The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1790-11-15 00:00:00

The PATOWMAC GUARDIAN, and BERKELEY ADVERTISER
[PRICE TWO DOLLARS PER ANN.]
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1790.
[NUMBER I OF VOL. I.]
WHERE LIBERTY DWELLS, THERE IS MY COUNTRY.
Franklin.
To the PUBLIC.
THE acknowledged utility of disseminating information and useful intelligence, periodically, renders it unnecessary to urge many arguments in defence of establishing a WEEKLY VEHICLE in this growing country, to convey such occurrences as have a tendency to improve, inform, or entertain. It has been a popular belief among the enlightened, that a press conducted with a spirited prudence, has a manifest disposition to preserve the rights of freemen—to guard the glorious acquisitions of liberty—and to awaken despotic growth before it becomes too formidable to be subdued. The serenity of the political horizon, since the creation of our Federal Constitution, is an additional motive to animate those who love their country, to give news-paper emigrants a hospitable and welcome reception. For when the printed column breathes nought but harmony, delicate minds have a great increase of delight in perusing the page. Besides the obvious certainty of the great FEDERAL CITY being established in the vicinity of this fertile retreat, contributes greatly to add dignity to a free and independent press.
Powerfully actuated with these salutary truths, I propose to establish a WEEKLY NEWS PAPER in this town, under the title of the PATOWMAC GUARDIAN, and BERKELEY ADVERTISER. And from the kind and disinterested patronage of its encouragers, I trust disappointment will not counteract my endeavours. The Press shall be ever open to genius, science, or men of a literary turn, yet it never shall contain a line that will
“Give virtue scandal, innocence a fear, Or from the lost-ey'd virgin steal a tear.”
With regard to domestic politics—pains will be taken to give the Public an accurate and early account of the proceedings and debates of those bodies in whose hands their dearest interests are intrusted.
Foreign politics will be collected from the most authentic prints, received with regularity.
Agriculture, being, with justice considered as the main support of a young country, particular attention will be paid to its interests and concerns.
Commerce, from the assistance which it affords to Agriculture, by furnishing an outlet for the productions of the earth, and from the tendency which it has to extend human knowledge, and to promote liberality of sentiment and universal philanthropy, by the intercourse which it occasions between the most remote nations, deserves and will hold a place in this paper.
Manufactures and useful Arts. Much valuable information will be given under this important head. The Public will be furnished with accounts of the progress and improvements in AMERICAN MANUFACTURES. This will tend to make our ingenious countrymen exert their talents in this way, by exhibiting what may be done and exciting a laudable spirit of emulation.
Essays and extracts, which may tend to promote the cause of religion and virtue, will be particularly noticed.
Works of wit, humour, and of fancy, provided they be the offspring of genuine good humour, free from abuse and indelicacies, will find a place. Interesting occurrences, an account of which may have a tendency to improve, to entertain, or to add any thing to the stock of useful knowledge, shall be faithfully recited.
Instructive and entertaining Anecdotes, deserve and will be noticed.
No pains will be spared to improve this Paper. Advice will thankfully be received and attended to;—yet, no consideration whatever shall induce me blindly to submit to the influence of any man or set of men.
But as pompous promises wear the appearance of empty ostentation, I will not further weary the Public attention, but trust to the liberal and men of sense for support—whose confidence and approbation must my exertions shall always merit.
With every sentiment of respect and esteem, The Public's most obedient, humble servant, N. WILLIS.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, November 15, 1790.
Subscriptions for the GUARDIAN are received at Martinsburg by Messrs. M C KIGHT, M C KEWAN, ROGERS, and HARDESEY.—In Middle town, by Capt. WILLIAM WILLSON.—At Hopewell, by Mr. GUISEPPIMINGHINI.—In Charlestown, by Capt. CHERRY.—By such other gentlemen as subscription papers are lodged with—and at the Printing-Office hereof.
ON THE UTILITY OF NEWS PAPERS.
From a late publication.
AS long as the PEOPLE remain the fountain of authority and power, and are sensible of the
importance of their rights as Freemen, NEWS PAPERS, considered merely in a political light, if properly conducted, will meet with encouragement.—The opportunities which they afford to candid enquirers of obtaining political information, and to zealous patriots of making their sentiments public, for the good of the Community, are not to be equalled by those which any other species of publication can possibly offer.
Their general circulation and cheapness render them also very proper vehicles for every species of information in the Arts, Sciences, &c.
It is to be lamented that greater pains have not hitherto been taken to diffuse among the mass of citizens more knowledge of this kind, through the channel of News-papers. It may continually be remarked, that curious facts, and important observations have been published many years without coming to the knowledge of those men who move in the busy scenes of life; though it is to such that this knowledge would be most really useful. It remains buried, and scattered in volumes, which are only within the reach of the man of leisure and fortune. It is therefore a fact undeniable, that a News-paper, well conducted, cannot fail of proving useful to those engaged in active pursuits.
The difficulty attending the management of such a publication is easily perceived. The variety which it should contain is the principal source of that difficulty. What will interest one person may be useless or unintelligible to another. But it is hoped, that readers will forbear to condemn whatever does not immediately concern or please them, without having a regard to the number and variety of persons, engaged in different pursuits, and of different dispositions, to whose pursuits and dispositions some attention must at times be paid. It should be the study of the Editors of News-papers to offer to the public whatever they imagine may prove of the greatest and most general utility, and unite the greatest number of interests; still having an eye to, and on no occasion deviating from whatever has a tendency to promote the PUBLIC GOOD.
