The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1794-06-23 00:00:00

PHILADELPHIA, June 9.
A MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES to CONGRESS, transmitting a letter from the SECRETARY OF STATE to the MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY of his BRITANNIC MAJESTY, in answer to a letter from the Minister, dated 22d May, 1794. Published by order of the House of Representatives.
United States, 4th June, 1794.
Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives,
I lay before Congress the copy of a letter, with its enclosure, from the Secretary of State to the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty; it being an answer to a letter from the Minister to him, bearing date the 22d ult. and already communicated.
G. WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, June 2d, 1794.
Sir,
IF the letter with which you honoured me on the 22d ult. had not entered into a train of recrimination against the United States, I should not now trouble you with a return to its unpleasant topics. Among the reasons which would have induced me to add nothing to my letter of the 1st of the last month, it would have been of some weight, that by silence I should avoid the repetition of a style and manner, which seem to have produced a personal excitement.
As you are willing to admit the authenticity of Lord Dorchester's speech, we will, with your approbation, reserve for a future discussion, on what occasion, and to what degree, an explanation may be required by the government of the United States from a foreign minister.
I selected only one passage of that speech, because in it was concentrated the real object of the whole; which was to declare an expectation, that Great-Britain would be at war with the United States in the course of the present year, and, if she were, to cause the warriors to draw a line. This is the undisguised sense of the Governor-general, unaffected by the preliminary words which you have thought proper to quote. It is your own interpretation. For so far are you from contradicting my assertion, that Lord Dorchester fostered, and encouraged in the Indians, hostile dispositions towards us, that you confine the greater part of your remaining observations to vindicate his persuasion and your own, that the principal aggression, leading to hostility, proceeded from the United States; and to suggest many others of the same tendency, upon which you would not dilate.
I shall not think, sir, from your charges.
1st. Notwithstanding the territory, upon which certain inhabitants of Vermont are represented in your letter of the 5th of July, 1792, to have trespassed, belongs to the United States; yet on the 9th of the same month, did my predecessor give you, as is admitted, positive assurances of the determination to discourage and repress the subject of your complaint. The necessary instructions were accordingly forwarded to that state. On examining your correspondence with my department, it does not appear, that from the 9th of July, 1792, to the 10th of March 1794, upwards of 19 months, our government ever understood from yourself, or any authority of his Britannic Majesty, that the original dissatisfaction continued. Nor was any discontent heard from that quarter through other channels, except what related to outrages upon our own citizens by British subjects. Then, indeed, 30 days after the hostile tribes of Indians had been assembled by Lord Dorchester, at Quebec, you renew your remonstrance. Although it cannot be by any means believed, that this was written, in order to utter in the intelligence, which soon after arrived, of his speech: yet is difficult to account for so long an interval under the circumstances supposed. Nor ought my answer, although delayed for 58 days, until the 29th of April, 1794, to be construed into an assent to any charge, since at the end of that period, having been disappointed, as my letter shews, in one opportunity of information, and no other presenting itself, we were not in a capacity of contradicting your assertions. However, sir, the instructions, issued in consequence of your application, conveyed positive orders for the correction of what, upon examination, should be found irregular.
2d. Among the points, to which you intimate that you might have adverted, is enumerated the fitting out of 2 privateers, at Charleston, in South-Carolina. Whatever this transaction might have been, it probably occurred at the commencement of the war, and before the existence of the war was communicated to our government, by any of the powers engaged. Had such a transaction been known to the President in time, you can well judge from his actual conduct, what he would then have done. His proclamation on the 22d of April, 1793; his call upon the state governors on the 26th of the same month, to co-operate with him in the work of impartiality and peace; the system of rules which
he established, and which were imparted to you;— are unerring indications of the spirit of those measures, on which he had determined. He suppressed the consular courts, which attempted to pass sentences of condemnation on captures; he restored several vessels to British owners; prosecutions have been instituted against the violators of neutrality.— In a word sir, what has been required, under the sanction of the law of nations, which has not been fulfilled? How many things have been spontaneously done, to evince our impartiality? Let me request you to view my predecessor's letters to you of April 22, May 15, June 5, August 7, 8, 25, September 5 and 12, 1793; and to say if more could be well expected from us? After some demonstration, it might have been hoped, that the equipment of these 2 privateers would not rise again in the shape of a charge. But the letter of the 5th of June being conceived of itself to be satisfactory, is here inserted.
"In the letter which I had the honor of writing you on the 15th of May, in answer to your several memorials of the 8th of that month, I mentioned that the President, reserved for further consideration, a part of the one which related to the equipment of 2 privateers in the port of Charleston.— The part alluded to, was that wherein you express your confidence that the executive government of the United States would pursue measures for repressing such practices in future, and for restoring to their rightful owners any captures which such privateers might bring into the ports of the United States."
"The President, after a full investigation of this subject, and the most mature consideration, has charged me to communicate to you, that the first part of this application is found to be just, and that effectual measures are taken for preventing the repetitions of the act therein complained of; the latter part, desiring restitution of the prizes is understood to be inconsistent with the rules which govern such cases, and would, therefore, be unjustifiable towards the other party."
"The principal agents in this transaction were French citizens. Being within the United States, at the moment a war broke out between their own and another country, they determine to go in its defence; they purchase, arm, and equip a vessel, with their own money, man it themselves, receive a regular commission from the nation, depart out of the United States, and then commence hostilities, by capturing a vessel. If under these circumstances, the commission of the captors was valid, the property, according to the laws of war, was, by the capture, transferred to them;—and it would be an aggression on their nation, for the United States to require it from them, whether on the high seas, or on coming into their ports. If the commission was not valid, and consequently, the property not transferred by the laws of war to the captors, then in this case would have been cognizable in our courts of admiralty, and the owners might have gone thither for redress. So that on neither supposition would the executive be justifiable in interposing."
