The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1791-12-13 00:00:00

Foreign Advices.
P A R I S, Sept. 9.
LAST night Count Lichtenstein arrived here from Vienna, charged with dispatches from the Emperor, and, as it is believed, with the important result of the interviews which have been held there on the subject of France. While the public are daily agitated with alarming notices of armies marching, magazines forming, and treaties made to counteract the revolution, the intelligent politician observes, that a more prudent policy governs the councils of Germany, and that, profiting by the lesson of France, the Emperor and the King of Prussia have determined to take the only means of avoiding the introduction of the French disease, namely, that of reducing their enormous armies, and by a thorough economy in all the departments of their expence, to ease the burthens of the people, and turn them to objects of industry and manufacture. It is said, that the reduction of their armies is to be carried to 100,000 men each, and so much the yoke under which the empire groans is to be lightened. All this is to be set down to the credit of the French revolution.
L O N D O N, Sept. 12.
Profound peace and universal satisfaction prevails at home; the soil, manufactures and commerce of the country, were never more abundantly productive.
From our dependencies in the West-Indies we also continue to receive reports most favourable.
The Count d'Artois has been received at Vienna with every mark of respect.
Turkey has accepted the terms of peace from Prussia, without the necessity of their being enforced on the part of the negotiating powers; and wisely, for that unfortunate country has yet sufficient evils to combat.
Sept. 15. Near three millions have been remitted to Lord Cornwallis from Bengal and Britain, since he took the command.
The delay of the Duke of York's marriage is certainly to give time for a message from his Majesty to Parliament, to vote him an establishment; and it is intended that some member should move for a sum of money to be granted to his highness for the payment of his debts.
A cause was tried at the last Stafford assizes, brought at the instance of the unsuccessful party, against the returning officer of New Castle under Lyme, to recover a penalty of 1000l. for not filing a certificate of the qualification oath having been taken by the several candidates, in pursuance of an act passed in the reign of Queen Anne.
It appeared on the trial, that there were only thirteen instances of such certificates having been filed, and that this was the first action that had been brought since the passing of the act.
The fact being proved, the jury, with great reluctance, gave a verdict for the plaintiff, for one hundred pounds.
On Saturday the 27th ult. came on to be tried, at Castlebar, in the county of Mayo, Ireland, before the Hon. Mr. Justice Crookshank, and a special jury of the first gentlemen of the country, an action brought by Sir Neal O'Donnell, Bt. against William Bellingham Swan, Esq. Inspector General of Armagh, and others, revenue officers, for breaking open the doors of his house in Newport Pratt, on the 17th of November last, and forcibly and illegally taking and carrying away wines, the property of the plaintiff, and this at a time when the plaintiff and all his family were in Dublin. The jury brought in a verdict for the plaintiff, 1000l. damages and costs; to the entire satisfaction of the whole country, as there did not appear even the shadow of cause for the illegal conduct of the defendant, and which appeared to have been occasioned by some persons who wished to injure the character and reputation of the plaintiff.
By accounts from Armagh, in the same kingdom, there are no fewer than 13 criminals to be tried for murder at the ensuing assizes to be held there. At the former assizes at that town there were 35 tried for the same heinous offence.
It is much to be lamented that the cause of such horrid transactions are religious contentions, which must seriously affect every liberal and humane mind, who most devoutly wish them to be suppressed forever.
A few days since a Welch heiress eloped from her father's house with a young officer, accompanied by a confidential friend, and were married. On their return home, the bride and bridegroom were much surprised to hear the father address them in words like the following: "My children, I am not come to storm or upbraid; I opposed your union with no self-interested views. My daughter's happiness was what I had in view; and as I once thought I could not better promote it than by refusing my consent
to your marriage, so I am convinced that I could not more effectually destroy it than by continuing my resentment. You must therefore both return with me, and my fortune shall be yours; and I trust, my son-in-law, by his future conduct, will convince me, that he had more love for my daughter than my land."
A subscription has been set on foot in Dublin for the purpose of raising a monument to the memory of the late intelligent and facetious Captain Grose. The subscription is warmly patronized, and something will, no doubt, be erected worthy of commemorating the worth and talents of that learned antiquary and distinguished wit.
It is said that most of the officers and men taken with General Matthews during the last war in India, are at present alive.
A native officer in the service of the East-India company, who had effected his escape from Seringapatam, where he had been confined many years, brought this intelligence to Lord Cornwallis.
Sept. 20. The acceptance of the new constitution by the King of France, must certainly be regarded as in some measure definitive, and depriving others of a pretext for interference. The alternative was either that he should accept upon the terms there granted him, or abdicate the throne.
The act of oblivion, just now passed in France, was certainly dictated by a wise and good policy. It will tend to soften the animosity of partis, and reconcile the minds of those who are yet averse to the revolution.
Sept. 22. An American schooner, commanded by Capt. Metcalf, which made a successful voyage to China, called at the Sandwich islands in November last, on her return home—the crew were surprised by the natives, and every one murdered.
Spain has involved herself in a war with Morocco, at a time when all her vigilance requires to be exercised at home, to prevent a universal spirit of discontent from breaking out into action in her own provinces. The late edicts directed against the French inhabitants of Spain have (and little else could be anticipated) set the natives to enquire what this liberty is which provokes such a spirit of persecution; but the advocates for freedom in Spain have a stubborn foe to contend with in the clergy, who are a much more powerful body than ever they were in France; moreover, the French being expelled the kingdom, they have no philosophical leaders to urge them on; the Spanish people of weight and consequence being at present by no means remarkable for that liberal manner of thinking which has long distinguished them gallic neighbours.
Five vessels have failed this season from several parts of the Highlands of Scotland, with emigrants for America. Such is the spirit of emigration from those parts, that there is every prospect of a general depopulation of the Highlands in a few years.