The following beautiful ADDRESS to the Citizens of the United States of America, was written by the Honorable DAVID RAMSAY, Esq. of South Carolina, and is copied from the 2d vol. of his history of the American Revolution. It contains much genuine information and a fund of wholesome advice to every American—and is wrote in a style so very engaging, that we conceive it will be acceptable to our readers, to whom we beg leave to present it without further comment.
CITIZENS of the United States! you have a well balanced constitution, established by general consent, which is an improvement on all republican forms of government heretofore established. It possesses the good qualities of monarchy, but without its vices. The wisdom and stability of an aristocracy, but without the insolence of hereditary masters. The freedom and independence of a popular assembly acquainted with the wants and wishes of the people, but without the capacity of doing those mischiefs which result from uncontrouled power in one assembly. The end and object of it is public good. If you are not happy, it will be your own fault. No knave or fool can plead an hereditary right to sport with your property or your liberties. Your laws and your lawgivers must all proceed from yourselves. You have the experience of nearly six thousand years, to point out the rocks on which former republics have been dashed to pieces. Learn wisdom from their misfortunes. Cultivate justice, both public and private. No government will or can endure, which does not protect the rights of its subjects. Unless such efficient regulations are adopted, as will secure property as well as liberty, one revolution will follow another. Anarchy, monarchy or despotism, will be the consequence. By just laws, and the faithful execution of them, public and private credit will be restored, and the restoration of credit will be a mine of wealth to this young country.—It will make a fund for agriculture, commerce and manufactures, which will soon enable the United States to claim an exalted rank among the nations of the earth. Such are the resources of your country, and so trifling are your debts, compared with your resources, that proper systems, wisely planned and faithfully executed, will soon fill your extensive territory with inhabitants, and give you the command of such ample capitals, as will enable you to run the career of national greatness, with advantages equal to the oldest kingdoms of Europe. What they have been slowly growing to, in the course of two thousand years, you may hope to equal within one century. If you continue under one government, built on the solid foundations of public justice, and public virtue, there is no point of national greatness to which you may not aspire with a well founded hope of speedy attaining it. Cherish
and support a reverence for government, and cultivate union between the East and the South, the Atlantic and the Mississippi. Let the greatest good of the greatest number be the pole star of your public and private deliberations. Shun wars; they beget debt, add to the common vices of mankind, and produce others, which are almost peculiar to themselves. Agriculture, manufactures and commerce, are your proper business. Seek not to enlarge your territory by conquest. It is already sufficiently extensive. You have ample scope for the employment of your most active minds, in promoting your own domestic happiness. Maintain your own rights, and let all others remain in quiet possession of theirs. Avoid discord, faction, luxury, and other vices which have been the bane of Commonwealths. Cherish and reward the philosophers, the statesmen and the patriots, who devote their talents and time, at the expence of their private interests, to the toils of enlightening and directing their fellow citizens, and thereby rescue citizens and rulers of republics, from the common and too often merited charge of ingratitude. Practice industry, frugality, temperance, moderation, and the whole lovely train of republican virtues. Banish from your borders the liquid fire of the West-Indies, which, while it entails poverty and disease, prevents industry, and foment private quarrels. Venerate the plough, the hoe, and all the implements of agriculture. Honor the men who with their own hands maintain their families, and raise up children who are inured to toil, and capable of defending their country. Reckon the necessity of labour not among the curses, but the blessings of life. Your towns will probably ere long be ingulphed in luxury and effeminacy. If your liberties and future prospects depended on them, your career of liberty would probably be short; but a great majority of your country must, and will be yeomanry, who have no other dependence than on Almighty God for his usual blessing on their daily labour. From the great excess of the number of such independent farmers in these States, over and above all other classes of inhabitants, the long continuance of your liberties may be reasonably presumed.
Let the hapless African sleep undisturbed on his native shore, and give over willing for the extermination of the ancient proprietors of this land.—Universal justice is universal interest. The most enlarged happiness of one people, by no means requires the degradation or destruction of another. It would be more glorious to civilize one tribe of savages, than to exterminate or compel a score.—There is territory enough for them and for you.—Instead of invading their rights, promote their happiness, and give them no reason to curse the folly of their fathers, who suffered yours to sit down on a soil which the common Parent of us both previously assigned them: but above all, be particularly careful that your own descendants do not degenerate into savages. Diffuse the means of education, and particularly of religious instruction, through your remotest settlements. To this end, support and strengthen the hands of public teachers, and especially of worthy clergymen. Let your voluntary contributions confute the dishonorable position, that religion cannot be supported but by compulsory establishments. Remember that there can be no political happiness without liberty: that there can be no liberty without morality; and that there can be no morality without religion.
It is now your turn to figure on the face of the earth, and the annals of the world. You possess a country which in less than a century will contain fifty millions of inhabitants. You have, with a great expence of blood and treasure, rescued yourselves and your posterity from the dominion of Europe. Perfect the good work you have begun, by forming such arrangements and institutions as bid fair for insuring to the present and future generations the blessings for which you have successfully contended.
May the Almighty Ruler of the Universe, who has raised you to Independence, and given you a place among the nations of the earth, make the American Revolution an Era in the history of the world, remarkable for the progressive increase of human happiness.”
From the late voyages to the northwestern coasts of America, it is discovered beyond all doubt, that the Indians who inhabit on the west side of America, opposite Kamtschatka, are the same people as those whom we have formerly been taught to believe existed only in the northern parts of this continent, towards Labrador and Hudson's Bay, and who are generally known by the name of Esquimaux. From these accounts it appears that the people we speak of, have extended their migrations to the other side of America; that is, nearly to the distance of 1500 leagues from their stations in Greenland, and on the Atlantic coasts.

Foreign Advices,
Received by the latest arrivals at New-York and Philadelphia.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF FRANCE.
August 26
THE order of the day for the discussion of the report of M. Mirabeau, on the family compact, being read.