"With respect to the United States, the transaction can in no wise be imputed to them. It was in the first moment of the war—in one of their most distant ports—before measures could be provided by the government to meet all the cases, which such a state of things was to produce—impossible to have been known, and therefore impossible to have been prevented by the government."
"The moment it was known, the most energetic orders were sent to every state and port in the union, to prevent a repetition of the accident. On a suggestion, that citizens of the United States had taken part in the act, one, who was designated, was instantly committed to prison, for prosecution; 1 or 2 others have been since named, and committed in like manner; and should it appear, that there were still others, no measures will be spared to bring them to justice. The President has even gone farther: He has required, as a reparation of their breach of respect to the United States, that the vessels so armed and equipped, shall depart from our ports."
"You will see, sir, in these proceedings of the President, unequivocal proofs of the line of strict right, which he means to pursue. The measures now mentioned, are taken in justice to the one party; the ulterior measure of seizing and restoring the prizes, is declined in justice to the other; and the evil, thus early arrested, will be of very limited effects; perhaps, indeed, soon disappear altogether."
"As to the permission from the governor of South-Carolina, for the departure of those privateers from port, you may assure yourself of a proper enquiry; and I take the liberty of requesting any evidence which you have on it."
3d. With so many direct proofs in your hands, of the opinion constantly maintained by our government against the legality of captures in general, made by illegal privateers, it is not easily explained, why the validity of those before the 5th of June, '93, should be argued, from a refusal to restore them.— The above recited letter of that date, neither affirms
nor disaffirms their validity; but declines the granting of restitution, as being inconsistent with the rules which govern in such cases. These rules are, that if the commission be good, the capture is good; if the commission be bad, the capture is bad; but whether it be good or bad, is not decided; it being enough to prove, that the transaction, for the reasons assigned, can in no wise be imputed to the United States. But if captures of this kind, prior to the 5th of June, 1793, do really amount (as is conceived by some) to no very considerable value, this would, of itself, lessen the importance of the insinuation."
4th. The Secretary of War has undertaken to ascertain the precise state of the privateers le Petit Democrat and le Carmagnole, and the result will be communicated to you. In the mean time, it is a matter of some surprise, that vessels, whose single employment and profit must consist in cruising on the ocean, should have remained in the port of New-York during the whole winter, and probably up to the date of your letter (May 22, 1794) May it not be presumed, that their activity has been checked by the intervention of the government? But, sir, if they have not been dismantled, your letter brings the first notice of the omission."
5th. It is true, that the sale of prizes made by French citizens, has not been prohibited in the United States, and that our treaty with France has been so interpreted, as not to contemplate a freedom to sell. The next resort was to the law of nations; which was scrupulously searched by the executive, with the pure desire of discovering truth and justice to all. Upon this, as on many other occasions the civilians differ; Vattel declaring, that a privateer may carry his prize into a neutral port, and there freely sell it; Martens affirming the same doctrine, if has not been otherwise regulated by treaty; and others opposing it. In this schism among the writers, it was resolved by the President of the United States, to impose no restraint upon those sales; and to refer them, as affairs of legislation, to Congress, at the earliest moment of their session. Thus much has been observed, not as my final answer, but merely to introduce an assurance, that I will follow you in the main discussion, whenever you shall bring it forward in detail."
6th. Undoubtedly, sir, you have been misinformed, that the vessels of France have been permitted to depart from our ports, notwithstanding the embargo. As the history of the executive proceedings is neither long nor entangled, it shall be briefly stated to you. As soon as the embargo was laid, expressies and advice boats were dispatched to notify the officers of the customs and revenue-cutters, and all others concerned in this execution. The resolution imposing it, involved all foreign nations; the instructions from the President of the United States, favored no nation, directly or indirectly. A French snow, La Camille, which had descended the river Delaware as low as New-Castle, on her voyage, was stopped by an officer of the United States; and the President adhering to perfect impartiality, could not think himself justified, to gratify the minister of the French Republic with a passport. Passports being kept under the special view of the President, were issued only after his examination of each case, and the total number of them does not exceed twenty-six. Among them was one to yourself; one to an agent, who was sent to the West-Indies, upon a business connected with the late captures and condemnations in various British courts of admiralty; one to a citizen, whose vessel was under trial in Bermuda, and who was anxious to forward the British instructions of the 8th of January, 1794, with a hope of rescuing her from confiscation; one to the friends of Joshua Barney, then in Jamaica; twenty for the accommodation of several unfortunate inhabitants of St. Domingo, to some of whom our government was advancing money for their support, and who could no longer endure their separation from home; one to some other persons in peculiar circumstances, desirous of returning to the West-Indies; and in the last instance, one to the minister of the French Republic. If, therefore, by any other passport or permission, the embargo has been relaxed, it was unauthorized by the President, and unlawful. The distance of Hampton road from this city, being more than three hundred miles, the officers of government, resident here, could not learn, at the moment what was passing there. No intelligence of an official nature, or of any real importance—no complaint from any other foreign minister, or any other person, has since reached us. If, Sir, you should happen to possess the information, I ask it as a favour of you, to designate, who granted the permission, and under what circumstances the French vessels left the road? An investigation, however, has been, and shall be pursued, on our part, without delay. If the law has been violated, it shall be vindicated; but a violation of law, is very remote from a permission of the government."
7th. The uniformly unfriendly treatment which the British officers are said to have experienced in

the United States, cannot be answered, until it shall be more explicitly defined. Did this treatment break forth in words or actions, not cognizable by law? If so, no complaint can be offered to government. Or in words or action, which are cognizable? Our courts are free to foreigners against citizens, and independent of influence. To yourself let me appeal, that on the representations, which you thought proper to lay before the President in relation to the British Consul at Baltimore, the British Consul at Norfolk, and the commander of the Delawar frigate, the necessary measures were peremptorily adopted; the result has been transmitted to you, and no objection has been returned. Nor was the government backward in its interference in the late affair at Philadelphia. After these being the only occurrences of the kind within my knowledge, I trust, that no example can be produced of government refusing to extend its protection on every reasonable occasion.
