The Providence Gazette, and Country Journal newspaper
Collection: National Postal Museum
Object type: Covers & Associated Letters
Date: 1791
Place: Rhode Island
United States of America
Medium: paper; ink
Dimensions: Height x Width (unfolded): 15 × 21 in. (38.1 × 53.34 cm) Height x Width (folded): 15 × 10 1/2 in. (38.1 × 26.67 cm)
Description: An issue of The Providence Gazette, and Country Journal, dating to 1791. It includes an article by Ebenezer Hazard, letter extracts, and was published at a post office.
POETRY.
THE SILK-WORM.
NOW to the various life-worn turn your eyes; Not Ovid's fancy link-could devise...
* The machinery true.
BALTIMORE, THE BRIGANTINE DOLPHIN.
Will sail the 20th Instant - For Philadelphia or Poughkeepsie, apply to STEPHEN DEXTER, or MOSES LIP...
All Persons indebted to the Subscriber, by Note, Book Account, or in any other manner, are requested to pay the same immediately...
KNIGHT DEXTER. N. B. Said DEXTER has for Sale, a WOOD LOT in the Town of Smithfield...
WANTED to purchase, FINAL SETTLEMENT NOTES, LOAN-OFFICE CERTIFICATES, and INDENTS...
WANTED the Subscriber being appointed, by the Hon. Superior Court, Commissioners to the Estate of BENJAMIN THAYER...
JOURNAL-BOOKS for SEAMEN to be sold by the Printer hereof.
To be SOLD, VERY CHEAP, And may be entered upon immediately, A LARGE handsome DWELLING-HOUSE...
CASH, and a high Price, GIVEN FOR PUBLIC SECURITIES, Of all Kinds, by JOHN WARD & Co.
WANTED, In a Family in this Town, A CAREFUL WHITE WOMAN, that understands Cooking, and the Business of a Family...
PROPOSALS For PRINTING, by SUBSCRIPTION, A Collection of State Papers, An History of the United States of America.
The Creditors of the Estate of ANTHONY SMITH, late of Smithfield, deceased, and those who are indebted to said Estate...
The Providence Gazette and Country Journal.
(Nº 16, of Vol. xxviii.) SATURDAY, April 16, 1791. (Nº 1424.)
Published by JOHN CARTER, at the Post-Office, near the State-House.
For the PROVIDENCE GAZETTE, PHYSICO-THEOLOGY. NO. X.
Go to the ANT, thou sluggard; learn her Ways, and be wise. DIRECTED to behold this economical people...
not so much intended to guard against the winter, as to provide during the harvest, the good and careful parent...
LETTER of the celebrated L. STERNE.
DO not imagine, my dear fellow, that I do not suffer, I beseech you, any medicine, cold-hearted fellow to persuade you...
OF CRIMES AND CRIMINALS. [An Extract.]
THAT punishments do not put a stop to crimes, must be accounted for, there being passions more terrible than punishments...
And yet impolitic, deception, call it by what name you will - attends upon their virtues like their shadow...
FRANCE (PHILADELPHIA) GENERAL ADVERTISEMENTS.
AN extract of a letter has appeared in your paper of the 10th inst. containing a report of the other papers in this city, from whence I imagine it will make its way to every part of the United States, informing that the property left by a deceased American gentleman, of the name of Porter, was seized at the Port of Philadelphia, and that the late French Ambassador, called Dessein d'Adams , is of importance to the friends of the late Mr. Porter, and to every American whose connections may be supposed to be connected with the late Mr. Porter, and undeviated respecting the contents of that letter, which I am clearly satisfied are founded on a misapprehension of facts.—I apprehended that the property in question has been seized by the officers of government, but not as an escheat or confiscated property; on the contrary, with a view to its being restored to the legal claimants. The French law does not allow, as the law of England does, administration of intestate estates to be granted to any creditor, or, in default of creditors, to any other person that will apply for it, when there are no next of kin or testamentary executors, duly appointed, or by will, on the spot. But that law, for the benefit of the interests of absent persons, has established an officer in every place, by the name of Curator bonorum vacantium , whose duty it is, in all such cases, to take possession, and take care of the property of the deceased, and administer the same by paying the debts (if there are any) and paying the surplus to the lawful heirs or representatives of the deceased, or, in their application for the same, when deceased, by the decree that took place in the case of Mr. Porter, which may have been misstated, by the gentleman who wrote the letter here alluded to, for a confirmation by virtue of the late Dessein d'Adams , which claims a certain sum due in France, it is not to be presumed that any of the officers of that government would attempt to enforce it, especially against the citizens of this country, to which France is bound by the bonds of amity and mutual obligations.