M. Sicart rose and observed, that the national honor, gratitude, and a regard for the true interests of the state, all powerfully plead in behalf of Spain, on the present pressing exigencies of her affairs. He complained of the sinister designs which the principal Courts of Europe seemed to have formed against the rising liberties of France. England, he said, had a powerful squadron at sea. Spain and Savoy were making preparations, of which there was no similar example in history. France had all risks to run, whatever he observed, might be the issue of these events, she would teach the world, that a people, who had once tasted the sweets of liberty, could never again be made slaves. If Spain, he said, is attacked, France must assist her. If her demand is a trap to drag France into war, the world would prove that it would be a war conducted by 24 millions of men. The arming of 30 ships of the line, he did not think sufficient for the present occasion; because the greater the force they could display, there would be the less inclination in their enemies to attack them. He said the minister of the marine department was disliked in the colonies, and had lost their confidence. That it was dangerous to make him the depository of the public force. He concluded, by conjuring those who were useless in their places, to abandon them to those more capable to fill them.
M. Pethion observed, that the question in debate was of the last importance. It was to decide peace or war. He would not at that time reveal to them the necessity of maintaining peace. It was apparent to all. In political affairs opinions constantly varied, and often the least probable was what happened. He said the provisional negotiations between Spain and England appeared to be at an end, and yet Spain was continuing her preparations. He said, if she could not reckon upon the alliance with France she would not venture to attack England. He concluded with promising a decree, To declare that France considers herself bound to maintain a peace and union with Spain, but to reserve the final determination on the question of the family compact, till more ample information is laid before the assembly. And lastly, to invite the King to offer his mediation to settle all disputes.
M. Boutidoux observed, that Spain had rendered services to France not to be forgotten. England, he said, was the only power from whom they had any thing to fear. Germany, indeed, had menaced one of their provinces, but it was not for slaves to overturn the towers erected by freemen. The French possessions abroad could not be protected without extending that protection to those of Spain. England, he said, would probably always regard as her enemies those nations who were her rivals. By this hypothesis her hatred would increase in proportion to the industry of France. Even their liberties, he said, had excited the antipathy of these proud islanders. He concluded with moving for the suppression of the two first articles of the decree proposed.
M. de Mirabeau then rose, and by the desire of the committee consented to withdraw the two first articles of his decree, which after some further debate, stood amended as follows:
1. The national assembly having deliberated upon the proposition of the King, contained in the minister's letter, dated the 1st August, decree, that the King shall be addressed to make known to his Catholic Majesty, that the French nation, in their application of means to maintain peace, will observe the defensive and commercial engagements which the government has formerly contracted with Spain.
2. Decree further, That the king shall be addressed to charge the French ambassador in Spain, to negotiate with his catholic majesty's ministers for the purpose of binding and perpetuating, by a national treaty the engagements betwixt the two nations, and to fix with precision and clearness every stipulation likely to promote a general peace, and agreeable to the principles of justice, which shall in future be the policy of the French nation.
3. Further, the national assembly taking into consideration the increasing progress of the armaments of the different nations of Europe, in the security of the French colonies and commerce, decree, that the king shall be addressed to give orders that the French squadron in commission shall be augmented to FORTY-FIVE SHIPS OF THE LINE, with a proportionable number of frigates and smaller vessels, of which twelve at least shall be armed in the ports of the Mediterranean.
L O N D O N, September 2.
The Lords of the Admiralty have, without a blush advertised in the public papers, that they will no longer press from protections. This advertisement is a libel on themselves since thereby they acknowledge that they did previously commit the injustice. It is a matter of serious disgrace to
the country, that in addition to the violence committed on our brave seamen, by depriving them of their liberty, they should also be plundered: for, they are first permitted to buy protections, the fees of which are enormous in the aggregate; and then according to the very honourable advertisement, "they are pressed from all protections." One of the richest men in England owes a considerable part of his fortune to this most infamous traffic. The shameful practice has even been prostituted to the election purposes. Protections were granted to gain votes, and as soon as the votes were given, the protections were scouted.
This morning dispatches were received at the admiralty, from Lord Howe. The report is, that they contain the disagreeable account of the grand fleet having been separated off Scilly in a fog, and that his Majesty's new ship Director, of 74 guns, and a frigate, the name of which we could not learn, had both struck on the rocks of Scilly, and were lost; but that most of the hands were fortunately saved.
Sunday afternoon his Majesty's ship Hind arrived from Lord Howe's fleet, which she left the day before, a few leagues to the westward of Scilly. The fleet was all well except some of the ships carrying away their topmasts, which were replaced at sea; but as the Hind had carried away her bowsprit, she was obliged to bear away for this port.
The late decrees of the national assembly of France are of the most serious importance to this country, and considered as the forerunner of hostilities, though we do not believe that the majority of those members who agreed to them gave their assent under any such idea.
The vigorous preparations made by our government will soon be brought into action, and fortunate it is that they have been executed with such diligence. We are assured that our Cabinet will no longer suffer a tardy negotiation, but a blow will be immediately struck against the Spaniards, previous to a junction between the combined fleet of France and Spain. The veil is now thrown aside, and not a moment is to be lost.
Lord Howe's station is about 40 leagues to the south west of Scilly, where he was ordered to remain until he received further instructions. They were sent off yesterday evening from the Admiralty, where a messenger had been in waiting 36 hours to carry them to Falmouth.
Four vessels are arrived at Falmouth to sail with dispatches to the grand fleet, and Lord Howe's orders had triplicate copies made of them, each of which was to be despatched by a separate conveyance, in order to be certain of meeting with him.
The purport of these dispatches, in part was, to recal the victory and Baffeur from the grand fleet, which are to be replaced by others, with an additional reinforcement.