8th. The events at Newport, in Rhode-Island, are accurately detailed in the proceedings, which I have the honor of enclosing to you. Within the limits of the present letter, I cannot do more; as it might be an useless task to detain you with my remarks, when none of them might be adapted to the animadversions which you meditate. It is enough, therefore, for me to engage, that these animadversions, whenever they shall appear, shall receive particular attention.
Although, Sir, your charges against the United States are sketched only; the impression, which may have been intended, cannot be counteracted too soon, by such general elucidations, as at a future day may be more minutely unfolded. But let these facts be as they may, are they indicative of a hostile disposition in the United States, and are they ultimately to produce a state of war? This is not the place for us to retort our complaints. But compare them with the whole of your catalogue; and say, what may our feelings be? Yet we prefer peace.
9th. As Lord Dorchester's endeavour to stir up the Indians against us, is without justification; so is the expedition of Governor Simcoe without pretext.
That you have received no intelligence of such an event having actually occurred, leaves room to conjecture, that you may not be without intelligence of it having been designed; and that it has therefore probably taken place. But you insist, that much will depend on the place intended for the fort. Let the point allotted for it, on the Miami, be unknown; the place is for our immediate purpose, adequately marked out by being on that river. A single glance of the eye over the map, proves that its source is within the limits of the United States. In its whole length, it is flanked on each side by our territory. Its very mouth is to the southward of our line, as recognized by our treaty with his Britannic Majesty. On no part therefore of the rapids can a fort be built, but within our country.
This being fixed, your argument is, that if the fort be for the purpose of protecting subjects of his majesty, residing in districts, dependant on the fort of Detroit, or of preventing that fortress from being straitened by the approach of the American army; the principle of statu quo, until the final arrangement of the point in discussion between the two countries, shall be concluded, will strictly apply.
To change by hostile movements the condition of a thing, concerning which a treaty is opened, not being consonant with a spirit of adjustment, the principle of statu quo has been generally adopted. The nearest point of the rapids to Detroit cannot be less than 50 miles. They have never been considered—they never could be considered, as appendages to Detroit. But you proceed and say, that the proposed assumption of territory may depend on districts, which depend on Detroit. It is too obvious to dwell upon the remark, that if Detroit, which lies within the United States, becomes the first station from which a district still farther in, may arise, and that from this district another district may be generated; one encroachment may beget another ad infinitum. It will, however, be very acceptable to understand with accuracy, how much of our territory towards the Miami was actually possessed by the military establishment of Detroit, at the time of the peace. I mention the military establishment; because if any subjects of his Britannic Majesty reside beyond the line of actual possession, they are, as being within our limits, under our jurisdiction.
To prevent the fortress of Detroit from being straitened by the approach of the American army, is either a new modification of the preceding idea, or founded upon an untenable suspicion. For the question must recur, are the rapids an appendage to Detroit? Were they connected with it at the peace? If convenience only were to be consulted, and a wide range of unletted territory, by being suitable to the momentary circumstances of one nation, is to be transferred for that reason alone from another, which is the true proprietor, we might even then controvert the conveniency of the rapids to Detroit. If right be consulted, our right is complete. Is then our territory to be thus seized? Nay, more far, I am authorized to say to you more explicitly, that the American army has no instructions to straiten or annoy that post; and that if the descent on the rapids was dictated by this consideration, it ought to be discontinued, as being without cause.
I have the honor, Sir, to be
With great respect
Your most obedient servant,
EDM. RANDOLPH.
Mr. HAMMOND, Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty.
TRUE COPY:
G. TAYLOR, jun.
FOREIGN ADVICES,
Received by the Ship George, Capt. Hunter, from Liverpool, arrived at New York.
IMPORTANT.
WARSAW, March 24.
IT was thought that the severe measures pursued by Russia had entirely smothered the troubles occasioned by the order to disband the Polish troops; but the magnanimous resistance of the brigade of Madaliniski to that tyrannical order has taken so serious a turn, that it may now be hoped that a general rising will be the consequence.
The chief Madaliniski succeeded in gaining some time by negotiation; which has enabled him to strengthen his party. Encouraged by his example all the Polish regiments now refuse to obey the order for disbanding. Time is precious; it is used to the best advantage. The Kerpici, inhabitants of the forest of Malovic have risen. They have arms; they are embodying. Detachments fly in all quarters to seize the Prussian and Russian military chests in the invaded provinces. One has taken the town of Freulek. In this town the commandant of the eleventh Prussian regiment was made a prisoner.
The forces of the insurgents become more and more formidable. Madaliniski, after having attached to his body of troops several regiments of infantry and a corps of artillery, has already crossed the Vistula and Vislogrod. He has a numerous cavalry. It is said that the intention of this army, for that is the name it now deserves, is to march towards Lowitz, where they expect to find a reinforcement of friends to liberty. The Russians are in great fear, and are intrenching themselves on all sides.
March 27. This capital, at this moment, is in the utmost state of fermentation; and within these few days it has assumed quite a military aspect. In the town, and its vicinities, there are no less than 15,000 Russian mercenaries. The arrival of these troops is in consequence of the resistance of the people to the yoke, imposed on them by the Empress of Russia. The people appear actuated by one glorious sentiment, which breathes a spirit of pure and unadulterated liberty.
The Russian Placeman, Gen. Ingolstroom, who is the proprietor of five thousand Russian slaves, has delivered an official document to our permanent council. It represents the danger which threatens the King, who the people declare is both destitute of patriotism and fortitude. It also states, that the prevailing conspiracy not only menaces Stanislaus, but Ingolstroom himself, and every member of the government. In consequence of this circumstance the Police is charged to seize every person suspected of being inimical to the existing government, with a promise in the case of resistance, of the active support of a blind, and bigotted military.
