The Patowmac guardian, and Berkeley advertiser (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]), 1791-02-01 00:00:00

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 7.
On Wednesday evening, arrived in this city, Lieutenant Armstrong, of the Federal Troops, with the following letter from Brigadier General Harmar, to the Secretary of War.
Head Quarters, Fort Washington, NOVEMBER 23, 1790.
SIR,
I had the honor to address you on the 2d of September, and last on the 4th inst. duplicates of which are now enclosed. My Adjutant, Lieutenant Denny, whom I dispatched on the 7th inst. will have the honour to deliver you the latter of those letters. It contains the substance of the late expedition undertaken against the savages of the Miami, of the Lakes and its branches, the rivers St. Joseph and St. Mary.
The hurry occasioned on my return, by disbanding the militia, did not suffer me to enter into the detail of facts, at that time. It will be the object of the following sheets to supply that omission, by submitting to your notice every occurrence and transaction of any consequence, that happened during the expedition; with the addition of such remarks, as may tend either to elucidate events, and connect their order, or convey an idea of the country thro' which we passed. You will likewise receive herewith two plans, explanatory of the route taken by the army, of the actions which took place, and of the several dispositions for forming the order of march, the order of encampment, and the order of battle. For these dispositions I beg leave to refer you to the plan No. 1. in which they are severally and particularly laid down.
As there are three Miamis in the north western Territory, all bearing the name of Miami, I shall in future, for distinction sake, when speaking of the Miami of the Lakes, call it the Omee, and its towns, the Omee towns. By this name they are best known on the frontiers. It is only, however one of the many corruptions or contractions, universally used among the French Americans in pronouncing Indian names. Au Mi for instance, is the contraction of Au Miami.
On Thursday, the 30th of September, I took the field, with such of the Federal Troops as were then assembled at Fort Washington, consisting of two battalions, commanded by the Majors Wyllis and Doughy, with three brass pieces of ordnance, viz. a six pounder, a three pounder, and a five and one half inch howitz: together with Capt. Ferguson's company of artillery; making in the whole three hundred and twenty men, including non-commissioned officers. With this force I immediately proceeded to join the militia under the command of Col. Hardin whom I had put in motion the 26th, and ordered to advance along what is called, "Clark's Old Trace," for about five and twenty miles; there to halt till further orders. The militia had been draughted from Kentucky and Pennsylvania, and both together amounted to 1133 men. Many of the former were substitutes, and by no means equal, either in spirit or appearance, to the generality of their countrymen. My whole force then was fourteen hundred and fifty three (including two troops of cavalry) but from this number we may safely deduct two hundred of the militia as good for nothing. This day I marched northerly about seven miles, encamped at night on the waters of Mill Creek, which empties into the Ohio two miles below this Fort. The country through which we passed was rich and hilly but not very difficult. A pretty good road might easily be made through it.
The next day being the first of October we advanced nine miles; the general course N. by E. The country now assumed a level face, covered thickly with underwood. In the evening I was joined by Col. Truby of the Pennsylvania militia, with such of the cattle as had been left behind at Fort Washington. Our whole stock of beeves consisted of 175 heads. The pack horses amounted to 578.
On the 2d we marched N. E. about 13 miles to a branch of the little Miami river. The underwood disappeared, and the face of the country in this distance, seemed, with some exception, rich and level.
The next morning at ten o'clock, reached Turkey Creek, a stream of the same river, two miles eastward. Here I formed a junction with Col. Hardin and the Kentucky militia under his command. The remainder of the day was employed in making arrangements.
On the 4th, the whole army took up the line of march, and crossing the Little Miami, encamped 2 miles beyond it, on a considerable branch called Sugar Creek, or Cesar's Creek. We gained about 11 miles on a general course of N. E. by E. Several horses were missing this morning, supposed to have been stolen last night by the savages.
The 5th we advanced northerly 10 miles and encamped on Glady Creek, a small stream, emptying on the east side of this river. The face of the country was open and level, generally rich bottom, or low land, diversified with small prairies or natural meadows.
The army marched northerly 10 miles the next day, and encamped on western branch of the Little Miami, having previously recrossed this river about three miles, North from the site of Old Chillakothe an Indian town destroyed in 1780. This part of our route lay in an open fine country, beautifully checkered with prairies. In the evening Lieut. Frothingham of the federal troops, joined me with a few soldiers, as did Capt. Hall, with a reinforcement of Kentucky militia. The first frost this season happened last night.
On the 7th we crossed, and encamped on the west side of the Pikkawa fork, more commonly called Mad River, a powerful branch of the Great Miami. It is a beautiful but rapid stream, running through a pleasant, level country of the greatest fertility. Our course was a little westward of north, and ran thro' some handsome prairies. Marched about nine miles this day.
We gained about 8 miles on the 8th, encamping on an eastern stream of the Great Miami. Course N. N. W. A very low wet glade crossed the route, which being impassible for the pack-horses, they were filed off to avoid it. The country was otherwise very fine.
Advanced on the 9th near 8 miles farther, to another stream of the last mentioned river. Our course lay a little west of N. The country was rich and level. Yesterday and to day the weather proved wet and disagreeable.
On Sunday the tenth, it became cool and clear; we marched nearly the same course about 10 miles, crossing, at one third of the distance, the Great Miami, where once stood another Chillakothe of the Indians: it was burnt in 1782, by a body of militia from Kentucky. I suppose this place to be what Hutchins calls in his map "The English Tawixtawi." Here are the ruins of an Old Fort. Extensive prairies skirt both the sides of the river, we encamped at night on the east side of a western branch of the Great Miami, which may be computed, according to this route, to lie a hundred miles distant from Fort Washington. The general course of this and the subsequent part, of our march to the Omee Towns, described the segment of a circle; hence I conclude, that a straight line drawn between those towns and the fort, would not exceed 110 miles. We now discovered many tracks of the savages.