The Victory is appointed as a flag ship for Lord Hood, who is to take the command of a squadron destined for the Baltic.
The Baffeur is to be a flag ship, to which Admiral Elliot is appointed, and to be second in command under Lord Hood.
This squadron is to consist of 17 ships of the line, which are ordered to sail from Spithead and other ports, with all possible expedition, in order to rendezvous in the Downs, and there to wait for the flag ships which are ordered from the grand fleet.
The whole on being collected, are to sail immediately for the Baltic, for the purpose, we presume, of supporting the King of Prussia, who has dictatorially required the Empress of Russia to accede to the terms of pacification with the Swedes and the Porte.
It is rumoured, but with what foundation we cannot positively determine, That Lord Howe had written word that there were five French line of battle ships in the Spanish fleet.
Such is the present scarcity of sailors throughout this country, that it is with utmost difficulty London can import its usual supply of coals; which at present are extremely high, and so likely to continue. Nobody will ship on board the Colliers for fear of being pressed by the King's ships, who, like voracious sharks, are every where lying in wait, with their numerous tenders, to catch up such honest Jacks as had rather go without the Spanish silver than run the risk of their balls.
Sept. 4. We informed our readers lately, that Mr. Selator had been sent off to Mr. Fitzherbert, at Madrid, with the ultimatum of our Court. If nothing retards his return, he should be back again next Tuesday or Wednesday. The recent decision of the national assembly, and other political occurrences, have induced our ministry to terminate the present suspence without further delay. These deliberations, which occupied six meetings of the Cabinet, were brought to a final conclusion on Thursday, when Mr. Whiffin (one of the newly appointed messengers) was immediately despatched to Mr. Fitzherbert, at Madrid, with final instructions for him to take his leave of the Court of Spain within twenty-four hours after the receipt of these despatches, if he does not immediately receive unequivocal satisfaction, or has not already received such information.
Tuesday night last, after the breaking up of the Council, a messenger was sent off to Earl Gower, our Ambassador at Paris, with a strong remonstrance, as it is conjectured, to the Court of France, on the late resolution of the National Assembly.
Four more ships of the line have been put into commission in the course of this week.
The tradesmen, &c. belonging to the Marquis del Campo, continue to be paid weekly: and yesterday it was strongly reported, that his Excellency is hourly in expectation of being recalled.
AMERICA.
B O S T O N, October 27.
Captain Dunn, who arrived here yesterday in 42 days from Bourdeaux, informs, that great preparations for War were making in the different ports of France, and that it was expected hostilities would commence very soon.
Extract of a letter from JAMES STIMSON, Esq. Russian Consul at Gibraltar, dated August 30, 1790.
"By this opportunity I have thought it to forward a despatch for his Excellency General WASHINGTON, committed to my care, and which I request you to forward. I trust it conveys an assurance of peace towards you with the Emperor of Morocco. Spain is the only nation with whom he has hitherto shown any disposition to quarrel. He has demanded Ceuta, which has been refused him, and he is making preparations for besieging the garrison; an undertaking I am satisfied he is by no means equal to. An ambassador from Spain has been lying in Tangier Bay these sixteen days, with a very great present for the Emperor; but will not land until he shall agree to give up all pretensions to Ceuta—which he has not yet done.
"The Portuguese squadron continues to be stationed here during the summer months, for the purpose of preventing the Algerines from passing to the westward, which we have reason to believe they do effectually. I continue firmly of opinion that you have but very little chance of making peace with Algiers, during the Dey's life. His death may, according to the course of nature, be expected daily. Enclosed I send you a list of the fourteen surviving Americans at Algiers, on the 9th of last month: Six, I find, died of the plague in 1787 and 1788. I have taken the liberty of writing to his Excellency General WASHINGTON some particulars on this subject.
N E W - Y O R K, October 29.
At the storming of Oczettin by the Russians, 2000 Turks were killed. Spain according to advice from that kingdom has no idea of paying the British bill of costs in equipping their fleet; Why should they? The British would laugh at such a demand on the part of Spain; the case is vice versa without doubt.
The Spanish and English fleets being at sea something important may be daily expected from the Eastern hemisphere; important to the parties immediately engaged; how much so to the United States time may unfold.
We hear from Vermont, that a gentleman resident in a part of that state, which is very much scanty in the convenience of running water, and streams whereon to erect mills, has projected a species of mill, which he imagines will answer the purpose of grist mills in general, by means of weights, and machinery, somewhat in manner of a clock. The model, it is said, exhibits a very complicated piece of wheelwork, and shews the ingenuity of the inventor. The main difficulty in practice, it is apprehended will be the winding up, or raising the weights after the mill is run down.
Capt. Jones, of the Goliath, who arrived here yesterday, passed through a British fleet of 30 sail of the line, 6 frigates and 4 cutters on the 4th September, Start bearing N. E. 14 leagues, standing up Channel: He spoke with one of the fleet, and was informed they had not seen the Spaniards. He afterwards spoke with a brig from Gibraltar, who assured him that it was all peace.
The National Assembly of FRANCE have emitted a PAPER MEDIUM, to the amount of 400,000,000 livres, and funded it on the confiscated property of the Clergy.
November 1.
Advices from Jamaica, as late as the 2d ultimo say, that Admiral Affleck had issued another Proclamation continuing the usual bounties for seamen who entered into the King's service. Barracks were also building in that island for 10,000 troops, which were daily expected from England and Ireland.
November 2. There is a report circulating in town, (and as such we give it) that the English fleet under Lord Howe had returned to the Channel, about the 9th or 10th of September, with the loss of one frigate in a gale of wind.
P H I L A D E L P H I A, October 27.
