The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1794-02-24 00:00:00

EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.
ROME October 6.
WE learn that since the King of the two Sicilies joined the coalesced powers against France, the gratuitous gifts of his subjects multiply daily—the Princes of Palermo and Villalanca are most distinguished, the former having offered 110,000 ducats, and the latter his famous and most elegant side-board of gold.
COLOGNE November 5.
News has been received from Worins, dated the 11th of November, of great importance. On the 30th ult. the garrison of Landau sent five flags of truce to the besieging army. The bombardments ceased on the morning of the 31st, on account of offers having been made to capitulate. In the afternoon the garrison surrendered prisoners of war.
DECLARATION OF WAR BY FRANCE AGAINST GENOA.
The following declaration has been addressed by the French National Commissioners in the army of Italy.
The under-signed Commissioners, deputed by the National Convention of France, considering that the social compact of all nations has been violated in the most indecent manner—that the atrocious act committed in the port of Genoa, towards the members of the French Republic, by men calling themselves subjects of the Monarch of England, has outraged the rights of nations and endangered even the existence of humanity—considering too, that these afflictive events cannot be indifferent to any people, particularly to the people of Genoa, under whose eyes the crime of treason against society has been committed—that the punishment of such a crime ought to be as speedy as it should be terrible—that justice and humanity demand it—that the French Republic has the power and the inclination to execute it—that the people of Genoa, by preserving a silence would sanction the conduct of the agents, declare—that in such circumstances Genoa cannot without shame and dishonor hesitate an instant in deciding between the friends and foes of society outraged in the persons of French Republicans, and that neutrality in such an extraordinary situation of affairs, would involve all people in anarchy.
Considering further that the people of Genoa see daily the religious attention with which their territory is respected by the Republic, at the very moment when the enemies of France find in Genoa a secure asylum, and thus escape the pursuit of the French, who are armed in the defence of Liberty and Equality—finally that such respect must soon cease for a territory which is used as the tomb of French Republicans.
DECLARE in the most solemn manner in the name of the French Republic, to the people of Genoa, that the tardiness and indecision of the Senate, in neglecting to inflict a just and signal punishment on the authors of the crime committed in their port, and under their cannon, against the human race, in the persons of the Members of the French Society, is regarded as an ACT OF HOSTILITY, and that the French Republic is prepared to adopt such a conduct as is necessary to obtain reparation for so great a crime.
The French Charge d'Affairs is commanded to communicate this Declaration to the Senate of Genoa.
ROBESPIERRE, the younger, (Signed) RICARD. RASPAUD, Secretary.
Done at Nice, Oct. 13. Second year of the Republic, One and Indivisible.
PARIS, November 18.
Pierre Manuel, ci-devant procureur of the commune of Paris, General Houchard, and General Brunet, condemned yesterday by the revolutionary tribunal, were executed this day.
Cussi, the deputy who was declared out of the protection of the law, will be executed to-morrow.
Thuriot's name was erased from the Jacobin Club during its last sitting.
It is reported here, on the credit of an army order, dated November 2, and signed Alexis Dubois, General, that the Prince of Conde was killed the Sunday before by a cannon ball, fired by the 6th battalion of Drome; but as the German papers make no mention of this circumstance, it is not generally credited.
NATIONAL CONVENTION.
Dunkirk, November 11.
I have informed the Commander in Chief, of a violent insurrection of the Belgian people which took place principally at Ghent and Antwerp, on account of a new levy which the Emperor wished to be made. He sent 100,000 muskets to arm them, and they have turned them against himself. Troops have set out from the camps of Cisoing, Menin, and
Courtray, to march thither. I will wait for the orders of the Commander in Chief.
(Signed) "Southam."
LONDON, November 25.
Nothing of authority has transpired relative to the safety or success of Earl Howe's fleet, since the arrival of Lieut. Boader.
Lord Howe's fleet consists of 26 sail of the line, besides frigates, &c.