Information has been received over land from the East-Indies, of the capture of the important fortress of Darwar by the British troops. This event took place the latter end of March last. Darwar is in the Mysore country, on the side of the Peninsula next to Bombay.
On the 14th the King of the French went in form, accompanied by his ministers, and took the necessary oath, to maintain the new constitution, before the National Assembly. This was done in the presence of an immense multitude of spectators, and the ceremony was accompanied by a general discharge of the artillery belonging to the national guards. The King did not appear with his blue ribband; giving as a reason, that "he did not wish to be distinguished by any external mark of dignity from the rest of the citizens."
The Empress has issued orders for disbanding the major part of her Asiatic forces, and for sending them home. Each man, exclusive of his pay, is to have a certain quantity of agriculture implements, by which means it is hoped, that the at present, barren deserts of Siberia, will be cultivated on the return of the peasantry, who have been in some degree civilized, by visiting the more western and southern climes.
The King of Prussia has concluded a commercial treaty between Prussia and the United States of America, and M. Pelatke, a respectable merchant at Philadelphia, is appointed his Majesty's Consul General. It is said he is to propose a treaty of alliance between the two countries, so that the Prussian manufactures may be imported into America under great advantages.
Nothing could be more dexterous than the art by which La Fayette seized the moment of the assembly's joy at the royal acceptance, to procure from them an amnesty. This was availing himself of a very favourable circumstance. Any delay, indeed, from the tumultuous clamours of the enragés, might have proved fatal to that wise and magnanimous measure. It remains to be ascertained, whether the haughty spirit of the Princes and Nobles of France will suffer them to re-enter their country as pardoned criminals.
The French King's speech does no little honor to its author: Besides the good stile and good sense which pervade it, there is an apology for the King's late elopement, intermixed with peculiar skill and effect.
When the King of France refused to wear the decoration of St. Elpir, notwithstanding the previous permission of the National Assembly, he said, "That he could not decide in regard to the Prince Royal, who was a minor; but he doubted not but that the eldest son of a King of France would endeavour to distinguish himself by the virtues of his heart, rather than any baubles about his person."
Numbers of French families are preparing to quit London, in consequence of the adjustment of the French constitution.
An invention is successfully used in the Dock-yard at Portsmouth, for tarring ropes by the labour of horses instead of men.
EXCULPATION of the CHURCH.
As an idea has pretty generally prevailed, that some of the clergy of the church of England have been busy in fomenting that spirit which has broke out into such illegal violences against Dr. Priestley, and his dissenting friends, we are happy to find it completely obviated by the following address, which breathes a spirit of liberality and good sense that is truly edifying. We rejoice, that the clergy have taken so proper a step; and hope, that however appearances may have favoured the idea of their having exulted in their late events, they will now be entirely exculpated by the candour of a discerning public.
Address, not yet signed, from the Bishops and Clergy of the Church of England to the Rev. Dr. Priestley.
WHEN outrages against the public peace have been committed, which bear the strongest presumptive marks of having been fomented by a particular body of men, it becomes all of them, who possess the sentiments of moderation and justice to enter their protest against such outrages, and to disclaim the authors and abettors of them. We, therefore, the ministers of the gospel of peace, think it our duty to express our regret and indignation that the cause of the church of England has been made the pretext for disturbing the peace of society, violating the property, and endangering the lives of individuals, and disgracing our country in the eyes of all Europe. We have to lament, that there still exists too much of the spirit of bigotry, and that our pious labours have failed of enlightening the people in so material a point. With regard to yourself, Sir, we cannot be sensible to the enmity you bear against our hierarchy, and we shall be glad to see you silenced by your answerers, but we would not have you burnt by the mob. We owe you no affection, but we conceive we have no right to do you injury. We enjoy too much ourselves from the favour and protection of the law, to wish to throw down its fences; and we are sensible that when our own houses are of glass, it would be bad policy in us to begin breaking of windows. We beg you to believe that, as most of us have studied at the university, we are able to understand a figure of speech, and can distinguish between real and metaphorical gunpowder; that we do not think hard words properly answered by throwing stones, or arguments confuted by pulling down houses. We are of opinion, that a pen is a lawful, and a bludgeon an unlawful weapon; and that as pamphlets, however severe, break no bones, they are unfairly retaliated by a shower of brick-bats. We cannot help suspecting there is an absurdity in a man's shewing his zeal for the constitution, by breaking the King's peace, nor can we think that any project of mending the laws is quite so dangerous as the open violation of them. Moreover we consider ourselves as connected with you by the collateral studies of our profession, and though we cannot join with you as a theologian, we respect you as a philosopher. We sincerely lament the loss the learned world has sustained by the destruction of your labours, and the instruments of your future labours, and we feel shame and indignation at the thought, that while other nations are improving in science and liberality, this country will be branded with the reproach of fanaticism worthy only of barbarous ages and nations. As churchmen we cannot but dislike you, but as men we sympathize with you—as scholars, we venerate you—as christians, we admire the meekness with which you have expressed yourself on so trying an occasion—and as Englishmen we regret, that after having done honour to you, we should be called upon to forgive your country. We are sensible that nothing can bring so great an odium upon your opponents as the late proceedings; and we do not love you well enough to wish you the crown of martyrdom. With regard to your interests, we can desire nothing better than to keep things quiet, and are sensible, that the agitation of the public mind would in the end be less formidable to you than to ourselves.
Signed, &c.

CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, November 25.
MR. KEY , a new member from Maryland, appeared and took his seat.
Mr. Wadsworth, from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported a bill for making compensation to widows, orphans and invalids, in certain cases—which was twice read, referred to a committee of the whole House on Monday next, and ordered to be printed.
