that our regular discipline is not equal to their dexterior exertions."
Another letter to the same person gives information that our army lost 300 pack-horses. It is to be wished that our frontiers may not severely pay for this inauspicious expedition.
APPOINTMENTS.
DECEMBER 20th, 1790.
The President of the United States has appointed, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, the following persons, viz.
Robert Morris, to be judge of the district of New-Jersey, in place of David Brearly, deceased.
John Heath, of Virginia, to be an esign in the troops of the United States, in place of Richard Archer, who has declined his appointment.
John Sitgreaves, to be judge of the district of North-Carolina, in place of John Stokes, deceased.
William Hill to be attorney for the United States in the district of North-Carolina, in the place of John Sitgreaves.
Zachariah Rowland to be surveyor of the port of Richmond, in the state of Virginia, in place of Carbin Buxton, who has resigned his appointment.
And Jeremiah Nicols to be collector of the port of Chester, in the state of Maryland, in the place of John Scott, deceased.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, January 18.
From Alexandria we are informed, that by a late arrival in the Delaware from London, certain accounts had been received, that the Convention for terminating the differences which had arisen between the Courts of Great-Britain and Spain, met at Madrid on the 27th of October, (agreeable to the information given in our last, in a letter from the Duke of Leeds to the Lord Mayor of London,) and that a re-establishment of PEACE was finally concluded upon between those two powers—the terms of which had not been received when this vessel failed.
The French West-India Islands exhibit a scene truly distressing. Civil war there rages with the greatest violence. At the altar of anarchy, human lives are daily immolated. Business is at a stand, and "every man's arm is raised against his brother's life." The contending parties are nearly equal in strength—and if some measures are not taken in the mother country to terminate these enormities, the depopulation of the islands, we fear, must be inevitable.
The question on Mr. Burke's motion in the House of Representatives of the United States, on the 27th ult. for altering the time of the meeting of Congress, has been put and negatived.
One great object of the Constitution in providing for a national militia in the United States, most undoubtedly was, to preserve some proportional equality in the strength of the several parts of the Union—but except a supervising power should be exercised by the general government, it is evident that particular States may, and will make such regulations in their militia, as will create those States the most attentive force, that may be paramount to that of their neighbours; and an agreement of several States in such a plan of discipline, would produce a military power that would give law to the Union. This power exists in the respective States, till it shall be assumed by Congress agreeable to the Constitution. Experience has proved, that left at large in the hands of the several States, a rival military spirit has been generated, which has produced the greatest disparity between the militia of different States—a division of the power to regulate the militia, reduces the defence of the Union to a nullity—What will be the consequence? The general government is left without a resource in any emergency, except in a standing army; so that the result is this—Whether the general government shall so arrange the militia as to have a force of this description, at its command, or whether it must
have recourse to a standing army? for a government without the sword as well as the purse, is but the skeleton of a government.—[Gazette of the United States.]
MARRIED, at MARTINSBURG, on Thursday the 6th instant, Mr. WILLIAM SKINNER, to Miss REBECCA ROGERS, daughter of Mr. ALEXANDER ROGERS.
FROM A LONDON PAPER.
Last night an extraordinary information was given to the Sitting Magistrate, by PAT. O'FLANNAGAN, a native of Tipperary. It was in purport as follows—"That DENNIS O'SHAUGHNESSY, who now keeps a public house in St. Giles's, was murdered the preceding evening, by three foot-pads on horse back, drinking in his own kitchen, who calling for his reckoning, upon their running away, was stabbed by the villains in several places, and made off." The Justice considered with much gravity, these wonderful particulars—That the person murdered now keeps house—That the murder was committed by three FOOT-PADS ON HORSE-BACK, drinking in the deceased's own kitchen—That AFTER the murder was committed, the deceased called for his reckoning—That AFTER the three FOOT-PADS ON HORSE-BACK had run away, O'SHAUGHNESSY was stabbed by them in several places.—And finally, that AFTER ALL, he made off. His Worship, not being able to solve this curious RIDDLE, ordered O'FLANNAGAN to take himself off, otherwise he would commit him as a swindler of his time and patience.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN New-Church LOTTERY.
THE following is the SCHEME of a LOTTERY, to be drawn under an Act of the Honorable the Assembly of VIRGINIA, granting to the Trustees of the Congregation full power, by this method, to raise the sum herein proposed, for the purpose of completing their NEW MEETING-HOUSE in SHEPHERD'S-TOWN. Any of the Trustees who sign the Tickets, will be responsible to the fortunate adventurers, that the prizes drawn by them shall be paid in specie the next day after the Lottery is drawn—and that the drawing of it shall commence as soon as the Tickets are sold. There shall be in this Lottery
 1 Prize of 160 Dollars..... is..... 160  1 ditto of 80 ditto..... 80  2 ditto of 40 ditto..... 80  4 ditto of 20 ditto..... 80  8 ditto of 10 ditto..... 80  16 ditto of 5 ditto..... 80  50 ditto of 3 ditto..... 150  299 ditto of 2 ditto..... 458  The sum to be raised..... 832 
Dollars...2000
1000 Tickets at 2 Dollars each, are...2000
In this Scheme there is little more than two BLANKS TO A PRIZE, and as it was unavoidably set on foot for the most laudable purpose, so the most ample justice may be expected, and we flatter ourselves it will meet with encouragement from every good man. The Trustees will be considered as Managers—and Col. JOSEPH SWEARINGEN, Col. WILLIAM DARK, and Major ABRAHAM SHEPHERD, will be requested to sit as Judges at the time of drawing—which time will be published 3 weeks before it commences, in the PATOWMAC GUARDIAN AND BERKELEY ADVERTISER.