Yesterday advice was received, which has considerably cheered the spirits of the patriots. It states that 800 men, commanded by M. Manger, have arrived, and joined the army commanded by the brave and resolute Patriot, Madelinisky. The latter is now at the head of 4000 men at Nove Miastko, and several squadrons belonging to another Patriot have joined these brave fellows.
On the 22d a decree passed, by which the insurgents were declared rebels, subject to the most arbitrary punishments. Another circumstance which occasions considerable alarm and anxiety here, is the official declaration communicated by the Prussian Ambassador, which states, that a body of Prussian troops were to enter yesterday into the Woywodricks or shires of Scudomir, and Cracovy.
Numerous red caps have lately been exhibited in the public streets, and in the Dietine held at Chelm, a resolution has actually passed to adopt the French dress there. The King is guarded by Russian soldiers, as he is unpopular, and even despised by the Poles. Ingolstroom has requested the commissioners of the department to send a body of Polish troops to oppose Madelinisky, and his army of patriots, but they have refused.
PARIS, March 27.
Letters from Holland announce, that advices from the Cape of Good Hope have brought the news of the taking of Batavia by the French.
April 3. In the sitting of the Jacobins yesterday, was given an account of Gen. Pichegru having attacked and beat the enemy. The French have several columns in the forest of Mormal, where they are raising redoubts.
April 4. The revolutionary tribunal being fully engaged with the grand trial of Danton, Chabot and Co. have been obliged to respite several individuals of less note. The prisons are daily more and more crowded, and contain at this time, according to the report of the bulletin, 8881 victims. Among these are M. de Maupou, the son of the cidevant chancellor of state; and Guillement, Allain, Dauton, and Genest, all members of the revolutionary committee of the section of Marat.
LONDON, April 3.
The total number of French prisoners in England, Scotland, and Ireland, by the last returns, amounts to no more than 529.
The French have set a price on the head of Gen. Paoli.
April 3. Yesterday Capt. Cook arrived at the admiralty office with dispatches from Lord Hood. The contents of these dispatches, we understand to be, that his lordship finding the French in Bastia too
strong to be attacked, with any prospect of success, by the force at his disposal, and being ill supported by the Corsicans, had re-embarked his troops.
The King of Prussia now finds that the safety of his crown, and the preservation of the dearest interests of his people, do not depend upon the conquest of France. The Empress of Russia has also notified to the court of Vienna, that as long as the Porte, with Sweden and Denmark, shall continue to excite her apprehensions, she cannot give her promised aid to the confederacy!!!
April 11. Earl Howe is preparing for sea with all expedition. All the line of battle ships at Plymouth are ordered immediately to join him at Portsmouth.
It must be satisfactory to the public, to know, that the Marquis Cornwallis means to give his services in the field to his country, during the present campaign. [ In search of a second YORK TOWN ]
Yesterday morning Mr. Shaw and Mr. Wilson, king's messengers, arrived with dispatches one from Vienna, and the other from the Duke of York's head quarters at St. Amand. Nothing of any consequence had occurred. A Hanoverian out post had been surprised; but a reinforcement coming up, the enemy had been obliged to retire with loss.
By letters from America, we learn, that 6 sail of French ships of the line and frigates, apparently the squadron that Earl Howe chased, are safely arrived in the Chesapeake. They had one million four hundred thousand pounds sterling, in specie, on board, which they have safely lodged in the bank of Philadelphia, for the purpose of buying provisions and stores.
This wealth, thus sent to America, not only invigorates their agriculture and manufactures, but it tends to make them more maritime. They will themselves be the carriers of these cargoes to France; and thus does the present war, through the madness of Great Britain, advance the United States of America half a century in arts, commerce and wealth.
The late indecision of the king of Prussia has produced a number of contradictory reports; but in contradiction to statements in the foreign Gazettes we are assured, that the zealous co-operation of his Prussian majesty with an army of 80,000 men, is effectually secured to the general cause.
The Prussian army on the Rhine will remain, and a great corps of troops is to act in the Netherlands with the combined British and Austrian forces.
April 19. On the 1st inst. intelligence was received at Warsaw, that the Prussians had advanced within five leagues of that capital, and would approach still nearer, should it be required. The Prussians are also advancing in great force to Cracow. The Russian general Tarmanzow is immediately to attack that city, where the number of the armed insurgents amounts to between 5 and 7000 men of the lowest description. They are also said to have some old pieces of artillery and plenty of French money. The tribunal of the diet is to be convened to judge the delinquents.
Agreeably to the negotiations concluded upon between Great Britain and Prussia, Prussia is to send into the field against France 90,000 men. Of this number 32,000 men will join the army of his Royal Highness the Duke of York, in the Netherlands, and 20,000 are to be in the pay of the Emperor, to begin the first day of April. The latter are to act with the rest of the Prussians on the upper Rhine. Those regiments which quit the environs of Meatz will immediately be replaced by others.
The accounts brought by yesterday's mail are not decisive respecting the operations of the Prussian troops, but only confirm their having received orders from Berlin to halt until further notice.
All the troops of the other combined powers are in motion, having quitted their cantonments, and there can be no doubt but we shall soon receive some important news.
On the side of West Flanders, there scarcely passes a day in which the enemy do not make excursions, which give birth to frequent and severe skirmishes. It is only remarkable, that the French began all the attacks, and that these are chiefly directed against the posts which are occupied by their countrymen, the Emigrants.
The King of Prussia, to save himself from the further censure of every ingenious mind, has transferred M. de la Fayette and M. de Maubourg to an Austrian dungeon; and for this act he justifies himself by saying, that they were originally the prisoners of the Emperor; M. de Lameth and M. de Puzay are still in Prussia, but whether closely confined, or remaining on account of their health being demobilised, we cannot say.