We can from good authority assert, that the National Cockade is universally worn in Ireland, presented to all travellers and extremely dangerous to refuse wearing the patriotic ornament. The people all exclaim against the policies of Mr. Pitt, and it is apprehended, unless a removal of the two first judges and the appointment of a new Viceroy, tranquility can never be restored in that distracted country.
The elder Mirabeau, speaking of the American Congress, says, "I cannot but admire, that those whom we once esteemed a rude and barbarous people have already set an example to the old world in the intricate science of government. I may safely pronounce the representatives in the American legislature to be the first body of philosophers who have ever had it in their power to assemble peaceably together in a legislative capacity and deliberate upon the rights of nations and of men. The world, in deed, has been long enough under the controul of bullies and of ruffians, it is time that pe-

Sentiment, learning and benevolence began to have the sway; these are the rights that must guide our species to that true dignity, which their station in the chain of created intelligence demands."
October 29. Yesterday arrived the ship Four-Friends, Captain Volans, from Cadiz. The Rising Sun, Captain De Catur, arrived here on Thursday. By these vessels we learn, that the Spanish fleet, of 36 sail of the line, had returned into port, probably to wait the reinforcement of 45 sail of the French navy—the British fleet was said to be in the Bay of Biscay: the ports of Spain were still open to British traders, though in every part of the Spanish dominions, the greatest preparations were making for war.
Eulogy on Dr. Franklin.
A gentleman who stood on the margin of Doctor Franklin's grave, as the remains of that illustrious statesman and philosopher were placed on it, said, "I would rather be Doctor Franklin in that coffin, than the first King in Europe, at present, with all his power and fame."
N O R F O L K, October 29.
Last Monday being the day appointed by law for the meeting of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth, a quorum of the House of Delegates having assembled, they proceeded to the choice of a Speaker, when THOMAS MATHEWS, Esq. was unanimously elected.
The English papers give an account of a drenching enterprise at Brighelmstone in which Lord Barrymore and a Royal Duke sustained the most conspicuous parts. A large sum of money being deposited by the parties, he that could wade the furthest in the water with his cloaths on was to take the whole: Barrymore beat the Duke.—Such are the noble and royal pastimes of Britain's rising hopes!
B A L T I M O R E, November 5—9.
The British Navy, in and out of commission, it is asserted, consists of 384 vessels, from 8 to 110 guns. The number of registered seamen in France, it is said, amounts to between 70 and 80,000.
A Letter from a gentleman at New-York to another at Philadelphia mentions, that "the Secretary of the Treasury had negotiated a loan in Holland (on advantageous terms) of nearly two million of dollars, pursuant to the late act of Congress." This letter-writer observes, that "the negotiation of a loan, on favourable terms, with the wary Hollanders, strongly indicates that the funds of the United States are considered in Europe as an eligible depositum of property."
A Committee hath been appointed to report a Bill to the House of Representatives of New-Jersey, for the Promotion of AGRICULTURE, ARTS, and MANUFACTURES, in that State.
One Powell, for a wager of 251. undertook to walk from St. Paul's Church, London, to York, and back again, being 394 miles, in 138 hours. He performed it in 136 hours 43 minutes, to the astonishment of all beholders.
F R E D E R I C K-T O W N, November 13.
Late accounts from Jamaica mention, that wheat and other flour have advanced considerably in price since the first of September, in that place.
S H E P H E R D's-T O W N, November 15.
Americans may congratulate themselves as being in some measure the authors of the revolution in France, and as having made to that generous nation the noblest of all compensations, by imparting to them a portion of the same divine spirit of liberty, to which so many altars have been reared on this side of the Atlantic. It was anticipated that the example set of successful resistance to arbitrary power would have a propitious influence in general on the rights of mankind. But our most sanguine expectations have been exceeded. The spirit of liberty has not only reached the Netherlands, Germany and Hungary, but it has completely overturned the foundations of a long and well cemented despotism in France. We may therefore well say, without running the hazard of enthusiastic warmth, that we have been called in Providence to fight out, not only the liberties of America only, but the liberties of the world itself.
Latest advices from London mention—That the Spanish towns are even stripped of regular garrisons, and guarded by citizens; so zealous have they been to man the fleet—That the Spanish and English fleets were in sight of each other, by the last messenger—That the Spanish have it in contemplation to lay in wait for the British East-Indiamen—And that the Spanish colonies are ripening to throw off their allegiance.
On the 17th ult. the PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS passed through this town, on his way to Conococheague, to view the country adjacent, in order to fix upon a proper situation for the Grand Federal City. His arrival being unexpected, and his stay short, no particular ceremonies were observed:—He was, however, waited on by the principal Gentlemen of the town, who most affectionately paid their respects to this IDOL OF THE PEOPLE.
Very liberal subscriptions have, within a few days past, been obtained in this town and its vicinity, to be appropriated towards erecting the Federal Buildings, provided the Seat of Government be located so as to include Shepherd's-Town within the district.
Amelancholly accident took place last week on the Menongalia:—as Mr. Nathaniel Alhby, of Frederick County, with his family, were on their way to Kentucky, they made a stop for the night under a large tree, to which they made an inconsiderate fire;—during the night it so penetrated the tree, that in the morning just as the waggon was ready to proceed, the tree fell directly across it, and put an immediate period to the life of a very valuable negro man, rendered the waggon useless, and very much injured the loading.—We hope this unfortunate event may serve as a caution to travellers, who too frequently erect large fires against trees, without the precaution of attending to the state they may be in before they leave them.
Friday, the 26th instant, is the day appointed for the execution of the unfortunate Medlicot, agreeable to the respite granted him by his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor of this state.
MR. WILLIS.