Thus far the country continued open, generally level, and extremely fertile: we found it, besides, abundantly watered. But after this day's march, till the army arrived at the Omee river, it changed to a dead flat (excepting a solitary eminence) with a soil much inferior to that we had left; and scarcely a stream of water was any where to be found. The woods were indeed open and free from underwood, and the timber was chiefly white oak. The troops, &c. suffered extremely through the want of water. There is reason to believe, however, that the country thus extending between the G. Miami, and Omee, tho' so dry at this time, is deluged every spring with standing water, and rendered impassable. It is remarkable that no stones of any kind (except in one spot) were seen during the whole march from the place of departure to the point of destination. This short account will render any farther description, as to the general face of the country unnecessary in the remaining part of the route.
The army proceed on the 11th about 12 miles N. N. W. and encamped on a small stream running into the Great Miami. Within the first 8 miles are the ruins of a French store, which stood on a considerable branch of the same river, and was burnt by the Kentuckians in 1782. This is the utmost point, to which, in this direction, they ever penetrated the Indian country.
On the 12th we advanced about seven miles, the general course being north to Glaize (or perhaps, Glace) river, a branch of the Omee; thence proceeded 6 miles farther, nearly west.
The next day we gained in about 10 miles, on a course W. N. W. the Pikkawa branch of the Omee, commonly named the river St. Joseph. The day was cold, moist, and very disagreeable. In the morning the cavalry took a Shawano prisoner, and I availed myself of this event to obtain some intelligence of the force and probable designs of the enemy. The army encamped near what is called La Source's old house.
The following day being the 14th, I detached colonel Hardin with 600 men, composed of 50 federal troops, and 550 militia, 100 of whom were mounted. The object was to reconnoitre the country, and feel, at their towns, the enemy's pulse, while the army advanced. We marched about 9 miles this day, pursuing nearly the course of yesterday: the weather rainy.
Advanced on the 15th about 9 miles, in a direction somewhat more northerly, to an inconsiderable stream of the St. Mary. We had the pleasure of seeing water several times in the course of this day's march. The weather became clear in the afternoon.
A dispatch arrived on the 16th from colonel
Hardin, informing me that the savages and the traders (who are perhaps, the worst savages of the two) had evacuated their towns, with appearances of precipitation, and burnt the principal village, called the Omee, together with all the traders' houses. This village lay on a pleasant point, formed by the junction of the rivers Omee and St. Joseph. It was situate on the east bank of the latter, opposite the mouth of St. Mary, and had for a long time past been the rendezvous of a set of Indian desperadoes, who infested the settlements, and rained the Ohio and parts adjacent, with the blood of defenceless inhabitants. This day we advanced nearly the same distance, and kept nearly the same course as yesterday, we encamped within 6 miles of the object. And on Sunday the 17th encamped on the ruins of the Omee town, or French village, as part of it is called. Appearances confirmed accounts I have received of the consternation into which the savages, and their trading allies had been thrown by the approach of the army. Many valuables of the trades were destroyed in the confusion, and vast quantities of corn, and other grain and vegetables, were secreted in holes dug in the earth, and other hiding places. Col. Hardin rejoined the army.
Besides the town of Omee, there were several other villages situate upon the banks of three rivers. One of them, belonging to the Omee Indians, called Kegaioque, was standing, and contained 300 houses, on the bank opposite the principal village. Two others, consisting together of about 45 houses, lay a few miles up the St. Mary, and were inhabited by Delawares. Thirty-six houses occupied by other savages of this tribe formed another but scattered town, on the east bank of the St. Joseph, two or three miles north from the French village. And about the same distance down the Omee river, lay the Shawano town of Chillakothe, consisting of 58 houses, opposite which, on the other side bank of the river, were 16 habitations more, belonging to savages of the same nation. All these I ordered to be burnt during my stay there, together with great quantities of corn and vegetables hidden as at the principal village, in the earth and other places, by the savages, who had abandoned them. It is computed there were not less than 20,000 bushels of corn in the ear, which the army either consumed or destroyed.
As the name of Chillakothe has been applied to different places in the course of this letter, it may not be improper to remark here, that it is derived from the name of an influential chief, who formerly headed the Shawanos. Whenever his people happened to be driven from their town, they retired to some other spot, and founded a second by the same name, and so a third, a fourth, &c. In like manner the Miami, and some other Indians, have communicated the respective names of their nations, or tribes, to various rivers and places, as they severally happened to remove, or spread themselves over the country. The savages know well how to choose a situation for a town. The site and surrounding country of every Chillakothe is very beautiful.
On the 18th two Indians were killed and scalped by the cavalry; and another was killed at night. We lost a great number of horses at this time, occasioned by the negligence of the militia guards, and their disobedience of orders.
On the 19th colonel Hardin was detached with 180 men, taken from the Pennsylvania and Kentucky militia, and 30 federal troops, commanded by lieutenant Armstrong. Part of the detachment proceeded about 10 miles westerly of the main body of the army, now posted at Chillakothe (the Pennsylvanians, who formed the left column, having fallen some miles in the rear) when a body of Indians appeared and advanced to the attack; and tho' the enemy did not, as it is believed, exceed a hundred and thirty, yet the militia made no resistance, but fled, leaving the handful of federal troops to their fate; seven only of whom escaped. The militia lost but few men; among these fell, lamented by his acquaintance, captain Scott of the militia, son to general Scott of Kentucky. I am not informed of the loss sustained by the savages; but I conceive it could not be great.
Incensed at the disgraceful conduct of the militia, and determined to prevent, if possible, a repetition of it upon any future occasion, I reprehended it in my next orders with great severity. This measure, though harsh, will appear to have been necessary. It operated as a stimulus to wipe off the foul stain, which the reputation of the militia had incurred.