The King of Prussia, to the Prince of Saxe Cobourg.
"I am eager to inform you that it is my intention to give orders to my field Marshal Mollendorf, to leave behind a corps of 20,000 men under the command of Lieut. Gen. Kalkreuth, to withdraw with the rest of my army from the environs of Mentz; and march towards Cologne. I request you, for that purpose, to take the necessary measures, that the retreat of the most considerable part of my troops do not turn out advantageous to the enemy, but that the fortress of Mentz, and the Empire in general remain covered against invasion. It being in other respects necessary to make arrangements to procure to the troops who put themselves on the march, the necessary provisions on the road to Cologne, their departure will not follow so rapidly; and those troops shall not file off at once, but by divisions. You will therefore have time sufficient to make the necessary dispositions. I hope at the same time, that you will have the goodness to take measures, that when Field Marshal Mollendorf shall have finished his preparations, and when by

virtue of the orders received, he shall have informed you of the days on which the troops shall depart, the execution of this resolution do not suffer any obstacle.
"Signed WILLIAM FREDERICK. "
Potsdam, March 11, 1794.
* Cologne is about 80 miles N. W. of Mentz.
QUEBEC, May 22.
Yesterday the British militia of this city balloted for the detachment ordered by his excellency the governor general, to be furnished for immediate service. Notwithstanding the weather was very unfavourable, all the men attended with great punctuality on the new parade at the hour appointed. Every one was anxious to serve, and the whole corps would most cheerfully have turned out volunteers. A ballot therefore became indispensably necessary. The battalion was accordingly formed into a circle three deep, and the ballot was conducted in the centre with the most perfect regularity. In every ticket drawn for service, the drawer was saluted with three cheers from the whole corps.
It is with much pleasure a correspondent observes, he can announce to the public through the medium of this paper, the extreme ardour and zeal displayed by the Montreal British Militia, on being assembled to ballot for the number to be furnished by them for immediate service. At every ticket of service drawn three cheers were given of exultation, as if it had been a prize. The behaviour of many of the Canadian companies was also highly worthy of imitation, in none was there an objection to the matter, but only to the mode which was what they had not been accustomed to. A little explanation will, however, readily convince them, that ballot is a mode wisely adopted to prevent the partiality that might result from simple command. At Saint Antoine, thirty volunteers offered themselves from Capt. Marchessau's company. It is not to be doubted, but so laudable an example will be much followed; and, if occasion should require, and the drafts be ordered to march, that the only contest will be who shall be most zealous in defence of their country, and the acknowledged happiness which they enjoy under so mild a government.
Letters received since our last, confirm the accounts we then gave of the language held by our neighbours in Vermont, respecting the attack and plunder of this province. And we think it our duty again to call the public attention to a circumstance so important to the security of the property and the welfare of the inhabitants of Lower Canada.
UNITED STATES.
RUTLAND (Vermont), May 27.
By a gentleman from St. John's, we are informed, that the British have just completed a brig at that place, mounting 12 guns; the brig is every way completed and well manned, and is now stationed at Point-a-Fair, on lake Champlain; that a very large row-galley is now building at St. John's; and that the garrison of Montreal was immediately to be strengthened by the addition of a regiment of his Majesty's troops from Quebec.
PORTLAND, (Massachusetts) May 24.
Last Sunday evening, as a young girl of about 12 years of age, of a creditable family in Vassalboro' by the name of Tilton, was returning home from her sister's house, where she had been on a visit, was overtaken in the woods by a negro man, who, after committing a rape, murdered her, and hid her body under a log, and covered it with rotten wood. She was found on Tuesday, after a long search made by the neighbours, who from certain circumstances, suspecting the perpetrator of the crimes, took the negro with them. We hear the villain has confessed the facts, and is in custody.
NEW-YORK, June 7.
The brig George, Capt. Prowse, of Portsmouth, N. H. arrived here on Saturday, from Bourdeaux, which place she sailed from on the 18th of April.
We understand from Capt. Prowse, that the Convention had sent to Bourdeaux, 300,000 livres, in part for an INDEMNITY for the American ships detained there; to all of whom permission had been granted for sailors; which they were preparing to do, as soon as they could get a supply of provisions.
We further learn, that great exertions were making to fit out a very large number of transport ships, on board of which a large army was to be embarked.
The day Capt. Prowse sailed, a letter was received from Paris, by the Representatives of the People, informing that the King of Prussia had acknowledged the Independence of the Republic.
That the Creeks appear anxious for a peace, appears from several late talks lately published. The Cherokees, which have arrived at Philadelphia, are said to have been delegated by the nation at large, to conclude a lasting peace with Congress. The Ohio Indians have lately committed new depredations on persons and property. Marvel not, that General Clarke, said to be commissioned by Citizen Genet, and after whom a hue and cry has been issued, has set out, with two hundred men, in pursuit of hostile Indians on the frontiers of Georgia—that the British are fortifying within our territory is confirmed, and rumours state, that an armed force is ordered to march against them; but all this, with sea-spoilings, does not interrupt our peace and
harmony with the British! draughts of militia, for actual service, are truly making throughout Canada— pretext , the fear of an attack from the Vermonters!!! "Take phisic Pomp," some mercury may possibly destroy the effects of those large guzzles of poppy seed thou seemest to have lately drank.
PHILADELPHIA, June 13.
Greensburg, June 6, 1794.
SIR,
I beg leave to lay before you a statement of the information I have received, of the hostile disposition, manifested by the Indians on our frontiers:
On Friday last in the morning of the same day, a canoe was fired on, above the mouth of Kaskemenetas, in the Alleghany river, by which man was killed, and 2 wounded; on the same day, in the evening, Capt. Sharp's boat was attacked in the Kaskemenetas river near to Chamber's Station, having just set off for Kentucky, by a party of Indians supposed to be 12 in number; there were but 3 men and 1 boy with the boat when attacked, and the savages kept up a constant fire on the boat while the kept drifting down the river.