JOHN KEARSLEY, JOHN MORROW, JOHN MARK, WILLIAM BUCKLES, LAURENCE VANDEVIER. } Trustees.
N. B. Tickets may be had from any of the Managers, and also from sundry other Gentlemen in the County.
NOTICE.
THE subscribers found, on Sunday the 16th instant, in a fodder house of Mr. JOHN BROWN, near this town, some large pieces of Sole-Leather, an old Bag, some Pewter, &c. some worn Worsted-Stuff. They suspect they are stolen goods. The owner may have them by proving their property, and paying the cost of this advertisement.
JACOB FISER, MICHAEL FESTER.
Shepherd's-Town, Jan. 17, 1791.
BERKELEY, ff.
PERSONALLY appeared before me, PHILIP FITZPATRICK, and acknowledged, that he had told LIES respecting CHARLES CULINGS, and offered to prove them, which he says he is sorry for. Signed and acknowledged before me, this 15th day of January, 1791.
his PHILIP FITZPATRICK. Mark.
WILLIAM PORTERFIELD, one of the Magistrates (for said County).

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
FROM THE FEDERAL GAZETTE.
S O N N E T.
TO THE YEAR 1791.
HAIL Rising Year, whose bright Auspicious Morn Teems with such triumphs to this Western Shore, What further honors shall thy reign adorn? What numerous blessings Public Faith Restore? While other Nations fond of hostile Arms Prepare to meet in War's ensanguin'd Field, Here still, oh Peace, display thy Lovely Charms And here, oh Plenty, Still thy treasures Yield. So shall the World embrace these fond Retreats Where Rural Arts and polish'd Science Reign, Where Liberty and Law have fix'd their Seats, Unknown the Nobles as the Despot's Chain. So shall Columbia with each rising Year, Crown'd with fresh Fame, to brighter Glory steer!
A N E C D O T E.
RIGAUD, the painter, being one day employed in painting the portrait of a lady, perceived that when he came to the lower part of the face, that she contracted her lips in the most violent manner, in order that she might appear to have a little mouth; upon which the artist said to her gravely, "Be not uneasy, Madam, if you choose I shall make you no mouth at all."
To be RENTED in CHARLES-TOWN, BERKELEY, THAT VALUABLE H O U S E,
Where Mr. JAMES HAMMOND now keeps Store. It is well calculated for either Store or Tavern, and may be entered on the 1st. of April next. ALSO, that commodious HOUSE where Mr. PHILIP WELSH lives, opposite Mr. HAMMOND's Store. And a new finished two-story HOUSE, on the Main Street, fit for a genteel private family, or a tradesman. For particulars, apply to the Subscriber, near the premises.
WILLIAM CHERRY.
January 6, 1791.
10 Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the Subscriber, on Saturday evening last, a NEGRO MAN, named WILL, about 35 years of age, five feet ten inches high, likely, strong and well made—as he took with him various articles of cloathing, his dress cannot be particularized. The above reward and all reasonable charges will be paid to any person who apprehends the said negro, and delivers him to me, or otherwise secures him so that I can have him again.
CHARLES MAGILL.
Winchester, January 4, 1791.
TO BE SOLD, A good milch Cow.
Inquire of the Printer.
Wanted to Hire,
A young Man,
In the capacity of a HOSTLER. He must be of an honest, industrious, sober Character. Apply to ALEXANDER ROGERS, at Martinsburg, or the PRINTER hereof.
THE Public are informed, That a regular Post-Rider, (whose character will bear examination) is now established from this town to Martinsburg, Back-Creek, Middletown, Hopwell, and Charlestown. He leaves the Printing-Office every Tuesday. Those who may wish to encourage the circulation of the PATOWMAC GUARDIAN, &c. on that route, may rely on the utmost punctuality in the delivery of their papers.
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 KEARSLEY. 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.
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.
CAME to the Plantation of the Subscriber, about a month ago, a small black GELDING, about four years old. He is posted 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.
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 expences, 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 McKenny, 100 Acres for ditto  James Nourse, 879 for ditto  John Rizer, 103 for ditto  Jacob Roads, 295 for ditto  Daniel Ruff, 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 Fulron, 150 for ditto  Peter Finakle, 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 Hoskinson, 200 Acres,  John Jackson's exec. 86  Joseph Keen, 300  Adam Kellon 1 Lot,  Fielding Lewis, 1 do.  Luke & Milback, 1 do.  William M'Mahan, 300 Acres,  Thomas M'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.
Blank Deeds of Bar-
gain and Sale, of an approved Form, printed on fine Paper. ALSO, Blank Bonds, &c. &c. may be had at the Printing-Office hereof.
Notice.
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.