I have no doubt but that the effects of Mr. Porter will be delivered to his lawful representatives, on a proper application, and it is for their sake, and for the sake of all those who might be in a similar situation, that these observations are written. And in order that the contents of the letter in question may not excite feelings in the minds of the citizens of this State, and to enable them to form a fair and just judgment upon the matter, it is fully and clearly ascertained, those Printers who have printed the said letter in their newspapers, or the said Mr. Porter, will like to have a proper explanation of the facts, from
A CITIZEN of the United States. Philadelphia, March 15.
From the COLUMBIAN CENTINEL. Mr. RUSSELL.
HAVING observed, in Mr. PENNO's Gazette of the United States, an advertisement inviting subscriptions for a collection of AMERICAN STATE PAPERS—I am not only well pleased myself, but am happy in believing that every friend to science and to America, who is acquainted with the subject, enjoys equal pleasure. The undertaking indeed is laborious, but the advantage to the public will be immense. The voluminous collections of POWNAL and RUTHERFORD, in the last century, have done eminent service to the cause of science, and formed materials of which every succeeding historian has taken advantage. This work of Mr. HAZARD has been long in contemplation, and executed with a patient attention and perseverance which does him much honour. He has already been so happy as to receive the countenance and encouragement of the best judges and most distinguished men in this country. It is earnestly hoped that gentlemen of erudition will do all that lies in their power to forward the publication of so interesting a work.
By the Captain MACKAY and KERR, arrived at Boston from London, are now the following Advertisements, viz.
L O N D O N, February 6. According to the plan that has been adjusted for the new government, the plan is to be separated into two governments. The establishment of the one, it is said, is to be a new Governor.
Colonel Greville, and will soon be submitted to Parliament. A plantation of cinnamon-trees has been very successfully established in the neighbourhood of Madras, which in ten years is expected to produce enough for the consumption of the London market.
Extract of a letter from Shrewsbury, dated Jan. 28.
On Saturday a clergyman, belonging to the Rev. Dr. Wicley, was stopped near Bedford by a highwayman, and robbed of his money, to the amount of fifty-two shillings; the robber likewise insisted that he should change coats; which request he complied with in some measure, it cost, and gave one. After he had rode on about ten minutes, he perceived the deprecator again returning—being fearful of more dangerous consequences, he halted his steed, happily escaped the pursuit, and reached his friend's house; where he instantly discovered the cause of the highwayman's return; for on searching the pockets, he found, tied in a silk handkerchief, as many guineas as would have purchased the horse, which very much surprised him, for he had not been searched, and he reaped the plunderer of his ill-gotten treasure.
The present juncture is, perhaps, one of the most critical that has for a long time existed, in regard to the affairs of Europe; for it is a mere toss up whether it shall be peace, or a general war. If Denmark and Sweden enter with spirit into the designs of the Empress, war, a wide warring war, will take place; and England and Prussia will be principal actors in the calamitous business. What will Spain may do is uncertain, but Poland, from her situation, can hardly escape; and all the pacific manoeuvres of Leopold will, probably prove insufficient to keep his territories out of the vortex.
Feb. 12. The accounts agree in confirming the immense carnage that has been made of the Turks, by the Russians, on the reduction of the fortress of Bender, by storm. Aspic, it is said, and not only probably, has been struck into the Ottomans. If this panic continues and spreads, their numbers will not avail to oppose, or even greatly to retard, the progress of the Russians, to the diminution of Greece, and all Turkey, in Europe. Something, therefore, must be done, and with speed, by other European powers, for the protection of the Sultan. And it is this Russian of affairs that, that, in all probability, is at the bottom of the encouragement that is given to all able bodied seamen to enter into the British service.