It appears that one man and the boy were killed, one made his escape, and Capt. Sharp supposed to be mortally wounded, the boat with some women and a number of children miraculously got to Pittsburg.
By a letter just received from Col. Charles Campbell, he informs me that the spies had made a discovery of a large trail of Indians on Pine Creek, above the Kittanning, who appeared by the track to be making for the settlement.
By another discovery of the spies it appears, that 3 canoes with 6 or 7 Indians in each had crossed the Alleghany river at the mouth of Puchoty, in consequence of which the settlement of Pine Run is broke up, and a very general alarm excited on the frontiers.
Several parties have turned out voluntary to intercept the enemy if possible, and for the security of the frontiers, but as these are not regular drafts, it is not to be expected they will remain out more than a few days. There is great reason to believe these Indians are of the Six Nations, and that the frontiers will of course continue to be constantly harassed; by the best information it appears that many even of the frontier inhabitants are destitute both of arms and ammunition; and that a supply at this place would prove extremely useful to such as turn out on occasional scouts.
Waiting your pleasure, and direction in the premises, I remain your excellency's very humble servant,
WM. JACK.
His excellency Thomas M c Kin, Esq.
JUNE 14. We hear from respectable authority, that Col. Simcoe, has returned to Niagara.
It is said, that our executive is in possession of a copy of a talk lately delivered by Col. Simcoe to the Indians, breathing sentiments diametrically opposite to those expressed in Lord Dorchester's late talk, and intended to do away the impressions made by it. If this report is founded, the intelligence is agreeable and important.
Extract of a letter from a respectable house in London, dated 3d April, to their correspondents in this city, by the April packet.
"Every thing here is dark and gloomy, all business is at a stand, and that useful order of men, the middle class, are next akin to starving; it is expected there will be an order of council, prohibiting emigration—the ministry have had recourse to private subscriptions for raising troops, so that we shall soon be over run with camps and armies—and we see no immediate prospect of the calamitous war in which we are engaged put an end to—God grant you may be preserved in a state of peace."
BALTIMORE, June 17.
Extract of a letter from Jamaica, dated May 11.
"There is a most malignant fever here at present, and it is highly necessary, as you tender the safety of your families and the community, that the condition of the crews of every vessel from this place should be strictly inspected before they are suffered to mix with society. The hot weather is now coming on in America, and by seasonable precaution you may prevent a similar catastrophe to what has already happened to the first town in the United States."
Extract of a letter from John Bulkley and Sons, to a merchant in Philadelphia, dated
Lisbon, April 10.
"It is with the highest satisfaction we acquaint you, that this day was published here, an Edict, renewing hostilities, as heretofore, with the Regency of Algiers—and a strong reinforcement sails to morrow, to join a squadron in the Straights, to block up the rovers, and to prevent their coming into the Atlantic."
Translation of a Declaration of the Court of Portugal.
HAVING certified with all certainty, in the royal presence of the prince our Lord, that the truce between this Court and the Regency of Algiers was broken, our said Lord has pleased to ordain that the war with the Regency should continue as formerly, for that purpose taking all possible precautions that the Algerine corsairs should not pass into the ocean, which the royal board of commerce, agriculture, manufactures and commerce, commands to be made public by the present edict.
Signed THEO. GOMES DE CARVALO. Lisbon, April 10.
MARTINSBURG, JUNE 23, 1794.
Monday the 9th instant, the two Houses of Congress adjourned till the first Monday in November, to meet again in Philadelphia.
There is not the least appearance, at present, of any negotiation being on the tapis for a peace in Europe; on the contrary, the most vigorous preparations were making for prosecuting the war the ensuing campaign. Much pains would seem to have been taken to induce Frederick to hire a detachment of his troops to the remaining combination, but this may be held out to encourage his friends and dishearten the enemies.
The first of May last, his royal highness Prince Edward arrived at Halifax from St. Kitts, after the brilliant successes acquired by his consummate wisdom, and generalship in reducing, with an army of only 10,000 men, the almost depopulated French islands in the West-Indies. The town in consequence was illuminated, and several other marks of royal dupism exhibited on the occasion.
The Rev. Dr. JOSEPH PRIESTLEY, lately arrived at New-York from Europe, has been complimented with congratulatory addresses from several incorporated societies, on his safe arrival in this land of liberty.
Married in May last, George Roulston, Esq. Printer, at Knoxville, to the amiable and accomplished Miss Betty Gilham.
From the Pittsburg Gazette, of June 7.
Friday morning last, about 25 miles from this place, in the Alleghany river, a loaded canoe, with 3 men on board, was fired on by the Indians; 1 of the men was killed, the other 2 wounded.
The same day, about half an hour before sun-set, a Kentucky boat, with about 20 persons on board, (all women and children except 5 men) was fired on in the Kiskiminetas, 7 miles from the mouth; three men were killed, and 1 badly wounded, the other being on board, made his escape—1 Indian was killed. The boat arrived here the next day with the dead men on board—the inhabitants of this place took immediate measures to have them decently buried, and raised a generous collection for the present support of the women and children; 1 of whom, with 6 small children, had her husband and son killed. It is supposed this was the same party that fired on the canoe in the Alleghany.
The brigade inspector of this county, received orders on the 30th ult. for drafting 1000 men, in order to assist in the establishment of fortifications at Presqu'ile, and on Monday morning last, an express arrived from Philadelphia, countermanding the orders for a draft, and ordering the troops raised by the state for the purpose of garrisoning the fortifications to be erected at Presqu'ile, not to proceed further than LeBoeuf, where there are already 2 block-houses built and garrisoned by a small party of state troops, for fear of giving offence to our good friends the Six Nations.
Accounts from Fort Washington, as late as the 15th ult. inform us, that an escort between that place and head quarters, had been attacked the day before by the Indians, and 8 men were killed.