The great object of the expedition being now completely effected, that is the destruction of the Omee towns and the provisions laid up for their subsistence. On the 21st the army began to return towards Fort Washington by the route they came.
It was originally my intention to have returned by the way of the Oniatanon, (commonly called the Weeah) towns on the Wabash; and break them up also. Major Mampumuck, commanding at Knox,

Vincennes, had been previously ordered to make a movement towards them with the troops under his command: three hundred militia from Kentucky, were ordered to reinforce him. The movement was intended as well for a diversion to prevent an union of the Indian strength, as for the purpose of effecting a junction with our whole force, in case I should have judged it advisable to enter the country of the Oniatons. Circumstances however rendered it impracticable for me to attempt it, at this time, with any tolerable prospect of success. The horses of the army were now, by various causes, reduced to two thirds of their original number, and the remainder so worn down with hard service, as to preclude the possibility of reaping much further benefit from them. I have not yet received any communication from Major Hamtramck, notwithstanding the long lapse of time since he was ordered to march.
I would beg leave to suggest in this place the propriety of employing oxen, in any future expedition against Indians, where the march may happen to lie in a country whose face, like that of the late route, is level, and either openly timbered, or having no timber at all, as in the prairies. Light ox carts, of small value, might be constructed to hold the provisions, stores, and baggage; and the oxen, as either of the former were expended, would supply the army with beef. The only loss would be the cart; but this will be deemed a consideration of no importance, when the enormous expense of pack and bat-horses is taken into view, and the great temptation a savage enemy will ever feel to steal them. Besides, every horse that tires on the march proves a dead loss; and if he return, the hire must be paid, which in an expedition of but moderate duration, would absorb his whole value. If it be objected against oxen, that they are too slow of foot, I would answer, that the progress of an army in this country, can seldom exceed ten or a dozen miles in a day, and oxen are fully competent to this distance.
Kentucky abounds in cattle, and any requisite number of oxen might, doubtless, be obtained thence. —but, then, the oxen ought to be well broken, before they are taken, or the end will not be answered; and I conceive it would not be an easy matter, at this time, to procure in Kentucky a sufficient number of trained oxen, for any expedition of consequence.
I beg leave to close this digression with one suggestion more. It has never yet been the practice to keep up a regular body of horse on the frontiers. Cavalry have emphatically been styled the eyes and feet of an army—such they would certainly prove here. Horses are well adapted to scour and cover an extensive country. The rapidity of their movements is such, that the savages would be cautious how they provoked a pursuit. Distance could not operate as a security to the Indian towns. They would always be open to surprize—and hence their warriors would be taught to dread the continuance of a war, in which their wives and children must be momentarily exposed, in common with themselves. Thus the arm of government might be extended and enforced over regions not otherwise to be protected. I mean in that efficient manner which humanity and the interest of the United States seem to require.
I will now return to those operations which followed the destruction of the Omee towns.
On the 21st of October, the army decamped from Chillakotie, returning on the route we had come about 8 miles. Here we remained till the morning of the 23d. Finding, in the mean time, that the enemy studiously avoided coming to a general action; and conceiving it improper to leave them in the quiet enjoyment of their late success, I resolved to make an effort to bring on another partial engagement. For this purpose I detached, on the 21st, late at night, Col. Hardin and Major Wyllys, with 360 men, 60 of whom were federal infantry—the rest being militia, from Pennsylvania and Kentucky. I had sometime before, mounted a company of militia, and annexed it to the two troops of cavalry, giving the command of the whole to Major Fontaine, a brave and deserving officer, at that time serving as my aid-de-camp. This corps made a part of the present command.
I gave orders to find out and fight the enemy at all events, and to be sparing of no means that might tend to lessen the number of the savages. Knowing of what importance the life of every warrior is held among them. The detachment reached the confluence of the Omee and St. Mary, early next morning, and filed off in three columns. The left under Col. Hardin and Major Hall, crossed at Keg-niogue, and proceeded along the west bank of the St. Joseph. The centre, consisting of the federal troops, under Major Wyllys, having passed the Omee at the French Village, moved up the east bank of the St. Joseph, at some distance from the river, while Major McMillan led the right column over some heights on Wyllys's right. The enemy now appeared in different quarters, and the columns were soon and severally engaged with various success. A body of the savages having appeared in Wyllys's front, and cherished the idea of an attack there, suddenly gained the unoccupied height on the right, and turned his flank. At this crisis fell Major Wyllys, an officer whose long and meritorious services claim the grateful remembrance of his country. With the talents of a cultivated mind, he united the best virtues of the heart. The little party, unsupported, and overpowered by numbers, now gave way, leaving 50 out of 60 dead upon the field. Free use was made of the bayonet, which the savages experienced to their cost. Lieutenant Frothingham, of my regiment, was killed in the action. I
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UNITED STATES.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES.
THURSDAY, January 13.
THE bill sent yesterday from the Senate, for erecting the district of Kentucky into a separate state, and admitting the same as a member of the Federal Union, was read a second time and referr'd to a committee of the whole House on Monday next.
Mr. Sedgwick gave notice, that to-morrow he should move for leave that a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill to authorize the President of the United States to cause that part of the debt due to foreign officers, bearing an interest of six per cent, to be discharged.
Agreeable to the order of the day, the house went into a committee of the whole, to take into further consideration, the bill repealing after the last day of next, the duties heretofore laid on distilled and other spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead.
Mr. Boudinot in the chair.
The bill being gone through, the committee rose and the chairman reported, that the committee had according to order, had the said bill under consideration, had gone through the same and made sundry amendments therein, which he begged leave to report to the house; and on motion the consideration of the amendments, proposed by the committee were postponed, and made the order of the day to be taken up in the house on Monday next.