Reported also—a bill for the relief of David Cooke.
Pursuant to the order of the day, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole (Mr. Muhlenberg in the chair) and proceeded to the further consideration of the select committee, to whom was referred the petition of General Jackson, respecting the Georgia election.
In one of the resolutions reported by the select committee, were the following clauses: “It shall be the duty of the committee” [appointed for the trial] “to proceed forthwith to the hearing of the allegations, and evidence, which shall be offered by the parties; and, after having duly considered the same, to report to the House a state of the facts, which, in their opinion, are supported by the evidence.” “The fact, so reported by the committee, shall be taken for true, and shall preclude any further enquiry in the House, in relation to evidence.”
The latter of these clauses gave rise to a debate of considerable length, in which many arguments were used for and against the propriety and constitutionality of investing a committee with such decisive authority. The clause was finally struck out; and the committee having further amended the report, rose, and reported it with the amendments.
The House having considered, and further amended the report, agreed to it as follows:
“Resolved, That the first Monday of February next be assigned for the trial of the articles alleged in the petition against the said return,” [of the election of Anthony Wayne, to serve as a member of the House of Representatives.]
“Resolved, That the evidence which may be offered on the part of the petitioner, shall be confined to the proof of the articles of charge exhibited in the said petition, against the validity of the return of the said election.”
“Resolved, That on the trial, the deposition of a witness shall be received, which shall have been taken more than twenty-five days prior to the day assigned for the trial, before any justice or judge of the courts of the United States, or before any chancellor, justice or judge of a supreme or superior court, mayor or chief magistrate of a city, or judge of county court of common pleas of any of the United States, not being of counsel or attorney to either the aid Anthony Wayne or the petitioner: Provided, that a notification from the magistrate before whom the deposition is to be taken, the adverse party to be present at the taking of the same, and to put interrogatories, if he think fit, shall have been first made out and served on the adverse party, or his attorney specially authorised for the purpose, as either may be nearest, if either is within one hundred miles of the place of such caption, allowing time for their attendance, after notified, not less than at the rate of one day, Sundays exclusive, for every twenty miles travel.—And every person deposing shall be carefully examined and cautioned, and sworn or affirmed to testify the whole truth, and shall subscribe the testimony by him or her given, after the same shall be reduced to writing, which shall be done only by the magistrate taking the deposition, or by the deponent in his presence. And the depositions so taken, together with a certificate of the notice, if any, given to the adverse party, or his attorney, shall be sealed up by the said magistrate and directed to the speaker. Provided nevertheless, That no ex parte deposition shall be used on the trial of the said petition, which shall have been taken at any time before the 26th day of December next. Provided also, That evidence, taken in any other manner than is herein before directed, and not objected to by the parties, may with the approbation of the House, be produced on the trial.”
The House went into a committee of the whole on the census bill; and after some time spent therein, the committee having gone through the bill, rose and reported it with amendments.
It was then ordered up in the House, and after some deliberation agreed to. Ordered, that the same be engrossed for a third reading to-morrow.
The bill now stands nearly in the following words:
A Bill apportioning the Representation of the People of the United States, according to the first Enumeration.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That from and after the 3d of March, 1793, the House of Representatives shall be composed of members who shall have been chosen every second year agreeably to the ratio of one for every 30,000, pursuant to the act, entitled, “An act providing for the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States,” shall, until otherwise provided for by law, agreeably to the Constitution of the United States, be in the proportion of one Representative for every thirty thousand persons of the respective numbers of each state contained in the said enumeration, composed according to the rule
prescribed in the third clause of the second section of the first article of the Constitution of the United States; that is to say,
From the State of New-Hampshire, four members; the State of Massachusetts, fifteen; the State of Connecticut, seven; the State of Rhode-Island, two; the State of Vermont, two; the State of New-York, eleven; the State of New-Jersey, five; the State of Pennsylvania, fourteen; the State of Delaware, one; the State of Maryland, nine; the State of Virginia, twenty-one; the State of North-Carolina, eleven; the State of Georgia, two; and the State of Kentucky, two.
A clause then follows, that so soon as the President of the United States shall have received the returns from South-Carolina, he shall cause notice to be given to the Executive of that State of the apportionment of their representation, in order that they may proceed to issue writs of election, &c.
Adjourned.
MONDAY, November 23.
A bill for the relief of David Cooke was read a second time, and referred to a committee of the whole House to-morrow.
Sundry petitions were presented to the House and read, praying compensation for services, pensions, &c. which were read, and referred to the heads of departments.
Mr. Clarke presented the petition of Joel Phelps, praying the benefit of a pension, in consequence of disability incurred while in the service of the United States; the report of the secretary at war on the petition of the said Phelps referred to him at the last session was called for, which being read; the following resolution was moved and agreed to by the House, that the report of the secretary at war on the petitions of Joel Phelps and others, whose claims appear to be precluded by the resolve of Congress of June, 1778, praying to be placed on the pension list, which have not yet been acted upon, be referred to a committee of the whole House on the state of the union, and that it be the order of the day on Monday next.
Mr. Ames presented the petition of Samuel Breck and others, proprietors of the sail cloth manufactory in Boston, praying that they may have the exclusive privilege of affixing certain marks from being used by others; which was read and referred to the secretary of state.
Agreeably to the order of the day, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Muhlenburg in the chair, to take into consideration the bill making compensation to widows, orphans and invalids, in certain cases.
After some time spent therein, the committee rose and reported progress, and asked leave to sit again to-morrow, which was granted.
Adjourned till to-morrow morning 11 o'clock.
FRIDAY, November, 25.