Our army were still at Greenville.
New-York, May 17, 1794.
PROPOSALS
For Printing by Subscription,
MISCELLANEOUS WORKS,
PROSE AND POETICAL.
By a young Gentleman of this City.
CONDITIONS.
I. THIS Work will be contained in a neat Duodecimo Volume, of about 300 Pages, printed on good Paper, with an elegant Type, and beautifully bound and lettered.
II. The Price, to Subscribers, will be so moderate as Three Quarters of a Dollar, but will be raised to non-Subscribers to One Dollar.
III. Those who procure Ten Subscribers, and become accountable for them, shall be entitled to the eleventh gratis—the usual allowance to Booksellers.
IV. The Work will be put to Press as soon as 300 Subscribers appear to patronize it.
Subscriptions received at this Office.
I TAKE this method of informing the public, without respect to persons, and do forewarn all persons on their peril, from pulling down my fence, and going through any part of my place, with carriage or single horse, or on foot, that I must pay rent for it to my brother, Cornelius Thompson, and am now under a distress by brother for it, and do not know how to pay it.
WILLIAM THOMPSON.
June 17th, 1794.
A Young lad, tolerably well educated, would be taken as an Apprentice, by the Printer hereof.
June 16, 1794.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
NEW SONG.
HOW blest the life a sailor leads, From clime to clime still ranging, For as the calm the storm succeeds, The scene delights by changing. When tempests howl along the main, Some object will remind us, And cheer, with hopes to meet again, The friends we left behind us. CHORUS. For, under snug sail—we laugh at the gale, And tho' landsmen look pale, never heed 'em; But toss off the glass—to a favorite lass, To American commerce, and freedom.
And when arriv'd in sight of land, Or safe in port rejoicing, Our ship we moor, our sails we hand, Whilst out the boat is hoisting. With chearful hearts the shore we reach; Our friends, delighted, greet us, And tripping lightly o'er the beach, The pretty lassies meet us. CHORUS.
When the full flowing bowl—enlivens the soul, To foot it we merrily lead 'em; And each bonny lass—will drink off her glass, To American commerce, and freedom.
Our prizes sold, the chink we share, And gladly we receive it; And when we meet a brother tar That wants, we freely give it. No free born sailor yet had store, But cheerfully would lend it. CHORUS.
Then drink round my boys—'Tis the first of our joys, To relieve the distress'd cloth, and feed 'em; 'Tis a duty we share—with the brave and the fair In this land of commerce and freedom.
List of commissioned Officers of the American Legion, who have left the service since the arrival of the Legion at Pittsburg, and under the command of Major General Wayne.
Resigned.
Major Rudolph. Capt. Stage. Lt. Davison. Ma- jor Aheton. Lt. Pyne. Capt. Stephenson. Lt. Bond. Lt. Glenn. Capt. M c Lane. Dr. Hutch- ens. Capt. Prat. Lieut. Beel. Major Beatty. Ensign Shirky. Capt. Kerr. Capt. Bayer. Ma- jor Bedinger.
Having been compelled to resign.
Lt. Col. Smith. Capt. Armstrong. Ensign Pyne. Capt. Melcher. Capt. Faulkner. Ensign Long. Capt. Tillinghast.
Cashiered.
Lt. Smith. Lt. Jeneffer. Lt. M c Donnab. Lt. Morgan. Capt. Lee. Capt. Falkner. Capt. Commins. Lt. Col. Smith.
Killed in action with the enemy.
Lt. Lowry. Ensign Boyd.
Killed by duelling.
Ensign Galsway. Ensign Bradshaw. Lt. Hewf- son.
There have been twelve duels, eight wounded.
NOTICE TO DISTILLERS.
WHEREAS it is probable that some of the Dis- tillers of Spirits in this District may not be acquainted with the law respecting entries of stills, I take this method to inform all concerned, that the law requires that every owner or possessor of any still or stills shall make entry with the col- lector in writing, from under their hands, some time in the month of June, describing the marks and num- bers, and the capacity thereof; any owner or pos- sessor of a still or stills failing to make such entry, or working such a still or stills after the last day of June, without making entry thereof, shall for- feit and pay the sum of two hundred and fifty dol- lars, and be liable to pay the yearly duty on such still or stills so neglected to be entered. As I am instructed by the Inspector to adhere strictly to the letter of the law in this respect, it is hoped that all owners or possessors of stills, will make due entry, to prevent the disagreeable consequences which will arise from neglect. I have to notify distillers also, to prepare for the payment of the next half yearly duty which will become due on the first day of July next, as no indulgence can be given after the fi- fteenth of the same month, at which time the law impowers the Collector to enforce payment by dis- tress and sale of property, which he is determined to do, without respect to persons.
NICHOLAS ORRICK, Collector.
May 31, 1794.
On TUESDAY, the 24th instant, Will be sold by PUBLIC AUCTION, The Plantation of the late ANDREW HART, deceased, situate within 4 miles of Martin- sburg. It contains nearly 300 acres, the greater part uncleared, is well supplied with timber and water, has good improvements, a young bearing orchard, &c. &c. Also, wheat and rye in the ground, grass under foot, horses, cattle, hogs, with some house- hold furniture, &c. The sale to be on the premises, at 12 o'clock, where the terms will be made known, and due attendance given, by ROBERT CREIGHTON, Administrator. June 14, 1794.
FOR SALE, A genteel SULKEX, with Harness. WANTED, on hire, A BOY, white or black, to wait on table in a public house. Application to be made to the Printer. June 16, 1794.
RICHARD RANSONE, INFORMS the Public in general, that he has opened a PUBLIC HOUSE in MARTINSBURG, at that eligible stand formerly occupied by Mr. James Graham, and opposite the Harp & Crown. The con- veniences of the house, stable, &c. together with his determination of keeping a constant supply of the best liquors, provisions, &c. and every requisite both for the traveller and citizen, he hopes to ob- tain a share of public patronage. June 16, 1794.