It is generally supposed, that the ships which his Lordship was in chace of had shot out of Brest water, in order to proceed to the West Indies, to counteract the operations of Sir John Jervis and Sir Charles Grey in that part of the world.
The intelligence brought by Lord George Conway is of the most important nature. The surrender of Fort St. Louis, with a garrison of 4000 men, and 112 pieces of artillery are not the only felicitous circumstances which his lordship was charged to impart. The quantity of ammunition and military stores of all kinds, taken in the place, is immense. The garrison chose to surrender themselves prisoners of war, as, they said, if they returned to France, they were certain of being guillotined.
Before Lord George Conway left the Austrian camp, General Wurmsler had received a message from the Duke of Brunswick, informing him, that he had the King of Prussia's orders most vigorously to co-operate with him.
Fort Louis, which has just surrendered to the Austrian army, is 20 miles from Strasburgh, and 240 from Paris.
Lord Mulgrave, on Saturday, arrived at the Secretary of State's office from Toulon. His Lordship has brought no fresh news from thence; the dispatches which appeared in Saturday night's gazette from that place, having been sent off but the day before his lordship sailed for this country.—His lordship speaks with confidence of the security of Toulon.
General O'Harra has succeeded Lord Mulgrave as Commander in Chief, of the British forces serving in the South of France.
Lord Mulgrave gives an account of 30 sail of French merchantmen having been captured by Lord Hood's cruisers, and sent into Gibraltar.
On Saturday night, Mr. Lauzun, the Messenger, arrived at the Secretary of State's office, with letters from his royal highness the Duke of York, and Sir James Murray, Bart. which are dated Nov. 22. These dispatches contain no news, whatever, of importance, the enemy having remained perfectly inactive for some time. The army under his royal highness are all in the highest health.
Yesterday Mr. Wiffin, the King's messenger, arrived at the Secretary of State's office, with dispatches from Joseph Brame, Esq. his Majesty's Minister at Genoa.
By these dispatches it appears, that the Republic, determined not to give up their connection with France, had rather chosen to risk hostilities with this country, and in consequence had determined on a war with Great Britain! Mr. Wiffin, the Messenger, was allowed 12 hours to pass through their territories, and all foreigners, the French excepted, had been ordered to quit the territories of the Republic within a certain time; in consequence of which Sir Gilbert Elliott, who was there on his way to Toulon, and Mr. Drake, his Britannic Majesty's Minister at Genoa, with all the British then at that place, had embarked on board his Majesty's ship the Bedford, of 74 guns, Capt. Mann, and sailed for Toulon.
PLYMOUTH, November 23. This morning arrived here the Fontague, of 74 guns. Capt. Montague, from Earl Howe's fleet, having lost her main topmast, which caused her to return to port; all that we can gather from this ship is, that the left the fleet on Monday night, soon after the defence left them, and that the whole fleet were at that time in chace of the French squadron, consisting of 7 sail of the line, three frigates, and some smaller vessels. The Latona frigate, it is said, was firing on 1 of the French frigates, which was within reach of her guns, and that the Queen Charlotte, of 100 guns, and the Audacious of 74 guns, were the nearest to the French line-of-battle ships, at the time the Montague left them; the general conclusion is, that from the situation of both fleets, there was great reason to expect that the whole would be captured. Many of Lord Howe's fleet were crippled in their yards, &c. by carrying a great press of sail during the chace. Much firing was heard on Monday night.
UNITED STATES.
CONGRESS. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Thursday, February 6.
A petition was read, from certain inhabitants of the government of the territory south west of the Ohio—referred to the committee upon the message
of the President, and the act of the state of South Carolina.
The draft of a resolution was then handed to the speaker, which had been drawn up by the committee appointed to examine the papers on the Algerine business. The substance of the resolution was, that certain parts had been marked by the committee as improper for publication; and therefore, that in the course of the discussion, they should not be referred to, or the reading of them called for, by any of the members.
A motion to this purpose was then made and seconded.