Mr. Sedgwick made the following motion, that whereas it will be impracticable during the present session to consider and decide on the report of the Attorney General for adopting a judiciary system, with that deliberation which the subject demands, that the consideration of the said report be postponed.
Also that the Attorney General be directed to report to this house a bill, making a temporary provision to the clerks, jurors and other officers of the federal courts, and that he also prepare and report at the next session a bill, making a general provision for the officers and jurors of said courts, which motions were read, and laid on the table.
On motion the house again resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into further consideration, the bill declaring the officer who in case of vacancy by Death, removal or disability both of the President and Vice President of the United States, shall exercise the office of President.
Mr. Boudinot took the chair of the committee.
After some time spent in debate, the committee rose, reported progress and asked leave to sit again.
Mr. Livermore gave notice, that he should move for leave to bring in a bill to alter the time for the annual meeting of Congress.
On motion the House again resolved itself into a committee of the whole, to take into consideration the bill declaring the respective times when the electors do vote for a President of the United States shall be chosen and give their votes.
Mr. Boudinot in the chair. After some time spent in debate, the committee rose, reported progress and asked leave to sit again.
Mr. Ames made the following motion, that a committee be appointed to determine whether any, and what further compensation shall be made to the commissioners of loans, which was referred to the secretary of the treasury.
On motion resolved, that another member be added to the committee on the navigation act—the member chosen, Mr. Bourne.
FRIDAY, January 14.
Mr. Bourne presented the petition of Joseph Wheaton, late an officer in the American army praying to be indemnified in a suit brought against him for forage taken for public use, in consequence of orders from his commanding officer, which were read and referred to the secretary of the treasury.
Mr. Speaker presented a memorial from Andrew Brown, of the city of Philadelphia, printer, stating his intention to publish an elegant and correct octavo edition of the laws, treaties, resolutions, &c. of the United States: and praying Congress to adopt such measures as will render the said edition AUTHENTIC. It was read and ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. White presented the petition of Thomas Boyd, praying the benefit of a pension as an invalid soldier, which was read and referred to the secretary at war.
The committee to whom it was referr'd to prepare and bring in a bill for establishing land offices, for disposal of the vacant lands belonging to the United States, in conformity to the resolutions adopted by the house, reported a bill for that purpose, which was read a first time, and on motion said bill was read a second time, and ordered to be referred to a committee of the whole house on Thursday next, and that 100 copies be printed.
Mr. Fitzsimons, from the committee to whom was referr'd the petition of sundry officers of the late navy; reported that the prayer of said petition cannot be granted, and that the petitioners have leave to withdraw their petition; which was read a first and second time.
The House proceed to consider Mr. Sedgwick's motion of yesterday, for leave to bring in a bill authorizing the President of the United States to cause
the debt due to foreign officers, the interest of which is payable in Paris at 6 per cent; to be paid and discharged, and Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Benton, and Mr. Seney, were appointed a committee to prepare and bring in the same.
Mr. Madison laid before the House sundry resolutions of the General Assembly of Virginia, remonstrating against some of the provisions contain'd in the act for funding the debts of the United States, and particularly against that part of the act which provides for the assumption of the debt of the several states; which were read and ordered to lie on the table.
The house agreeably to the order of the day, resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Boudinot in the chair, to take into further consideration the bill, declaring the respective times, when the electors do vote for a president, shall be chosen and give their votes.
Some time being spent in debate the committee rose, and the Chairman reported that the committee had gone through the bill and made sundry amendments therein, which he reported to the House, and the same being read, the further consideration of the bill with the amendments was postponed.
Adjourned until Monday.
BENNINGTON, (Vermont) Jan. 1.
Lately a ball at Windham, in Connecticut, was graced with the presence of about thirty young ladies, each of whom was dressed in a handsome muslin gown, wrought by their own hands. A patriotic example worthy the imitation of every lady among us, who wishes well to her country, as on the advancement of the manufactures of America, depends her truest interest.
NEWBURY-PORT, Dec. 22.
From a Martinico paper of the 29th of Oct. brought by Capt. Titcomb, of this town, the following is extracted.
The garrison of Fort Bourbon and Fort Royal, in order to preserve the King's Picture, which was placed in one of the halls of government, from insult, and from being taken away by force, removed it yesterday to Fort Bourbon, with all the honors due to that august Portrait.
The carrying off the white colour of the regiment completely authorised this praiseworthy step of the two garrisons.
BOSTON, January 1.
If public credit is the thermometer to ascertain public prosperity, the federal government cannot be too highly estimated. Before its establishment public securities were at and lower than 3s. in the pound.—Now, the same securities can command 15s on the pound. Facts are stubborn things.
DANBURY, December 30.
One day last week, Henry Jackson of New-Milford, aged 45, was found at the road cruished to death with his cart.—It appeared that he was driving his team, when the cattle suddenly took a different course, caught him between the wheel and side breadth of the cart against the tree: In that situation he was found dead, his body much bruised and both his arms broken. Mr. Jackson has left a wife and three children to lament his sudden exit.
ALBANY, January 3.
Mr. SHELDON, an experienced distiller in this city, has brought the distilling of GIN to such perfection, that the first judges (Europeans and Americans) pronounce it equal to the best imported from Holland.
Mr. Sheldon having made some experiments on the JUICE OF THE MAPLE TREE, declares that when distilled, it yields a liquor not unlike ARRAC, and superior in flavour—and that, from the best computation he has been able to make, a tree will produce as many pints of this liquor, as it does pounds of sugar. Admitting this fact, a conclusion highly favorable to the interest of the United States must be drawn, viz. that our import trade from the West-Indies must soon decline, as the two principal articles of it are sugar and rum—the first of which we can produce superior and in sufficient quantities, and a substitute for the latter not inferior to the best Jamaica spirits.
PHILADELPHIA, January 15.