The Senate proceeded to the second reading of the bill, entitled, “an act apportioning representatives among the people of the several states according to the first enumeration,” and after debate, the further consideration thereof was postponed.
The petition of William W. Smith and others was read, praying for the payment of certain balances due to the surgeons in the general hospital during the late war.
Ordered, That the petition be referred to the secretary of the treasury to report thereon to the Senate.
Adjourned till 11 o'clock on Monday next.
TUESDAY, November 29.
Mr. Livermore, from the committee appointed for the purpose, presented, according to order, a bill to establish the Post Office and Post-Roads within the United States, which was received and read the first time, and referred to a committee of the whole House on Monday next, and 100 copies ordered to be printed.
Mr. Dayton presented the petition of sundry refugees from Canada, which was read and referred to a select committee of Mr. Dayton, Mr. Bourne, (R.I.) and Mr. Murray.
Agreeably to the order of the day, the House again resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Muhlenberg in the chair, to take into consideration the bill making compensation to widows, orphans, and invalids, in certain cases.
After some time spent therein, the committee rose, and reported the bill with amendments, which were ordered to lie on the table.
A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. Otis, their Secretary, informing that they have passed a bill concerning Consuls and Vice-Consuls, to which they request the concurrence of this House.
Adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, November 30.
Mr. B. Bourne presented two petitions from the distillers of rum and geneva in Providence, praying a repeal of the excise law, which were read and referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. Lawrence moved, that a committee be appointed to prepare and report a bill, declarative of the extension of the resolution of Congress of the 24th of August, 1780, respecting the claims of the widows and orphans of officers—the act of June 11th, 1788, notwithstanding.
The order of the day was then called for, on the bill making compensation to widows, orphans, and invalids, in certain cases, and, after considerable discussion, ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. Otis, their Secretary, informing that they have passed
fed a bill, entitled, an act to regulate the election of a President and Vice-President of the United States; also, in case of vacancy of the President or Vice-President, declaring what officer shall act; to which they request the concurrence of the House.
Adjourned.
THURSDAY, December 1.
An engrossed bill, making compensation to widows, orphans, and invalids, in certain cases, was read a third time and passed, the title being amended so as to read, a bill for the relief of widows, orphans, and other persons therein mentioned.
A bill, received yesterday from the Senate, entitled, an act relative to the election of a President and Vice-President of the United States; also declaring what officer shall act as President in case of vacancies in the offices both of President and Vice-President, was read the first time.
On motion, ordered, that a committee be appointed to bring in a bill, to explain and amend the act which relates to the seven years half pay promised to the widows and orphans of officers who died in the service of the United States, and of pensioners who are or have been entitled to pensions as invalids; and that Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Fitzsimons, and Mr. Barnwell, be the said committee.
SENATE of the UNITED STATES.
THURSDAY, November 24.
A letter from the secretary of the treasury was read, with an estimate exhibiting the value, at the several places of shipment, of all foreign goods, wares and merchandise, imported into the United States, during the year ending on the 12th day of September, 1790, conformably to the order of Senate of the 16th February, 1791.
Ordered, That they lie for consideration.
The report of the secretary of war, in pursuance of the order of the Senate, on the petitions of Bernard Elliot and others was read—Ordered, That the report and petitions lie on the table.
A message was received from the House of Representatives, with the bill, entitled, “an act apportioning representatives among the people of the several states according to the first enumeration,” in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.
The bill was read the first time.
Ordered, That the said bill pass to the second reading.
Adjourned till to-morrow 11 o'clock.
MASSACHUSETTS.
BOSTON, November 19.
The honourable mention made of the American war, in the letter of the King of the French, to the National Assembly, displays the goodness of that Monarch's heart, and ought to make suitable impressions on the minds of the free citizens of the United States.
The receipt of the intelligence of the ratification of the French constitution, by Louis XVI. spread satisfaction and joy through all ranks of citizens in this metropolis. The bells were rung, and amidst the thanksgivings of the day offered to Almighty God, in our temples, that pleasing event very largely partook. In the evening the house of the Hon. Consul of France, and several others, were beautifully illuminated.
PENNSYLVANIA.
PHILADELPHIA, November 30.
Intelligence is received from Cape-Francois till the 3d inst. at which time every thing wore a gloomy aspect, with respect to the Negro insurrection, as heretofore. The insurgents had lost no ground, and in every skirmish or engagement with the whites, acted like men determined to die or carry their point—of becoming independent possessors of the island. A vessel had arrived at the Cape about the 12th of October from Old France, which brought an account of an embarkation that was to take place there, on the 12th of October, of four thousand troops, under Count Dillon, for French Hispaniola, in order to join the island forces, and, if possible, reduce the revolted. On the 3d inst. flour was four and an half dollars per barrel at the Cape, and pork at ten.
Another account (Nov. 2) of the most recent proceedings in the island, is as follows:
“Three camps in the territory of Limbe are taken—Yesterday we took the camp Alquier, with the loss of six volunteers wounded and one killed. We killed 150 negroes and wounded a great number. The insurgents are now comming in daily, and a great number of white women prisoners among the Negroes have been by their means brought off, and sent to the Cape. There is every prospect of a permanent accommodation with the mulattoes, upon our granting them the enjoyment of the privileges of the decree of the 15th of May, which places their freedom upon an equal footing with that of the whites.”
It is mentioned in a Boston paper of Nov. 1, that in the debate in their legislature on the propriety of admitting or rejecting the petition for a Theatre, in that capital, Mr. Samuel Adams rose up to speak in opposition to a Theatre, but could not be heard for the numbers, who by coughing, shuffling on the floor, and other vile practices, prevented a single word of what the venerable patriot delivered, being heard.