Mr. Hunter said, "I would treat the committee as I would with them to treat me. I cast no reflection on the gentlemen. I dare say they have done their duty; but I cannot consent to give my vote in the dark."
Mr. Ward said, that before the committee be condemned, it is proper to consider what they were directed to do, and whether they have obeyed their injunctions. He was of opinion, that they had acted agreeably to the design of their appointment.
Mr. Hunter rose to explain. He repeated what he had said before. He had no design of condemning the committee; but he could not think of attempting to discuss a question where he was not at liberty to call for, and examine the very materials requisite for deciding his opinion.
The motion was agreed to; and the house went into a committee on the state of the union.
When the resolution was read, for building 4 ships of 44 guns and 2 ships of 20 guns, Mr. Madison rose to enquire, whether there was, in the public stores of the United States, a sufficient quantity of cedar and live oak for building the 6 vessels? These were the kinds of timber proposed by the resolutions.—He was answered, that there was not. He then observed, that it was evident this fleet could not be ready for effecting service in the course of the present year. He imagined that there was another resolution, precedent as to the time of voting it, of which he did not know what had become. The resolution to which he alluded was that all-owing a sum of money to buy a cessation of hostilities from the regency of Algiers. He was of opinion, that the project of fitting out an armed squadron, was liable to many solid objections. There were two points of light in which this subject might be surveyed. The first of these was, whether the Algerines acted from their own impulse in this business. In that case they were known to be in the habit of selling a peace; and if they are willing to do so, he fancied that it might be purchased for less money than the armament would cost. On the other hand, if they do not act from their own impulse, but upon the instigation of Britain, we may depend upon it, that they cannot be bought. Britain will keep them hostile. There is infinitely more danger of a British war from the fitting out of ships than from the resolutions on the report of the secretary of state. The distance which the ships would have to sail is not less than 3000 miles: and their number is too small for a decisive advantage. The combined powers would embrace the equipment of these ships as an excellent opportunity to pick a quarrel with the United States. Mr. Madison expressed his doubts with regard to the propriety of this measure, because the expense was immense, and there was no certainty of reaping any benefit from it.
Mr. Clarke was anxious to state his doubts on this business, that gentlemen, who by their habits of life had met with opportunities of better information than he possessed might correct him when he was wrong. In the first place, the ships were too inferior, in point of number, to be of any kind of importance, amidst the numerous navies of Europe. The distance from any friendly port, where in case of accidents they might repair, was likewise very great. It was to be expected, that when they fell in with British ships of war, that the latter would endeavour to search them for prohibited cargoes, and the seamen because they were in the practice of impressing their own countrymen wherever they could find them. This would produce a quarrel. This was a scheme which occurred to him, and which he judged would be less expensive and more effectual. This was, to hire the Portuguese to cruise against the Algerines. He understood, that the court of Lisbon desired to keep her ships of war in actual service. The British have been in the habit of building frigates for the service of the Algerines, and as he was informed, mariners, at a distance upon sea, could distinguish in what country vessels were built, by their construction. Hence it would be difficult for the captain of an American frigate to ascertain at sea a British ship of war from an Algerine. He had an objection to the establishment of a fleet, because when once it had begun, there would be no end of it. We must then have a secretary of the navy, and a swarm of other people in office, at a monstrous expence. If we

it necessary to build more, and so on. The combined powers would find a much better pretence for a war by this armament, than from the resolutions on the report of the secretary. Mr. Clarke closed his speech, which was heard with the strictest attention by the whole house, with observing, that he rose principally to submit his opinions on the question, as hints for those who were better qualified to form a judgment on the business than himself. (To be continued.)
NEW YORK, February 8.
Extract of a letter from Basseterre, January 2.
"We are informed from good authority, that an American privateer, manned and commanded by Americans, was to have sailed the 1st instant, from Guadalupe, to cruise against the English. The crew of the above privateer got naturalized and admitted French citizens."
"The example of the above privateer will, we apprehend, be followed by many American vessels, in which case Great Britain has no alternative, and must of course declare war against the American States, or hang her subjects found in arms."