To guard against encroachments in government is the duty of every worthy free citizen. But to utter the accents of doubt in our present situation borders either on stupidity, or a proneness to discontent. To blow the trumpet of sedition at this period, is a crime of the highest magnitude.—Notwithstanding we are willing to allow all due freedom to the press, such publications cannot possibly (nor, as we rationally suppose, are they intended to) promote any good end.
But what are the objects of discontent? The militia and excise bills—the former, the guardian of our country from the effervescence of faction, prepared perhaps to excite civil war; the other, a capital source of revenue towards the discharge of our public debt, and other salutary purposes. That an excise was justly odious, when attempted to be imposed on us by an external power, interested in our depression, is a truth, which cannot be denied. But is it not at present not only constitutional, but highly necessary? With equal confidence we maintain, that a well regulated militia (and such alone is meditated) is the best protector of the free. Those, who reject it, must, in our opinion, be either advocates for a standing army in time of peace, or must wish, that no operation at all should be made to an invading enemy.

Let then the voice of jealousy be hushed—let faction howl in desarts; and, whilst government is strengthened by constitutional means, let the wise and good applaud that legislature, which, attentive to domestic tranquility, is determined to meet, if necessary, hostilities from abroad.
The tranquility of the United States—the equal rights of the several states—the apportioning of the public burthens—and protecting the agricultural states from the unjust impositions of the commercial, are inseparably connected with the exercise on the part of the general government of the power of laying and collecting an excise, in some such form as that proposed by the bill now pending before the House of Representatives of the United States.
It is to be remarked, that the objections generally urged against an excise, do not apply to the above bill—nor have such been offered by its opponents. A peal has however been rung upon the word—and it is very humorous to observe what a climax may be founded upon a string of terms, without any meaning, in respect of the subject under debate.
By private letters lately received from Europe, dated October 24th, we hear that Leopold has declared, that notwithstanding the treaty of Reichenbach, by which he renounces his alliance with Russia, for the purpose of making war with the Turks; he still intends to abide by former treaties of defensive alliance with the first mentioned power, and is determined to give the promised succours should he be attacked. This declaration has affected a considerable change in the political situation of Europe; and will, it is likely, force most of the active cabinets to a change of measures, to keep up the balance of power. So important a power thrown into the scale of Russia, must affect Prussia and her allies.
The monks, priests, canons, bishops, in France, &c. are thought to amount to 300,000; the lodging, cloathing, and feeding of whom, in unproductive idleness, must require prodigious sums, estimating their consumption at half a crown a day. The rents, tenths, pensions, imposts for mases, reparations for churches and chapels, parochial and conventual treasures, offerings, marriages, baptisms, burials, charities, dispensations, missions, &c. &c. produced an astonishing income.
The tythes which the clergy drew from the cultivated lands of the country were equal in value to what was received by all their proprietors. In France the assent of cultivated land, let at five shillings and six pence, and six shillings, yields from twenty to twenty-five minots of corn, each consisting of three bushels. The priest, for his share, takes two, the value eight or nine shillings. He takes, besides, as much straw as may amount to five shillings; besides his tenth of oats, and their straw, amounting to two shillings. The priest takes fifteen shillings from the same land, that yields the proprietor in the same time sixteen or eighteen, out of which he is to pay the tenth, support the farm, make good the deficiencies of land unlet, loss by farmers, &c.
Suppose the number of clergy to be 200,000. Their maintenance, according to the above statement, would amount to 25,000. sterling a day, or nine millions one hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds a year. To say nothing of the misery occasioned by such a drain, into the provinces of diseased gluttony and intemperance, what a fleet and army might be maintained for such a sum? "We manage things, respecting the clergy, much better in America."—as Sterne said on another occasion.
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to the house of feasting. In many instances and under certain limitations, this observation is true, but when carried into extremes it is not so.—Men was formed for happiness; and the heart is never in perfect health, unless it is cheerful and sprightly.
Sorrows and misfortunes are only medicines to correct the disorders of the mind—and when these purposes are effected, it appears in its usual vigour and serenity.
For this reason, sorrow should not be indulged any further than is necessary to make the heart better, by awakening it into serious attention, by softening it for the impressions of virtue and by guarding it against too fond an attachment to the vanities of the world. Undoubtedly the feelings excited by going to the "house of mourning" are calculated to make us better—but this grief, being a medicine, must be used with caution, or it will become either wholly unavailing or dangerous. There are times when the heart is so "pierced with many sorrows" and so bowed down with affliction that it is unable to bear these awful solemnities—the attention must be diverted to less gloomy scenes—such as the heart can support without sinking beneath the pressure. On these accounts it is not only prudent to conquer affliction as soon as possible, lest it should conquer us, but it is our duty to be calm, and not suffer the sorrows of life to prevent our attending to the concerns of it, or hasten its close.
"Teach me to feel another's woe."
There is in human nature a propensity to shrink from misery, whether in relation to ourselves or others: With respect to ourselves the reason is obvious; but in both cases the effect is produced by the same cause—the love of ease. Hence may be deduced the difference between a person who performs a benevolent action from principle, and one, who, propelled by involuntary sensibility, relieves the distressed to relieve his own feelings—From the former we may expect systematic exercise of benevolence—the latter is charitable by accident.
I saw Benevolus coming from the house of penury and affliction—his countenance was irradiated with the beams of complacency. He had cheered the heart of despondency—he had fed the hungry—he had
clothed the naked—re-animated hope, and inspired a firm confidence in that being "who hears the young ravens when they cry"—
In many a lone, and dreary cell, The sons of want and virtue dwell; There, when bleak blows the wintry gale, And food, and cloths, and fuel fail, Th' feeling heart will oft repair, And cheer the bosom of despair; For they to lite's best purpose live, Who know how bless'd 'tis to give.
NATIONAL BANK.