The National Assembly of France have passed a decree, prohibiting all clauses in wills, (commonly the effect of parental caprice) by which fathers disinherit their children, if they marry such and such

persons. This is one of the ideas of the late celebrated Mirabeau, who absolutely denied that, upon the principles of nature and reason, a dead man could have any will. A dead man, said he, is a non-entity, and the moment the breath leaves the body, it is absurd that his will should be any longer in force, so as to bind the living, where the principles of natural equity are infringed, or where the bequests are not conformable to the laws of nature, equal heirship, and the laws of a well regulated community.
The author of an eulogy on Americus Vespucius, published at Verona, 1788, presages the future greatness of America in very glowing language.—“The last people in improvement (he remarks) always advance with greater and quicker paces, than those who preceded them, as their minds are not spoiled by old systems; their intellects not weakened by the imposing dictates of authority; their reason not corrupted by the prejudices of foregoing ages.”—He concludes with a beautiful apostrophe to the Americans, in which he exhorts them to acknowledge the benefits they have derived from the discovery of Vespucius, and duly to improve the numerous and important advantages they enjoy.
From the general tenor of the late European papers, the new French government is now universally looked upon as ESTABLISHED. This opinion is founded upon the following facts:—“No appearance of raising troops in Germany, or elsewhere, for the purpose of invading the frontiers of France—The French refugees inconsiderable in number, unarmed, destitute of resource, and universally despised by the people among whom they have taken refuge—The only ostensible enemy on the frontiers of France are about three thousand refugees, and these all GENTRY, unarmed, and unacquainted with the practice of arms, if they had them: but their declarations, their manifestoes, and particularly a letter to the king, (lately published) plainly discover they are for restoring the absolute power of the monarch. Cringing servility to the court, insolence and oppression over the people, are the ancient principles of their orders, which they still adhere to; and one need only to read their present productions to be convinced, that the existence of this corps and that of a free constitution is incompatible; which would not have been the case, had this body possessed the least of independence.—This party is now in despair; its chiefs have endeavoured, to keep up their hopes by various false reports; troops have been said to be on their march from Germany, for these two months past; the Russian fleet was, according to them, sailing with troops, for Ostend; a body of Cossacks was on its march; the king of Sweden was gone to fetch his Myrmidons; the British fleet proposes an invasion, &c. &c. To the machinations of these wretches (fit only for treasons, stratagems, and spoils, or for perpetrating in darkness such horrid scenes as the massacre of St. Bartholomew, &c.) are opposed the manly efforts of twenty-five millions of freemen, who have trampled despotism under foot, and are too enlightened ever to permit her resurrection in France.
The glory of old England was the burthen of the song, from the tar, who swabbed the deck, to the immortal Pitt, who guided the helm—the enthusiasm excited by this ignis fatuus , carried their triumphs round the globe;—but, happy for mankind, the principles of reason and philosophy are inspiring juster sentiments—a rivalry in the arts of peace, and universal philanthropy, will crown the labours of that country, which shall make the most distinguished exertions to level the jealousies and prejudices in the family of man, with more real dignity than is comprised in all the victories, from Alexander to Cæsar, and from Cæsar to Catherine.
Dec. 2. We have the pleasure of announcing to the public, that the subscription book for opening the Canal and Lock Navigation, between the Rivers Susquehanna and Schuylkill, by the waters of Quintapahilla and Tulpehocken, in this state, was opened by the commissioners appointed by law, at the State-House, yesterday morning, the 1st of December, when upwards of 500 shares, the number required by law to empower the Governor to incorporate the said company, was subscribed for before one o'clock. This is another instance of the public-spirit of the inhabitants of this state.—[The whole number of shares amounts to one thousand, at four hundred dollars each.]
We have the pleasure of announcing to the Public the arrival of Brigadier-General Harmer, his lady, and family, in this city.
DECEMBER 3.
Further Devastation in Hispaniola.
Extract of a letter to a respectable house in this city, dated Newport , 17th of November, 1791.
“YESTERDAY arrived a brig, in 13 days from the Cape; before the sail, all the plantations about Fort-Dauphin were on fire. To appearance, that Island will be useless.”
Extract of a letter from New Haven , November 28.
“I have just received information from the eastward, that the town of Port-au-Prince was destroyed by fire, on or about the 7th of this month. I hope the account is not true, but I have no reason to doubt it.”
SOUTH-CAROLINA.
CHARLESTON, November 19.
About one o'clock, on Tuesday morning last, the elegant house of Ralph Izard, jun. Esq.; a few miles from Dorchester, took fire and was burnt to the ground. Miss Oliphant, and the two daughters of Mr. John Alleyne Walter, deceased, were living in the house, which was almost in a general blaze before they were apprized of their danger. Miss Oliphant,
and the eldest Miss Walter, escaped unhurt; but the youngest, in attempting to save some articles of value, was much burnt, and her life is despaired of. A Negro woman, who was in the second story, finding the flames had reached the stairs, took up a small trunk, and threw herself out of the window; but providentially received no injury, although from a great height. The furniture and every thing in the house was consumed with the building.
M A R Y L A N D.
BALTIMORE, December 2.
It appears by the new Constitution of France, as lately presented to, and accepted by, LOUIS XVI. “KING OF THE FRENCH,” that “there is no Authority in France superior to that of the Law”—that “the King reigns only by it, and it is only in the Name of the Law that he can require Obedience”—that “the French Nation renounces the Undertaking of any War with a View of making Conquests, and will never employ its Forces against the Liberty of any People”—that the Constitution no longer admits the Droit d'Aubaine —and that “Foreigners, whether settled in France or not, inherit the Property of their Parents, whether Foreigners or Frenchmen”—that “they can contract, acquire, and receive Property in France, and dispose of it as well as any Citizen, by every Mode authorized by the Law.”