If the following lines, inscribed to the Printing-Pref. shall appear to merit a place in the PATOWMAC GUARDIAN, you are requested to insert them. A. M.
H AIL great Bulwark of our land, Come, and take thy favorite stand, In our village, and from thence, To the country round dispense, Information's lucid ray, Chasing mental night away.
In a dark ill fated hour, When tyrannic ghostly power, Cloath'd in robes of sable night, Seaz'd upon each sacred right; Rending conscience in a chain, Thou didst enter on thy reign. Then from thine effulgent shrine, Issu'd forth a light divine, Which, as it was shed abroad, Pointed out the shining road, That to freedom's sacred bowers, Leads the mind's unfetter'd powers; There at large to range at pleasure, To collect the richest treasure, Science human and divine, When their beams united thine, Can on mortal man bestow, While on earth he dwells below. Thus the mind was set at ease; Conscience felt a sweet release, From her thrall and her chain, And resum'd her reigns again.
When Britannia's haughty pride, Would in regal grandeur ride, And to drag the pompous car, Would us force by dreadful war; Thou didst give us loud alarms, And our heroes call to arms; Thus Britannia's chain was broke, Thus we threw aside her yoke, And obtain'd our liberty, Nobly daring to be free.
Thus the generous flame began, Which has since in Europe shone, Catching there from heart to heart, Maugre all the tyrants art: Chasing tyrants from the throne, Changing slav'ry's sullen groan Into freedom's cheerful song, As it rolls its fires along.
Guardian of each dearest claim, Spread abroad the Patriot's fame, Let his deeds of praise be showw, Make his worth to millions known. Thus the virtuous breast inspire, With fair freedom's sacred fire, And our rising youth allure, To the paths of virtue pure.
But with lust of gold inspir'd, Or, with dire ambition, fir'd, Should a wretch—where freedom reigns, Daring, forge for us new chains: Trace out each insidious art, Shew the baseness of his heart; On him let thy vengeance roll, Blast his schemes and sting his soul: And his execrated name Cover with eternal shame. But let no malicious heart, Shoot the dire envenom'd dart, To destroy the growing fame, Of an envy'd worthy name.—
Ah, how thick those darts appear, Through the dark surrounding air! With what fury are they hurl'd, By an unrelenting world! All impetuous borne along, Not the aged, nor the young; Not the wise, or good, or great, Can obtain a safe retreat; Nor can virgin innocence, Find out a secure defence, From their havoc while they fly All promiscuous thro' the sky. Come then all ye virtuous Fair, And ye virtuous Sons draw near— To the swift wing'd wings make haste, Of PATOWMAC's GUARDIAN— abate. November 12, 1790.
JUST PUBLISHED AT BALTIMORE, And to be SOLD, by W. GODDARD and J. ANGELL WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, With large allowance to those who purchase great quantities, THE Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia
ALMANACK, AND EPHEMERIS, For the YEAR of our LORD,
1791;
CONTAINING,
The Motions of the Sun and Moon, the true Places and Aspects of the Planets, the Rising, Setting, Place, and Age, of the Moon, &c.—The Lunations, Conjunctions, Eclipses, Judgment of the Weather, Festivals and other remarkable Days; Days for holding Courts in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia —Observations on the peculiar Delightfulness of Astronomy—A pleasing and affecting Story of the great Montequieu—Nine Extracts from the Commonplace-Book of the Kentucky Philosopher, an American Sage, viz.—On Anger—Piety the Foundation of Morals—On Sincerity—Appearances often deceitful—The Consolation; a Maxim—Sayings and Sentiments of Wise Men on Temperance and Intemperance, &c. &c.—The Wile Man; or the Mute—Thoughts on Happiness—Mosaic Account of the Creation proved to be agreeable to the Newtonian Philosophy—Several valuable Agricultural Receipts, viz.—To multiply the Increase of Corn of any Kind—To prevent the Smut in Wheat—To prepare Seed to be sown on poor sandy Land; Six different highly approved Receipts—A Method of having large Crops of Wheat and other Grain—Various useful Receipts and Directions—1. Against the infectious Distemper among the horned Cattle—2. Dr. Malone's famous Recipe for a Cold—3. Cure for Deafness, or a dry Ear—4. The famous American Receipt for the Rheumatism—5. Receipt for the Cure of the Stone and Gravel—6. To make white Diachylon Plaster.—7. Diachylon with the Gums—8. An excellent Strengthening Plaster—9. Turner's Cerate, for Burns and Scalds—10. To make an excellent Drink which has been found, on repeated Trials, to be of singular Use in Summer Months, especially while the weather is very warm—11. To make Methelgin—12. To make and preserve Cider in the most easy Manner—13. To make Molasses of Apples—14. An approved Method to preserve the fine Flavour of Butter—15. To prevent Slugs getting into Fruit Trees.— POETRY —an elegant and interesting Hymn of Thanks for the Fruits, &c. of the Earth—On the Bills of Mortality—The Man of Business—Humorous Report of an adjudged Case, between Nose and Eyes —An instructive Epitaph—Epigram; on the Phrase " Killing Times "—An expeditious Method of finding the Interest of any Sum of Money for any Number of Days, at the Rate of Six per Cent.—Reduction of the Currencies of the United States in Pounds, Shillings, Pence, &c. into milled Dollars—Reduction of Spanish milled Dollars, &c.—Table of the Weight and Value of Coins—Table shewing the Value of any Number of Dollars, from 1 to 1000, in the Currencies of New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland—Scale of Depreciation, formed from the Observation of accurate Gentlemen in Baltimore-Town, for the Years 1777, 1778, 1779, 1780, and 1781—Scale of Depreciation, fixed by the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, for adjusting and settling the Payment of Debts and Contracts entered into and made between the first Day of January, 1777, and the first Day of March, 1781—Side-Table for Chesapeake-Bay—Friends' Yearly and General Meetings—Roads, &c. &c.—The whole comprising a greater, more pleasing, and useful Variety, than any Work of the Kind and Price in NORTH-AMERICA. "The Heavens and Earth God's handy Works proclaim, While Saints and Angels join to praise his NAME."