COPPER and TIN WARE.
The Subscribers in the most respectful manner, inform the Public in general, and the Inha- bitants of Martinsburg and Fort-Cumberland and their vicinities, in particular, that they have commenced business in the Copper and Tin line in said towns, where they may be furnished, on the shortest notice and most reasonable terms, with Copper and Tin Ware, of every description; and hopes, from the goodness of their work, and moderation of their prices, to merit the patronage of a generous public. Having just received a large quantity of Copper, they are enabled to comply with the commands of those who may wish to employ them; and are their devoted humble servants, CHRISTOPHER & JOHN BRIDENHART. N. B. The highest price will be allowed, in cash, or new work given in exchange, for old cop- per, brass, pewter or lead. June 12, 1794.
WAS found, some time since, in this town, a man's double skirted saddle; the owner may have it again by applying to the Printer, and pay- ing charges. Martinsburg, June 16, 1794.
A MAN'S SADDLE WAS LOST, about two weeks ago, between Mr. Gre- ham Key's, at Hall's mill, and the Lick. Who- ever has found the same and will return it to me, shall have two dollars reward. ALEXANDER BUCHANAN. June 14, 1794.
STRAYED from Capt. James Russell's, at the Sulphur Springs, on the 11th of this instant, a chestnut-colored Horse, about 9 years old, 14 1/2 hands high, all his feet are white as high as the pasture joint, a small star in his face, a remarkable lump on the inside of his hind leg or knee joint. Whoever takes up said Horse and returns him to me at Capt. Russell's, shall have THREE DOLLARS REWARD. CHARLES JAMASON. June 16, '94.
THE Subscriber informs the Public, that he has commenced the HATTING BUSINESS, in its various branches, in President-Street, and op- posite to Major Stephenson's, where he flatters himself, that by the close attention to business, and quality of his work, to render satisfaction to all who plese to favour him with their custom. JOHN STEWART. Martinsburg, June 16, '94.
N. B. Store-keepers, or others, who purchase by the quantity, will have a reasonable credit, and a generous abatement.
Cash given for clean Cotton and Lin- en RAGS, at the Printing-Office. Good encouragement will be given to a per- son who will collect Rags.
LANDS FOR LANDS.
TO be disposed of, Four Hundred Acres of Land (called Mahon's) lying on Buffalo-creek, Mon- ongalia County, upon which there are upwards of 40 acres of the best meadow, a good mill seat and spring, and the land equal to any on the Western waters. Three hundred and eighty-four acres adjoining, below, on same creek, a large proportion of me- adow, and a good spring, the upland equal, which is held by settlement right, and a general warrantee will be given. One thousand acres on the Dunkard-mill run, a branch of said creek, held by pre-emption-right, of equal quality to the above, and the same warrantee will be given, all lying from 14 to 25 miles of Mor- gan-Town, and from 3 to 11 miles from Mononga- lia river—the State road from Morgan-Town to the little Kenhawa passes near or through the said land. One thousand acres on Bingerman's creek, held by pre-emption right, a great proportion of me- adow, and well watered, which lies in the same coun- ty, the upland of good quality, about 10 miles far- ther from Morgan-Town. One thousand acres on the little Kenhawa, about 14 miles from the mouth of said river, held by an old location on treasury-warrant, the land also ve- ry rich. Any property in the Counties of Berkeley or Frederick, negroes, good bonds, or any claims a- gainst me, will be taken in payment. DAVID GRAY. BERKELEY, June 16, 1794.
Notice is hereby given that the Claim- ants of the Soldiers' Rights to the Sandy-Creek Lands, granted in the year 1754, being surveys of 28,000 acres, or more, intend to petition the Ge- neral Assembly at their next session, that the divi- sion made May 10, 1775, and begun at S. Creek may be established. May 25, 1794.
HARP and CROWN TAVERN.
FLO. MAHONY,
Returns his grateful acknowledgments to the Ladies and Gentlemen who did him the ho- nor to favor him with their custom last season, on their way to and from BATH. He takes this me- thod to inform them, and the Public in general, that he is much better prepared this season, having pro- vided sufficient bedding, five good lodging rooms in addition to the former, an excellent stock of liquors, neat wines of the purest quality, &c. He has pro- cured a large yard room, and stableage for an hun- dred horses, also shades for carriages, &c. all under an inclosure. He hopes to meet with their further encouragement; and is with gratitude, the Public's humble servant, FLORENCE MAHONY. Martinsburg, Berkeley County, VIRGINIA, June 9, '94.
THE Subscriber returns his thanks to the Public, for exceeding his most sanguine expectations in sending cloth to be fulled, since his late com- mencement of business at EDWARD BRESON's fulling- mill: He also hopes that those pieces already re- turned have rendered general satisfaction. He also will have against the approaching season a quantity of dyes for to accommodate his customers in almost every colour. I am, with due respect, the Public's friend, WILLIAM BAILEY. N. B. An active boy, about 15 years old, would be taken as an apprentice to the above business.
Twenty Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the Subscriber, on the night of the 19th of September last, a Negro Man na- med SOMMERS, about 26 or 27 years of age, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, tawny complexion, has a down look. He took with him when he went away, a light cloth coat and breeches, a red shag waistcoat, a round white sailor jacket, a pair of striped and a pair of tow overalls, a good wool hat, and shoes. He will endeavour to pass for a freeman, as he has obtained a pass from his brother William Larkins, who was lately set free at Hager's-Town. Whoever apprehends said Negro and returns him to me, or commits him to goal so that I get him again, shall have the above reward, and necessary charges. JOHN KEARNEY. Berkeley County, Virginia, April 28, 1794.
FOR SALE AT THE PRINTING OFFICE. Blank Deeds of Bargain and Sale. Common Bonds, Blank notes, &c.