Count Dillon is, it is asserted, appointed Governor of Hispaniola, and was to leave France, for his Government, on the 12th of last Month, with 4000 Troops.
A Paris News-Paper, dated September 14, advises, “That the Manner in which LOUIS XVI. had signified his Acceptance of the Constitutional Act, had had a wonderful Effect on the Minds of the People—that in a few Days the Gaols would be thrown open; and it was hoped the general Amnesty and Oblivion would be followed by the Happiness of the People, who, by their Perseverance and Exertions, seem worthy of that Liberty which they were about to enjoy.”
A Cork News-Paper, of the 3d of September last, mentions, that “some young Gentlemen, of that City, who had lately returned from France, give the most favourable Accounts of the Peace and Tranquillity which reigns in the Capital and Provinces of that Country, as well as the Unanimity of the People in favour of their new Constitution.”
Extract from “REFLECTIONS ADAPTED TO THE DAY”—published in a late Boston News-Paper.
“Amid other blessings, the Liberality of religious Sentiment which prevails, is not the least in estimation. AMERICA has seen the Days when CATHOLICISM was dreaded as the Hydra. These Hours, thank Heaven! are forever past. EPISCOPALIANS, CATHOLICS, CONGREGATIONALISTS, BAPTISTS, &c. regard each other with the generous Eye of fraternal Affection. DEITY is considered as the Centre of the Circle, and different Denominations as Radii drawn from the Circumference to the Centre, where they meet in one Point, equally distant from, and equally near to, the FATHER-SPIRIT of the whole.
Hail glorious Prospects! bright without a Cloud! These are the Days which Prophesy of old, Sung to the Harp—And Seers from Tumpet loud With energetic Tone to Man foretold. What still remains of hateful Strife to Guile, Rude Anarchy, despotic Force, or Fraud, Shall cease—and yet a very little while, The PRINCE OF PEACE be known as Nature's Lord.”
V I R G I N I A.
RICHMOND, November 25.
A heart-breaking occurrence has just transpired! Mr. _____, who had been some days at _____, where, by a fatal, though too common, infatuation, he had, at play, involved himself to more than the amount of his fortune, was, on his journey home, seized with a fit of remorse which terminated in frenzy, and the unhappy Gentleman put a period to his life. When his remains arrived at home, the shock was too great for a delicate woman to support—his lovely lady fell—and death closed her eyes forever!
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, December 13.
Western Intelligence.
By a gentleman last evening from Frederick-Town, we were favoured with a hand-bill, containing the following information.
RICHMOND, December 2.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Mercer county, to a member of the General Assembly, dated November 13, 1791.
“The defeat of General St. Clair, on the 4th inst. engrosses all our thoughts. We had 600 men killed and wounded; all the stores lost, and seven pieces of artillery. This engagement happened about 15 miles from the Maumee village, 30 from Fort-Jefferson, and 98 from Fort-Washington.
“Gen. St. Clair expected an action; the men were drawn up in order of battle, and stood in their ranks all night; the army was formed into a hollow square, the artillery and baggage in the centre. The enemy made their attack at the dawn of day, on all the lines, particularly on the rear, which
was composed of militia; they were overpowered, and gave way; the Indians rushed on and were soon possessed of the artillery, which was retaken in a few moments, by a company of regulars, with fixed bayonets; but most of the matrosses being killed, no use was made of it.
“The action continued obstinately till 9 o'clock, when our men gave way: General St. Clair rallied them, and brought off the greater part of the wounded to Fort-Jefferson, being pursued about five miles, where the remains of the army, and wounded, are cooped up, almost starved, living on poor pack-horses.
“The people of the district are preparing to go to the relief of Fort-Jefferson, and I hope, by the 20th, 1000 or 1500 effective men will be at Fort-Washington, on their way. Upon this occasion, a number of your acquaintances will turn out, in Lincoln, Logan, Shelby, and Ewing—Mercer, Colonel McDowell, and myself, with a number of young fellows; we shall carry provisions to the garrison, and bring off the wounded.
By a gentleman who left Kentucky on the 15th inst. we learn, that our friend the Mountain-Leader, was out with a party of white men; at the time of the attack, and it was feared they have fallen a sacrifice, likewise.
An express from General SCOTT to CONGRESS, with the official account of the action between the army under General St. Clair and the Indians, on the 4th ult. passed through Martinsburg a few days ago—we may therefore expect, in the course of this week, to receive the authentic particulars of that unfortunate event.
The Winchester Centinel of the 3d inst. after relating the account of the above engagement, as published in our last, goes on to say—“That after General St. Clair's army left Fort-Washington, they erected two forts, the first of which is called Fort-Hamilton, the second Fort-Jefferson—that, within about 15 miles of the Maumee towns, they halted, for the purpose of erecting a third—that the savages hovered round their camp on the day preceding their action, which caused the troops to lie on their arms all night—that the former began the attack about day-break—that the carnage was great on both sides—that two troops of light horse cut their way through an immense multitude of the savages, and finding a still greater number in their rear, were compelled to return in the same manner—that the gallant Col. DARK cut his way through parties of the savages three different times—that the artillery was captured by the enemy five, and recaptured by our troops four times—that Gen. St. Clair was lying ill of the gout in his tent during the unhappy conflict—that his guards prevented some of the Indians from entering his tent, to butcher him, by mere dint of the bayonet—that many of the enemy fell in this attempt—that some women are among the slain on the part of the Americans—that the Chickasaw Chief, Mountain Leader, with 42 warriors of that nation, passed through Lexington some time in October last, on their way to join General St. Clair—and that at the time of the action many of them were present, who fought with great bravery on the part of the Americans, but that Mountain Leader himself had been sent by the General, some days previous thereto, as a pilot to a detachment of the army, which was ordered against some of the enemy's towns.”