SOME observations having been made upon the proportion of the stock of the proposed bank, which is to consist of certificates of the public debt, our readers are referred to the statement of a similar fact upon a much more extensive case, in the first volume of Smith's wealth of nations—page 479, 480 and 481. It is there mentioned that the bank of England (than which none is more solid, none more useful) commenced in 1794 with a credit to their government of £1,200,000 sterling, which was its whole capital; and that they continued their advances to the government, till the middle of the reign of George I. when they made so large a purchase of the south-sea stock (after it was settled by act of parliament) that the amount of their public securities exceeded the amount of their capital, or specie stock: the latter being only £8,959,995—and their certificates of public debt being £9,375,027-17/10-1-2. "It was upon this occasion," says Mr. Smith, "that the sum which the bank had advanced to the public, and for which it received an interest, began first to exceed its capital." This was so long ago as the year 1721. "In 1746," he continues, "the bank had upon different occasions advanced to the public £11,586,800, and its capital was not quite that sum, viz. only £10,780,000." From the year 1721 to the year 1784, the bank of England has continued to own the public securities of Great-Britain to the amount of its whole capital: though their debt is now 270,000,000. sterling. a year's interest of which would purchase the whole debt of the union, and the separate debts of all the states.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN, February 1.
By a report of the Secretary of the Treasury, submitted to the House of Representatives of the United States, on the 6th ult. it appears, that the expense of the late Western Expedition, amounts to the MODERATE sum of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.
A letter from an intelligent gentleman at Wheeling, to his friend in this town, dated January 15. 1791, says, "The Indians in the neighbourhood of the Muskingum, have been very troublesome this winter;—they have killed 17 of the inhabitants, and carried off one family.—They have given out, that they are determined to leave no smoke on the West Side of the Ohio."
THE CONTRAST.
In 1787, the following was the language of the London newspapers. "America now feels its folly. The visionary fabrics of liberty are all faded; and in the room of the fond delusion, they grasp a substantial wretchedness, which brings them to the very foul. Where is now that trade, in the management of which their ships covered the ocean? Where that internal happiness which made the envy of the European world? All lost, all gone without leaving a vestige of their former beauty—Discord and despondency have assumed the seats of plenty and cheerfulness; and they have now but one liberty left them, which is the liberty of complaining."
In 1790 the language is changed "America under its new government is arising in dignity and wealth with a degree of rapidity unparalleled in history—her suripes are displayed in every quarter of the globe and respected in regions where the British flag has been treated with infamous outrage. Her funds are rapidly raising, and monied men in this country and in Holland, with to possess them."
In the present rage for gambling, says a late London paper, a young fellow has, we are told, betted his constitution against his fortune. It is impossible, at present, to say which will last longest; but from the means he is taking to exhaust both, it is probable that the bett will soon be determined.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER.
I HAVE read General HARMAR's fabricated account of his expedition.—It is a womanly performance—and puts me in mind of the prattle of an old lady. It is a contrast for the account WALTON gives of a memorable naval victory, obtained in the Mediterranean—he informs the Secretary of Naval Affairs, on such a day I fell in with the enemy's fleet—taken—burnt—and sunk—as per margin.
Your humble servant, WALTON.
THE SURPRISING LAKE.
Near Dronthem in Denmark, there is a lake that is never frozen, for though the top of the water is cold, the bottom is so warm that the inhabitants boil their meat in it, by letting it down in a pot which they have made and keep only for that purpose.—Some of the inhabitants resolved to examine the bottom, and accordingly ordered piles to be drove for that purpose, but to their great surprise found what the workmen did in the day, was consumed in the night, which was supposed to be burnt, for within three feet of the surface, they could see the water boil; which was occasioned by the quantity of wood drove into the lake.
INTERESTING INTELLIGENCE, Received last evening by a Gentleman from Alexandria.
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
WHEREAS the General Assembly of the State of Maryland, by an Act of Assembly passed on the twenty-third day of December, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, intitled, "An Act to cede to Congress a District of Ten Miles square in this State, for the Seat of the Government of the United States," did enact, that the Representatives of the said State, in the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States, appointed to assemble at New-York, on the first Wednesday of March then next ensuing, should be, and they were thereby authorized and required, on behalf of the said State, to cede to the Congress of the United States, any district in the said State, not exceeding Ten Miles square, which the Congress might fix upon and accept for the Seat of Government of the United States.
And the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by an Act passed on the third day of December, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine, and intitled, "An Act for the Cession of Ten Miles square, or a lesser quantity of territory within this State, to the United States in Congress assembled, for the permanent Seat of the General Government," did enact, that a tract of country not exceeding Ten Miles square, or any lesser quantity, to be located within the limits of the said State, and in any part thereof, as Congress might by law direct, should be, and the same was thereby forever ceded and relinquished to the Congress and Government of the United States, in full and absolute right, and exclusive jurisdiction, as well of soil as of persons residing or to reside thereon, pursuant to the tenor and effect of the eighth section of the first article of the Constitution of Government of the United States:
And the Congress of the United States by their Act passed the sixteenth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and ninety, and intitled, "An Act for establishing the temporary and permanent Seat of the Government of the United States," authorised the President of the United States to appoint three Commissioners to survey under his direction, and by proper metes and bounds to limit, a District or Territory, not exceeding Ten Miles square, on the River Potowmac, at some place between the mouths of the Eastern Branch, and Connogocheque, which district so to be located and limited, was accepted by the said Act of Congress, as the District for the permanent Seat of the Government of the United States:
Now, therefore, in pursuance of the Powers to me confided, and after duly examining and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the several situations within the limits aforesaid, I do hereby declare and make known, that the location of one part of the said District of Ten Miles Square, shall be found by running four lines of experiment in the following manner; that is to say, Running from the Court-House of Alexandria, in Virginia, due south-west half a mile, and hence a due south-east course, till it shall strike Hunting Creek, to fix the beginning of the said four lines of experiment:
Then beginning the first of the said lines of experiment at the point on Hunting-Creek, where the said south-east course shall have struck the same, and running the said first line due north-west ten miles: Thence the second line into Maryland, due north-east ten miles: Thence the third line due south-east ten miles: And thence the fourth line due south-west ten miles, to the beginning on Hunting-Creek.