February 12. It is published to the world as a fact, (a fact which will doubtless engage the gratitude of all Anglo-Americans!) that his most gracious majesty GEORGE III. et devotus monarch of this country , has, for the PROTECTION of the AMERICAN and British trades ordered the Quebec , Capt. Rogers, of 36 18 pounders, to cruise off Sandy Hook , as soon as Admiral Jarvis can spare him!
It is said, that Col. Edward Guelph , fourth son of George Guelph, the present King of England, has embarked at one of the eastern ports, to join Gen. Charles Grey, in his attack on Guadalupe. One would suppose, that his baggage should follow him.
The grand prize in the Washington city lottery, viz. the HOTEL (equal to 50,000 dollars) was drawn on the 4th inst. being the 58th day of drawing—The fortunate number is 27531, and is the property of Messrs: Daniel Williams, Norton Pryor, John George Budd, and Robert Beekly , of the city of Philadelphia. Said to be (independent of this propitious turn of the wheel of fortune) persons of considerable property.
Several houses have lately been consumed in the eastern states through carelessness of leaving ash-pails &c. One unfortunate family (Mr. Butters, of Jeffery, N. H.) had four children swept in the conflagration of his house while he and his wife were absent.
Letters by the ship Liberty , inform of the arrival, at Madeira, of a very large British fleet, commanded by Sir John Jervis, K. B. consisting of eight line of battle ships, a number of frigates, transports, and store ships, on board of which were embarked 13,000 land forces, to be employed under General Sir Charles Grey, K. B. against the French Islands in the West Indies. The whole fleet sailed from Madeira on the 22nd of December: their destination supposed to be Barbadoes, which is the appointed rendezvous. This squadron and convoy had avoided sailing in with one from Brest consisting of eight French line of battle ships, and six frigates, sent from that port for the purpose of intercepting the British, and subverting the important object of an armament much superior to any that has acted in the West-India seas during the present war. The above-mentioned French fleet had fallen in with the British of 22 sail of the line, under Lord Howe, 90 leagues from the land; a rapid chase immediately commenced. One 50 gun frigate and three French vessels of inferior size had been already captured by the British.
Lord Rawdon, with 13,000 British troops, had failed for France, to join the Royalists in the department of La Vendee.
PHILADELPHIA, February 9.
The Citizen Genet, Minister Plenipotentiary from the Republic of France to the United States, to Mr. Jefferson, Secretary of State of the United States.
Philadelphia 25th December, 1793: 2d year of the French Republic, one and indivisible.
SIR,
I learn by the reports of the Consul of the Republic, at Charleston, and by the public papers, that the legislature of South-Carolina had caused to be arrested, different persons, accused of having received from me commissions for the purpose of levying an armed force in that state, for the service of the republic. Conceiving that such conduct, if it were true, would offend the sovereignty of the American people, I hasten to affirm to you, Sir, that I have not authorised in any manner, the recruiting, the formation, or the collecting of an armed force, or of any corps in the territories of the United States; but at the same time, I am too frank to disguise from you, that, authorised by the French nation to deliver commissions to those of your fellow citizens, who should feel themselves animated with a desire of serving the best of causes, I have granted them to several republicans in South-Carolina, whose intention appeared to me to expatriate themselves, and to go among the independent Indian tribes, ancient friends and allies of France, in order to retaliate, if they could, in concert with us, on the English and Spaniards, the injury which the government of these two nations had the baseness, for some time to commit on your fellow citizens, under the name of these savages, in like manner as is lately done under that of the Algerines.
tion, in order to calm inquietudes, and to dissipate the doubts to which the denunciation made in the legislature of South-Carolina might give rise.
Accept my respects,
GENET.
All the fire which has blazed for some weeks past in a certain great house has finally terminated in smoke. One indefinite resolution, which like a Dedication or a Preface suits every book, will suit almost every act, has been the issue of three weeks debate, and all the rest are postponed almost fine die . The fear of losing them all is thought, occasioned the extraordinary change. Thus that which gave rise to all the debate, has received no determination, and the public are left where they were, equally undecided as they were a month ago.