A late Paris Paper says, “The Aristocrats are all in the utmost Consternation at the King's Acceptance of the Constitutional Act. M. Duval d'Epremenil has notified his Majesty, by letter, of his intended departure for Sciozo.—“Since you will not be my Master,” says he, “I will no longer be your subject.”
From the Virginia Gazette —printed at Richmond. An ACT giving further time to the Owners of Surveys to return the Plats and Certificates thereof into the Land-Office.
[Passed the 5th of November, 1791.]
WHEREAS it hath been represented, that the time allowed by the act of the last session, entitled, “An Act for giving further time to the owners of surveys to return the Plats and Certificates into the Land-Office,” was not sufficient hath been made to this Assembly to extend the time: Be it therefore enacted, That the further time of two years, to be computed from the expiration of the period mentioned in the said recited act, shall be allowed for returning all Plats and Certificates of Surveys on the Western Waters; and the further time of twelve months from the time of passing this act, shall be allowed for returning all Plats and Certificates of Surveys on the Eastern Waters, to the Register of the Land-Office, who shall receive the same, and such lands shall not be considered as forfeited, or liable to forfeiture, any law to the contrary thereof notwithstanding.
TAKEN up by the Subscriber, living near Shepherd's-Town , on the river, a few days ago, a small brown HORSE, about 12 1/2 hands high, five years old next spring, no brand nor mark; he has been posted according to law, and appraised at forty shillings. The owner may have him again by proving his property, and paying charges.
JOHN BARNES.
December 3, 1791.
The PRINTING-OFFICE is removed to NEW-STREET, adjoining the tenement it was formerly kept in.
A few Tickets in Mr. T. WHITE'S Lottery, are for sale at the Printing-Office.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
From the NATIONAL GAZETTE.
Lines sacred to the memory of
FOPLING FLUTTER,
[Unfortunately drowned in a Mill-Pond, about a week before his intended marriage, April, 1787.]
LOST in the suds, the rogue upon his cheek
And matted in the wave his hair so sleek,
His India vest, and coat of bottle green,
No more at church or play-house shall be seen;
No more shall ladies that complexion praise;
No more the buckle shine, the button blaze!
How will Belinda, when this news she hears,
Mourn her Adonis in a sea of tears;
Drown'd in a pool, and scarce a fathom deep,
(A shallow grave) how will Belinda weep!
"Had this but hap'd (the pensive maiden cries)
Far on the Atlantic main, where billows rise,
And stormy gales the foundering vessel chase,
I might have borne it with a better face;
But, to be drown'd where only cat-fish play,
Or slippery eels pursue their grovelling way,
Where shepherd Damon scours his lousy goats,
And truant school-boys sail their baby boats.
This breaks my heart, this prompts the heavy sigh,
Was ever wretched girl so plagu'd as I—
Condemn'd to pass THREE DAYS in grief and pain,
Go, Jacky, go—dear boy—and haul the seine."
A N E C D O T E.
WHEN Lord Howe was a young Post Captain, and had the command of the Dunkirk man of war, he was not only inclined to enforce proper discipline by a liberal distribution of the cat; but also felt it a duty to inculcate it morally by a long exhortation to every delinquent, previous to his punishment. A black sailor happening to fall under his Captain's displeasure, was ordered to the gangway to receive his three dozen. On the offender being tied up, Capt. Howe walked out with his usual solemnity, and addressed him in a fine ethio harrangue of an hour, a little too refined for vulgar comprehension; but just as the orator had got thro' his two first grand divisions, and was about to exemplify the moral consequences of evil, Mungo, unable any longer to sustain the weight of it, exclaimed, "Masa! if you flog um—flog um! if you preach um—preach um!—but don't flog um and preach um too!" Capt. Howe notwithstanding this attic plea to his feelings, had Roman severity enough to enforce his sentence without abatement.
Stop the Thief!
SIX POUNDS REWARD.
STOLEN from the Subscriber, living on the great road between Middletown and the Maryland Tract, a yellow-bay Mare, about fourteen, and half hands high, branded on the near shoulder thus P. K. Shod before, with a small star in her forehead, with a number of saddle spots on each side her back, a long switch tail, with grey hairs, trots and canters, about 5 or 6 years old. Whoever takes up said Mare and thief, so that the owner gets his Mare again, and the thief brought to conviction, shall receive, if twenty miles from home, four dollars, if forty miles, six dollars, if sixty miles, three pounds, and if one hundred, the above reward for mare and thief, and three pounds for the Mare only, and all reasonable charges paid, if brought home, by me
JACOB GYER. Frederick-County, State of Maryland, Nov. 17, 1791.
A Mill for sale.
BY VIRTUE of a Decree of the Court of BERKELEY County, and State of VIRGINIA, will be exposed to sale by PUBLIC VENDUE, upon the first day of February next, if fair, if not the next fair day, a MERCHANT-MILL, with the Lot, Premises, and Buildings thereunto belonging, late the property of HENRY COOKCUS, deceased, and now in the possession of CHRISTIAN ORENDORFF.
Also, the Stone Dwelling-House, and Ground-Rents of the said estate, late of the said COOKCUS, deceased, all situate in Shepherd's-Town, in the County and State aforesaid.
The terms of sale will be, one third part of the purchase money to be paid in twelve months from the day of sale, one other third part within two years after the day of sale, and the remaining third part within three years after the day of sale.
By order of the Court.
JOHN KEARSLEY, HENRY BEDINGER. } Trustees. BERKELEY-COUNTY. July 25, 1791.
Wanted immediately,
By the Subscriber, living near Opeckon-Creek, between Light's mill and the Swan-Ponds, two good Journeymen SHOE-MAKERS, who shall have constant employ and good wages, from AARON FARIS.