And the said four lines of experiment being so run, I do hereby declare and make known, That all that part within the said four lines of experiment which shall be within the State of Maryland and above the Eastern Branch, and all that part within the same four lines of experiment which shall be within the Commonwealth of Virginia, and above a line to be run from the point of land forming the upper cape of the mouth of the Eastern Branch due south-west, and no more, is now fixed upon, and directed to be surveyed, defined, limited and located for a part of the said District accepted by the said act of Congress for the permanent seat of the government of the United States; (hereby expressly reserving the direction of the survey and location of the remaining part of the said district, to be made hereafter contiguous to such part or parts of the present location as is, or shall be, agreeable to law.)
And I do accordingly direct the said Commissioners, appointed agreeably to the tenor of the said act, to proceed forthwith to run the said lines of experiment; and, the same being run, to survey, and by proper metes and bounds to define and limit, the part within the same which is herein before directed for immediate location and acceptance; and thereof to make due report to me, under their hands and seals.
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. Done at the city of Philadelphia, the twenty-fourth day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, and of the Independence of the United States the fifteenth.
G. Washington.
By the PRESIDENT, THOMAS JEFFERSON.

SEAT OF THE MUSES.
WINTER.
"Sore pinch'd by winter winds, How many sink into the forded but Of chearless poverty!"
B LEAK, o'er the plain, the winds tremendous blow, Of purest white the fleecy show'r descends; The tyrant frost forbids the stream to flow, And all its horrors rig'rous winter spends. The howling wolf his hunger loud proclaims, From far is heard the savage panther's cry; The ravenous bear growls o'er the dreary plains:— To fate their fury num'rous victims die.
The keenest hunter dares not take the field: To man the forests are impervious grown, Save when the Indian bids the climate yield, And makes the pathless, dreary wilds his own. Now ye, who fortune's various gifts enjoy, Who bask in sunshine of her warmest rays: Ye whom nor tempest, cold, nor want annoy, Whose days glide on in affluence and ease; Think on the poor, the destitute, forlorn— Extend your bounty to the wretch distress'd; Pluck from the tortur'd breast the cank'ring thorn, By mis'ry pointed, and by care impress'd.
Let not our hearts, by gaiety misled, Be render'd callous to the tale of woe; But cloth the naked, give the hungry bread, Forbid the tears of wretchedness to flow.
For oh! the rigours of the year require Some soft'ring hand, the ling'ring wretch to save: Leave for a while your mirth, your social fire, To rescue suff'ring mortals from the grave.
For know your fortune is the gift of heav'n, But not by heav'n for you alone design'd: In trust for gen'rous purposes 'twas giv'n, And proves a blessing to a gen'rous mind.
Prove yourselves worthy of the sacred trust; From dire oppres'sion rescue the oppress'd; Relieve your fellow creatures, 'tis but just, And you in blessing will be ever blest.
[Concluded from the 2d page.]
have lost in him an useful officer, and a worthy man. While this part of the business was acting, the militia were not idle, they behaved with the spirit of veterans, and flew numbers of the enemy; who met their fate with uncommon bravery. In short, each side seemed emulous to establish a character over the other. The militia every where gave striking proofs of determined courage. The savages were in no instances behind them, and the slaughter was reciprocal.
From the best information the enemy lost in this affair, upwards of one hundred of their prime warriors—men who appeared to fear no danger. Not a squaw or a child was seen this day to swell the number of the slain. The enemy's loss cannot be replaced. Ours, too, was heavy. Major Fontaine, commanding the cavalry, was a young gentleman of the most amiable manners, with a soul formed for enterprise. Years only were wanting to moderate his ardour in the field, and unite, in the accomplished gentleman, the character of a good soldier. He fell covered with wounds, in singly charging with his sword about 40 of the enemy. Some other officers of the militia were killed, and some few wounded. Our whole loss in killed, wounded, and missing, amounted to 180, including officers. Upwards of twenty of the wounded were brought off.
Among the officers who survived the slaughter, and distinguished themselves more particularly on this day, I mention, with pleasure, the names of Major McMillen, of Fayette, Major Hall, of Bourbon, and brigade Major Orniby, of Nelson county, in Kentucky; together with Capt. Gaines of the cavalry. The conduct and personal courage of the first demand my warmest acknowledgments. He flew with his own hand, three of the savages, and the column he led, made impressive exertions, wherever it appeared. The second, was on all occasions, obedient and brave, and displayed great personal courage. The third signalized himself in a manner that does him honor, by judiciously rallying a broken body of militia, which, in consequence did great execution under the immediate command of this gallant young officer. Capt. Gaines is deserving of great praise, for his soldierly conduct during the whole expedition, and particularly for the intrepidity he displayed in a personal combat
of some duration, with a mounted savage, whom he at last overcame, bringing off the arms of his antagonist, at trophies of the fact. I am under many obligations to all the field officers, both of the Kentucky and Pennsylvania militia, who gave me uniform proofs of the best disposition to second my endeavours during the expedition. Col. Hardin, who commanded the whole militia, is in a particular manner entitled to my acknowledgments, as well for his cool and determined conduct in action, as for his attention and perseverance in the execution of orders. As to the officers of the federal troops under my command, I must, in justice to them, observe that their whole conduct was marked by a strict attention to discipline, a promptitude to obey orders, and alacrity in the execution of them.