BALTIMORE, February 17.
A letter from a gentleman in Plymouth, (Eng.) to a gentleman in Alexandria, says, "As for politics, it seems to be going worse and worse. The French fight very hard, and their enemies seem determined to conquer them. Things are carried with a high hand at home here, and it is not lawful to speak free on politics. We tremble at the idea of an American war, for we fear the spirit of the despots is so great, that they would make it a scene of desolation and horror, and unite together to divide you among them. Astonishing preparations are making for the War, and what will be the end of it we know not. We truly wish success to the French, and to the cause of liberty all the world over; but there will be great troubles, ere this happy era, so long wished for arrives. The discerning people here all condemn the war; but government party is very strong and certainly will carry on things with great spirit, if possible to accomplish their ends. Subscriptions are now going rapidly on foot for sending flannel shirts, &c. to the army of the continent; and our papers say, that the combined powers will suffer no neutrality with the French. I fear America would stand no chance with them, if they were to begin; especially with the Indians also, who I fear will be terrible enemies to you by and by. Besides all this, the Algerines have declared war against the United States, and have sent a fleet off the Western Isles, to cruise for your ships. Whatever the friends of liberty may do, I hope their zeal will not lead them to count on war so destructive to the interests of America. If the work in France is of God, it needs not the aid of America; if not, all aid will prove abortive."
Since the last from Philadelphia, which was soon lost in fumo , scarcely a ray of intelligence has made its way to relieve the disappointment. The express boat, which raised such sanguine expectations by her arrival, brought little of intelligence, but what was official, and delivered to the executive; some of the most interesting, after being laid before the legislature, has been circulated in the newspapers. In addition to that of the approaching recall of the French minister, we are since informed by another arrival, that his successor may very soon be expected in New-York.
Among other victims to the Guillotine at Paris, is general Houchard, who commanded the French republican troops, that defeated the Duke of York's army, near Dunkirk.
The Guillotine is kept in motion, as though it were the only instrument for rectifying political opinions, and that this were to be effected by the cutting off the heads of all who have the misfortune to differ from those who have the power to exercise it.
An immense army has been marching to the siege of Toulon, and the highest expectations were entertained of their carrying it. The Spaniards have made no way in France, but on the contrary (say our last accounts) the French have actually advanced upon their territory. The idea of invading England is still supported, and preparations for this purpose are said to be going on with vigor. At home our legislative councils progressing amidst the most important and perplexing politics, with all the firmness of a Roman Senate, but with freedom of investigation and unanimity, not to be elucidated by comparison, perhaps peculiar to this (at present) happy country, and truly characteristic of an enlightened, a virtuous, and free people.
STAUNTON, February 8.
A gentleman directly from Head Quarters, who passed through this town the 5th instant, gives us the following information:—That on the 1st of January last, General Wayne decamped and left his intended winter quarters, after building a very good fort, in which he left 70 effective men well officer'd—and has removed with the rest of his troops to the late General St. Clair's battle ground, where he has erected another garrison, and fortified himself so well, that he bids defiance to all the Indian tribes this winter.
The day following passed through this town an officer, with dispatches from General Wayne to the secretary of war—that some small parties of the troops had been recently detached on reconnoitering the enemy's strong holds, and have been as successful as our most sanguine wishes would prompt us to hope for; being cautious and very determined, they fell on some Indian camps, before they were discovered, killed 3 the first fire, and wounded many; these parties, besides routing the little camps of the enemy, have taken plunder to the amount of 1000 dollars. Since which, the Indians have sent in three
mags, proposing a treaty. In consequence of which the commander has sent dispatches to the secretary at war—what will be the event we know not.
WINCHESTER, February 17.
From the Kentucky Gazette, of January 25.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman, dated Fort Washington, 16th current, to his friend in this town.