Berkeley-County, October 24, 1791.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of Mr. Andrew Caldwell, jun. deceased, are requested to make payment; and those who have any demands against the same, are likewise requested to bring them in, as an immediate settlement of the above estate is intended.
CHARLES McDONALD, Executor.
October 15, 1791.
THE SUBSCRIBER Begs leave to inform his friends and the Public in general, That he carries on the
Copper and Tin
B U S I N E S S,
In Shepherd's Town, where those who choose to favour him with their custom, may depend on being duly attended, and their commands gratefully acknowledged. Those that have favoured him with employment, he returns the most sincere thanks.
All sorts of Kitchen Furniture are tin'd and repair'd in the neatest manner and on the most reasonable terms, by their humble servant,
JOHN WATERS.
N. B. Old Copper, Brass, Pewter and Lead, bought or exchanged.
November 21, 1791.
At a Court of Quarter Sessions, held for Berkeley County on the third Tuesday in August, 1791.
Leonard Davis, vs. Compt. William Worthington and Nancy his wife, and Sarah Wilson, Defts. In Chancery.
HE Defendants not having entered their appearance agreeable to an Act of Assembly, and according to the rules of this Court, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that they are no inhabitants of this County, on the motion of the Complainant, by his Council, Ordered, That the said Defendants do appear here on the third Tuesday in November next, to answer the bill of the Complainant, and that a copy of this order be forthwith inserted in the Virginia Gazette for two months successively, and published at the Church in the Parish of Norborne, in the County aforesaid, on some Sunday after divine service, and also at the Court-House door of the said County.
MOSES HUNTER, C.B.C.
Wanted immediately,
A GOOD
Journeymen Taylor
To whom 3s. Pennsylvania currency, per job, will be given, and constant employ.
GEORGE TILLEY.
Martinsburg, Nov. 19, 1791.
WANTED, One or two JOURNEYMEN
Shoe-Makers,
To whom good wages and steady employ will be given. Inquire of the Printer.
TO BE SOLD, A Likely Negro wench,
About 28 years old, with her male child in its 4th year, and the wench now pregnant. She has been brought up chiefly to house work, can spin well on either wheel, and is a good hand at plantation work. For further particulars, inquire of the Printer.
On Monday the 10th of December next, Will be sold at PUBLIC AUCTION, At the Plantation of Joseph Davis, near Sharpsburg, Washington County, Maryland, a quantity of good
Indian Corn, Wheat,
Rye, Tobacco in the house, Hay, Straw, Corn Fodder, some live Stock, Plantation Utensils, House hold and Kitchen Furniture, and a variety of other articles too tedious to mention.
The sale will begin at ten o'clock—the terms of which will be made known on the day of sale.
JOSEPH DAVIS.
October 27.
To be sold by PUBLIC AUCTION, At the Subscriber's dwelling-place, Berkeley County, near his mill on Opeckon,
Cattle, Horses, and
Waggon, for which I purpose to give nine months credit, on giving bond with approved security.
A L S O,
A large quantity of good
FATTED PORK,
And a number of SHEEP, for ready cash. The Sale will be on WEDNESDAY the 14th day of DECEMBER next, beginning precisely at TEN o'clock, at which place and time, due attendance will be given, by
JOHN DANIEL.
November 23, 1791.
To the Gentlemen of SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, and its vicinity.
A SUBSCRIPTION is left open to purchasers of Lots in the Town of Woodstock, in the hands of the Printer hereof; and as sundry Gentlemen in this Town have already purchased Lots here, any person wishing to purchase can be informed by them of the terms on which they are sold.
Their favours in so doing, will be gratefully acknowledged, and subscriptions diligently attended to, by their humble servant,
JOHN HOPWOOD.
Shepherd's Town, November 25, 1791.
WHEREAS the Subscriber some time since, gave a Bond to FRANCIS HARVEY, for one hundred pounds, bearing date in February, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine;—as the said Harvey is absent, and as I have a full receipt against said Bond, I hereby forewarn all persons from taking an assignment thereof, as I shall not be answerable therefor in any manner whatever.
WILLIAM LEMEN.
November 26, 1791.
Notice!
ALL Persons who are indebted to the estate of JOHN FISHER, deceased, are desired to come in immediately and make payment, otherwise they may expect the law will be put in force against them. Those who have just claims against the said estate are also desired to bring in their accounts to have them settled.
MARY FISHER.
Berkeley County, November 10, 1791.
WAS lost, about three weeks since, a bundle of PAPERS, containing a bond, some accounts, &c. &c. belonging to the Subscriber. Whoever has found the same and will return it to the owner at Martinsburg, shall have TWO DOLLARS, and thanks.
WILLIAM BRADY.
Nov. 28, 1791.
WHEREAS Elizabeth Franceway, the wife of me the Subscriber, eloped from my bed and board on the evening of the 20th instant, without any just cause on my part—this is to forewarn all and every person from paying any money to her on my account, or trusting or dealing with her in any manner whatever, as I will pay no debt of her contracting, after this date.
JOSEPH FRANCEWAY.
Berkeley County, November 21, 1791.
To be SOLD, or LET, and entered upon immediately,
A Merchant-Mill,
Known by the name of Hite's Gibbs's Mill, situate eight miles from Winchester, near the road leading to Shepherd's-Town. For terms, apply to Mr. James Gibbs, at the Clerk's office, Winchester, to Mrs. Gibbs, on the premises, or to
ALEXANDER WHITE.
Woodville, October 1, 1791.
F O R S A L E,
By the Printer hereof,
Blank Deeds of Bargain and Sale, Lawyers Declarations of every Kind, Common Bonds.