Wanted immediately, by the Printer hereof,
A N active, sober Man, who will undertake the business of Post-Riding. The tour for which he is wanted may be accomplished in two days in each week. Good encouragement will be given.
A L S O,
A strong active Lad, who has received a tolerable education, would be taken as an Apprentice to the Printing-Business.
May be had at the Printing-Office hereof,
Blank Deeds of bargain and sale —Common Bonds, &c. &c.
Wanted to purchase,
A good Saddle Horse. Apply to the Printer.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
THE FASHION.
BEHOLD some Youth of modern days, For slender shape wear Women's stays; In antient times they buckles wore, But now they're wiser than before; For Infant's shoe things take their place, And ribbands now the knee bands grace, Crape cushions use in room of hair, Further to imitate the Fair, Our Youths effeminate of late, And manly dress is out of date; If skirts and gowns these beaus array'd, They'd make a charming pretty Maid; The Sexes have exchang'd their dress, And both run into great excess; For Ladies now short jackets wear, And ruff'd bosoms deck each Fair. Their hats fix'd side ways on the head, With feathers, gauze and ribbands spread; Green shades like veils the bonnets grace, To hide their lovely pretty face, Their rising breaks to view display'd, And slender waists by girdles made, Their Joseph's just like men's surtouts, If coats they wore—a pair of boots, And breeches; then they'd be compleat. For men they'd pass along the street, Such different modes the sexes take, And all is done for Fashion's sake, Visit the Mall on Sunday eve, See how appearances deceive, The Miss dress'd up in silken gown, Declar'd the prettiest in the town; The Maid like Mistress trips along, Passing for such among the throng, Servants like Masters dress'd in taste, To walk the mall their time will waste; The chief resort of every beau, To see the girls, and make a show, Young fellows waiting on the Fair, To take the pleasant Evening air; Refined age such things pursue, But they are not more strange than true; FASHION's the word that rules the state, The rich, the poor, the small, the great, And FASHION prompts me now to write, These few beau dashes to indite,
L
On the MARRIAGE of Mr. MUDD.
To Miss W.
LOT's wife, we read, in days of old, For one rebellious halt, Was chang'd as we are plainly told, Into a lump of salt! The same propensity to change, Still runs in female blood, For here we find a case as strange, A maiden turn'd to Mudd!
A N E C D O T E.
DURING the late war there lived a man at Clam Town, near Egg-Harbour, who frequently laid wages and made his boasts that he could endure any number of musketoes to sting his naked body without in the least flinching or manifesting any uneasiness at the pain. Upon one of these bragging occasions a gentleman present seemed rather to doubt the truth of what he said: but added he, "as it is now the month of August, the salt marshes close at hand, and the musketoes plenty enough in all conscience here are five guineas for you if you will consent to be stripped to the buff, tied hand and foot, lay blind-folded but one quarter of an hour, without once flinching, bawling out, or making wry faces when you are stung." For the sake of the five guineas, which he imagined he could easily win the man consented to the bet, and was stripped accordingly.
For about ten minutes he endured the torment of the musketoes with all the composure imaginable, without seeming to regard them any more than if his skin had been made of sool leather. The gentleman beginning to grow uneasy for fear he should lose five guineas as the fellow really seemed to be devoid of sensation, he slipped into an adjacent hut and set fire to the small end of his walking stick. Returning in an instant, he flyly and unperceived gently applied the extremity of his stick (now burned to a coal) to the naked back of the man, who immediately shrunk from the application, and, from the acute pain roared out like a bull. You have lost the wager, said the gentleman—It is lost sure enough, said the fellow, but had it not been for that d—d gannipper*.
*A gannipper is a kind of large horse fly, frequent in pine woods, the sting of which is extremely poisonous as well as painful.
The following incident lately occurred in one of the Eastern States.
A French Gentleman, totally unacquainted with our language, being introduced to a circle of young ladies and gentlemen in a country town, after the usual compliments had passed, he seated himself beside a beautiful young lady; and, being deprived of the satisfaction of conversing with her, his countenance however, expressed the sentiments of his heart; seizing her by the hand, he requested him to be easy; which he mistook for the French word, baissez (kiss me) began kissing her, to the great mirth of the whole company. The consequence however was, that the ladies came to a unanimous determination never to say, "be easy," to a Frenchman.
How to fill up several Columns of a News Paper.
BEGIN first with It is said, it is reported, or we hear, that there is a probability of a war between Spain and England.
Next day, We are confidently assured, that a war, &c.
Third, There can be no doubt but that a bloody war, &c.
Fourth, Preparations in the two kingdoms are so far advanced, that we hourly expect to hear of hostilities having commenced.
Fifth, Give your conjectures; tell who it is thought will join in the war, and why; who had better, and what power should keep out of the scrape.
Sixth, What would be the consequence of the war; first, the immediate consequences; next, the remote.
Seventh, Dive into the origin of the war.
Eighth, The origin of wars in general, and their destructive consequences.
Ninth, From undoubted authority we hear, that a sloop from — is arrived at —, and brings news, that a brig had arrived at — that spoke a ship that had been informed by a brig in such and such latitude and longitude, that it was reported hostilities had actually commenced between the powers.
Tenth, Doubt your authority.
Eleventh, Contradict it, and say, we are happy to find there is no war.