After the action of the 22d, the detachment rejoined the army in its encampment; and at 11 the next morning the troops resumed the rout towards Fort Washington, which we reached by easy marches on the 2d of November. No interruption whatever was offered by the enemy on our return; a convincing proof this, of their having received a blow which they felt. I flatter myself good consequences will be the result. We have not, I conceive, lost more than man for man with the savages. Our loss can be repaired: their's irreparable.
On my arrival at this port, the pack horses of the line did not exceed one half of their original number. Many had been shot and stolen on the expedition; others lost in the woods; and others again being worn out with fatigue, were either killed or left behind. The advanced state of the season having deprived us, in a great measure of forage, I ordered them, at times, to be tied up at night, and flour to be served out at the rate of three pounds daily to every horse; hence you will perceive an extraordinary consumption arose of that article.
I detained in confinement here the Shawanoe prisoner we had taken, till the 18th inst. when I dismissed him back to his nation; but in a way I trust that impressed him with ideas of our superior power, his own insignificance, and our contempt of his brethren. I ordered him a few trinkets, and an escort to see him safely advanced on the road 25 miles, least any of our hunters might fall in with him, and use him less tenderly than I wished. He appeared to be thankful, and departed from the garrison with a mixture of sorrow, gratitude and joy.
I have made economy my object, in all matters affecting the expences of this expedition. How far I have succeeded in this respect, and how far the operations of the army may deserve your approbation, I submit to your superior judgment.
Lieutenant Armstrong will have the honor to deliver you these despatches.
I have the honor to be Sir, with perfect esteem and respect, your obedient humble servant; JOS. HARMAR. Lieutenant Colonel, Commandant of the 1st regiment of the United States, and Brigadier-General by Brevet. The Hon. Major-General KNOX, Secretary for the department of War.
Edward O. Williams
Most respectfully acquaints the Public in general, and his Friends in particular,
THAT he has recommenced the practice of PHYSIC and SURGERY in this town, living opposite Mr. Wyncoop's.
Shepherd's-Town, January 24, 1791.
To be sold, for a term of years, ONE HUNDRED ACRES OF L A N D, Or the one half of a Merchant-Mill.
Any person inclining to purchase, may know the terms, by applying to
THOMAS HALL Berkeley-County, January 20, 1791.
N O T I C E.
THE subscribers found, on Sunday the 16th inst. in a fodder house of Mr. JOHN BROWN, near this town, some large pieces of Sole-Leather, an old Bag, some Pewter, &c. some worn Worsted-Stuff. They suspect they are stolen goods. The owner may have them by proving their property, and paying the cost of this advertisement.
JACOB FISER, MICHAEL FESTER. Shepherd's-Town, Jan. 17, 1791.
SHEPHERD'S-TOWN New-Church LOTTERY.
THE following is the SCHEME of a LOTTERY, to be drawn under an Act of the Honorable the Assembly of VIRGINIA, granting to the Trustees of the Congregation full power, by this method, to raise the sum herein proposed, for the purpose of completing their NEW MEETING-HOUSE in SHEPHERD'S-TOWN. Any of the Trustees who sign the Tickets, will be responsible to the fortunate adventurers, that the prizes drawn by them shall be paid in specie the next day after the Lottery is drawn—and that the drawing of it shall commence as soon as the Tickets are sold. There shall be in this Lottery
 1 Prize of 160 Dollars..... is..... 160  1 ditto of 80 ditto..... 80  2 ditto of 40 ditto..... 80  4 ditto of 20 ditto..... 80  8 ditto of 10 ditto..... 80  16 ditto of 5 ditto..... 80  50 ditto of 3 ditto..... 150  259 ditto of 2 ditto..... 458  The sum to be raised..... 832 
Dollars...2000
1000 Tickets at 2 Dollars each, are.....2000
In this Scheme there is little more than TWO BLANKS TO A PRIZE, and as it was unavoidably set on foot for the most laudable purpose, so the most ample justice may be expected, and we flatter ourselves it will meet with encouragement from every good man. The Trustees will be considered as Managers—and Col. JOSEPH SWEARINGEN, Col. WILLIAM DARKE, and Major ABRAHAM SHEPHERD, will be requested to sit as Judges at the time of drawing—which time will be published 3 weeks before it commences, in the PATOWMAC GUARDIAN AND BERKELEY ADVERTISER.
JOHN KEARSLY, JOHN MORROW, JOHN MARK, WILLIAM BUCKLES, LAURENCE VANDEVIER, } Trustees.
N. B. Tickets may be had from any of the Managers, and also from sundry other Gentlemen in the County.
BERKELEY, ss.
PERSONALLY appeared before me, PHILIP FITZPATRICK, and acknowledged that he had told LIES respecting CHARLES CULLINGS, and offered to prove them, which he says he is sorry for. Signed and acknowledged before me, this 15th day of January, 1791.
his PHILIP FITZPATRICK. Mark.
WILLIAM PORTERFIELD, one of the Magistrates (for said County).
To be RENTED in CHARLES-TOWN, BERKELEY, THAT VALUABLE H O U S E,
Where Mr. JAMES HAMMOND now keeps Store. IT is well calculated for either Store or Tavern, and may be entered on the 1st. of April next. ALSO, that commodious HOUSE where Mr. PHILIP WELSH lives, opposite Mr. HAMMOND'S Store. And a new finished two-story HOUSE, on the Main Street, fit for a genteel private family, or a tradesman. For particulars, apply to the Subscriber, near the premises.
WILLIAM CHERRY.
January 6, 1791.
Fort-Cumberland Nail-Manufactory.
At this place I make all sorts of Nails, Brads, Spikes, and SPRIGS,
Which I will sell low for cash, or country produce. I also want a Number of NAILORS, that are good workmen, and I will give good wages.
JOHN PEIRCE.
November 22, 1790. N. B. At this place we work all Stone Coals.