"On the 11th instant, a few hours before I left head-quarters, a Delaware Indian (originally of the Stockbridge tribe) and his interpreter with a flag, arrived. They were sent by, the Delawares and Maumees, to know whether the white people would treat with them; they say all the Indians are for peace, even the Shawanees, who will treat on the same terms as the others. The next day arrived young Bokingheles and Whiteeyes, on the same business."
MARTINSBURG, FEBRUARY 24, 1794.
In the estimate of the expences of the war department for the year 1794, are the following articles, which will give to the world some information of the means the United States have for prosecuting a war, should they in any event be driven into one. The Secretary proposes, that new carriages be provided for two hundred and thirty pieces of brass field artillery—and garrison carriages for 134 pieces of iron cannon. That new beds be made for forty mortars. That 1400 stands of arms be repaired, and 1200 cleaned—and that 40 brass field pieces be cast out of useless mortars. There are in the report, estimates of the expence of one hundred tons of lead; seventy five tons of gun-powder; one thousand rifles; 10,000 cartridge boxes; 200 tents; 100 horsemen's tents; 100' marques; and magazines to be built, &c. These with the pay, subsistence and cloathing of the troops, of the United States, and volunteers, together with the charges of garrison and arsenal duties, and the pensions of invalids, will form an aggregate of expence 1,457,939 dollars, and one cent—and no more.
William Bradford, of Pennsylvania, is appointed attorney-general of the United States, vice Edmund Randolph, the present secretary of state.
By the latest accounts from the fighting powers, we learn, that the French in general, are rather successful; that they are keeping up rencontres with the combined forces not yet in winter quarters, upon the whole extent of the lines from Alsace round about, even unto Dunkirk and the sea . These rencontres are attended with much slaughter; various successes, and very little progress towards peace.
6 th Necessity has again obliged us to issue half a sheet;—although we have received a supply of paper of the usual size, yet it came too late for this day's publication.—Our advertising customers will excuse the omission of their advertisements, until our next.—The advanced price (25 per cent) of printing paper, in consequence of its scarcity, obliges the Ed or to call earnestly on those indebted to him to make payment.
TAKE CARE PURCHASER.
OBSERVING in the Potomac Guardian and Berkeley Advertiser , an advertisement signed by James Stride and James Campbell, executors of William Baldwin, deceased, dated December 17, 1793, purporting that a certain tract of Land lying in Berkeley County, Virginia, containing about 300 acres, the property of the same William Baldwin, would be sold by public vendue, on the 2d, Tuesday in March next.
I have taken this method of informing the public, that I have a bond executed by the said William Baldwin to me, conditioned for the conveyance in fee simple of 226 acres of the said tract of land, of which I have received 54 1/2 acres. I have directed my attorney to institute a suit in the High Court of Chancery, to compel a specific performance of the said bond.
FRANCIS BALDWIN.
February 14, 1794.
SHEPHERD'S TOWN, February 12, 1794.
ALL persons indebted to me, whose bonds, bills, notes, or open accounts are due, or indebted in any way to the estate of Thomas Shepherd, William Green, or Frederick Oller, deceased, are hereby earnestly requested to come and settle the same before March court next, as no longer indulgence can be given, and those who have demands against any of the aforesaid estates, will please to make them known that they may be settled. A house and lot, part of the estate of Thomas Shepherd, to be let for one or a term of years.
JOHN MORROW.
AND
All persons indebted to the estate of Charles Morrow, deceased, for dealings in this town, or at Mr. Daniel's mill, or for purchases made at the different sales of said estate, or in any other way, are hereby earnestly requested to make payment before March court next, as no further indulgence can be given, and those who have demands against the said estate, are requested to make them known that they may be settled by
JOHN MORROW
AND
JOHN KEARSLEY. } Executors.
All persons indebted to, or have any demands on the estate of Thomas Thornbury, sen. deceased, are hereby notified to exhibit their accounts for settlement previous to March court, ensuing.
JOHN THORNBURY
WILLIAM LEMEN. } Administrators.
February 24, 1794.