Twelfth, Not even an idea of war. A battle between a few sailors gave rise to the report.—Flourish away upon the early and authentic quality of your intelligence.
In this manner you never can be at a loss; for besides what is mentioned above, you may, in the course of the twelve days wonder, introduce from books, extracts much to the purpose.
PETER PARAGRAPH, Teacher of Politicks.
ON IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT.
IN the New Constitution of Pennsylvania it is declared, that the person of a debtor, unless there be strong suspicion of fraud, shall not be confined after delivery of his effects for the benefit of his creditors. This article redounds to the honor of the framers of this constitution. It shews that they were as zealous to secure the liberty, as the lives or property of their fellow citizens. In almost all nations debtors have been cruelly and unjustly treated. In some they have been made the slaves of their creditors. In others they have been condemned to imprisonment, the duration of which depended upon the will of their creditors. Many an honest man, on whom misfortune forely pressed, has been torn from his family, of whom he was the only support, and thrust into a noisome prison, to endure all the miseries of confinement, in order to gratify the revenge of a merciless creditor. No reparation can be effected by this proceeding. The unhappy debtor is deprived of the means of paying his debts, which if he were permitted to work might be in his power, and his family, reduced to the utmost distress, must become a charge to the public, or if an honest pride, arising from the recollection of better days, prevent him from this, they must perish from cold and hunger. Misfortune of itself is sufficiently severe. The punishment of a close and long imprisonment need not be superadded. The weight of both combined with the distresses of a family, which he sees, but cannot relieve, is sufficient to break a heart of the least sensibility.
Would not such laws almost tempt a man to flee from a society in which they exist, and to take refuge amongst those nations who know nothing of laws, either good or bad? And yet such laws have existed and still exist, and amongst nations who make pretences to civilization, and political information. Pennsylvania has set an example to the world, which, for the sake of humanity, we hope will be speedily followed. The groans of distressed debtors have long been raised to heaven, calling for vengeance upon their inhuman persecution. And will not vengeance follow, unless averted by a reformation?
Moniteur Volney, speaking of imprisonment for debt, observes that "this is a refinement in cruelty with which even the Turks are unacquainted.—There the debtor is obliged indeed to give up all his property to the last farthing, but here his mortification ends; he is not cooped up in an iron cage
as with us merely for being unfortunate." There seems to want a reform in this particular thro' all the nations of Christendom, but it must originate with those who have power and character in the world, and cannot be expected to be brought about merely by a few speculative philosophers over the midnight lamp. Such may indeed point out the way of reforming abuses, but it must be men of the world to carry their plans into execution. It is indeed surprising how those whom we call great men, who are wallowing in riches and affluence, can pass daily by these bodies of sorrow in their splendid equipages, without once taking into consideration the miseries of their fellow creatures, the victims of savage barbarity, who in these dismal retreats, at a distance from their families and friends, are suffering the consequences of a mean and pitiful resentment.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Sept. 20, 1790.
IT is hereby made known, that the following arrangement has been adopted towards carrying into execution the Act, making provision for the debt of the United States, viz.
Loan-Office Certificates, and those issued by the Commissioners for the adjustment of accounts in the several States, will be receivable only at the Treasury and by the respective Commissioners of Loans within the States in which they were respectively issued. The Certificates issued by the Register of the Treasury, by the Pay Master General and Commissioner of Army Accounts, by the Commissioners for the adjustment of the Accounts of the Quarter Master's, Commissary's, Hospital, Cloathing, & Marine Departments, Indents of Interest, and Bills of Old Omission, will be receivable indiscriminately at the Treasury and by the Commissioners of all the States. The situation of the Checks has dictated this arrangement for the greater security of the public against impositions by forged or counterfeit paper, and the details which have been adopted from the same consideration for the execution of the business are such, as will give facility and dispatch, if application from the Holders of Certificates of the Register of the Treasury and of the Paymaster General, and commissioner of Army Accounts, and of the Commissioners of the five Departments above mentioned are made in the first instance at the Treasury; and if applications from the Holders of Loan Office Certificates, and Certificates issued by the Commissioners for the adjustment of Accounts in the respective States, are made in like manner to the Commissioners of Loans within the States in which they were issued. Transfers can afterwards be made to any Office that the Proprietors of these Certificates may desire.
The Printers in the several States are requested to insert this.
PREPARING FOR THE PRESS,
And soon will be published,
THE MIRROR, A P O E M:
Containing IMPARTIAL LIKENESSES of the characters in Winchester; drawn carefully, with an uncommon share of accuracy.
NUMEROUS men, in num'rous shapes we'll view, Through this clear MIRROR, impartial and true; Some with sad horror, here will see their face, And find each feature, mark'd with vile disgrace: Others with conscious courage in their breast, May see DAME VIRTUE in their looks exprest: These are the contrasts, held to public view, To aid faint worth—and dullness to subdue.
BERKELEY COUNTY,
THIS is to give notice to all persons, that I have given my promissory notes, bearing date the 31st day of August, 1789, to the amount of forty pounds, payable at different times, two for fifteen pounds, and one for ten pounds, Pennsylvania money, unto a certain PHILIP MILLER, for a tract of land, which notes I forewarn any person or persons to take an assignment of, as I will not pay them until he makes me a title according to bargain.
MATHIAS RISER.
THIS is to give notice to all persons, that I have given my obligations for one hundred and sixty pounds, in four bonds, each bond forty pounds, current money of Virginia, bearing date November the first, 1788, payable at different times, unto a certain George Jenkins, for a tract of land, which land when surveyed, wanted considerably of the complement the said Jenkins sold me, which bonds I forewarn any person or persons to take an assignment of, as I will not pay them until he makes the said land good to me.
JOHN HAIR.
Berkeley County, August 31, 1790.