Some difficulties of the last importance were received yesterday from France, which were communicated to his Majesty at the levee.
The substance of these dispatches were last night reported to be, that the Duke of Orleans had been received in Paris to all the rights and privileges, as expected, to the new government; and that the King had published had, in retirement, put him to an ignominious death. Letters were received in town yesterday, by the Duke of Orleans, who was also said to contain this melancholy intelligence. It will give us real joy to be able to contradict this tale, and compose the mind of this illustrious personage, if this statement is true.
Feb. 15. It is observed in the National Assembly of France, on Wednesday last, that the President should request of the King to give commands to the Ambassadors to foreign Courts, to exact the different European powers to recommend to their navigators, in all ports, to make search after the two ships commanded by the Chevalier la Peyrouse, supposed to be lost; the friendly decreasing, at the same time, that they would reimburse all expenses in recovering these ships, in recovering them, or in giving any intelligence concerning them. The names of the two ships are, la Bouille, and l'Alcolole. It was also observed, that one or more French ships should be fitted out for that business, as also for the purpose of general discoveries.
Venice, in point of peace, is one of the happiest spots in the world; no arms dare approach it by sea or land; the avenues are so very difficult to pass, no enemy has attacked it since it was founded, and that is nearly 1200 years ago.
February 23. Russia has unquestionably an object in the present political struggle against the Turks. Could she get possession of such a port as that of Constantinople, she would be the first maritime power in the world. It is for the interest of other maritime powers, and it is hoped that gentlemen of erudition will do all that lies in their power to forward the publication of so interesting a work.
happily escaped the pursuit, and reached his friend's house; where he instantly discovered the cause of the highwayman's return; for on searching the pockets, he found, tied in a silk handkerchief, as many guineas as would have purchased the horse, which very much surprised him, for he had not been searched, and he reaped the plunderer of his ill-gotten treasure.
AGRICULTURAL. From a late PHILADELPHIA PAPER.
YOUR noticing the following estimate of the product and expense of cultivating an acre of ground in Hops will oblige the subscriber.
Table with 2 columns: Item, Cost. Items include: Ploughing in the spring, £0 6 0; Dressing the hills, 0 10 0; Setting the poles, 2 15 0; Dressing the vines to the poles, which may be done by two boys in one day, 0 12 0; Second ploughing and harrowing, 0 10 0; Gathering the hops, 9 10 0; Drying do. 0 15 0. Total amount of expenses, £17 3 0.
Common product of one acre, £50 0 0. Deduct amount of expenses as above, £17 3 0. Net profit, £32 17 0.
The price of Hops, as has been the average price of hops, for twenty years past, in the city of Philadelphia; the above quantity has been the average annual produce of an acre of ground in hops, in this State. Hops are received in several quantities, the quality of which was only good wheat.
AN OLD HOP-RAISER.
N. B. There has been imported into the city of Philadelphia, this season, 40,000 pounds weight of hops, chiefly from Bolton, for which the brewers thereof have paid twelve thousand dollars.
From the CONNECTICUT COURANT. A HINT TO FARMERS.
THE uncommon demand for Indian Corn last year, in this State, turned the attention of people to it in general, and to the particular kind used in demand, which was the bright yellow, and it fetched threepence the bushel more than any other sort.
I have found some of my brother-farmers prefer the red, because they judged it produced most from the same land—others preferred white, because it was worth in one part of the State of Rhode-Island more than any other sort; others were inclined to the kind, and let their Corn be mixed with yellow, red, blue and white. From a first observation for many years, I have found that I call the large Tacket to be the best and most profitable in this climate; it ripens soon enough to escape early frosts, and produces more than the smaller size; is of a high yellow colour, and fetches in common market one or three pence per bushel more than the other sorts.
Much more might be said in favour of this kind of corn, but the greater demand in market, and the other reasons stated, are sufficient to induce all good owners to prefer it. A. B.
ANNAPOLIS, March 31.
Early on Friday morning last this city was honoured by the arrival of the Passengers, attended by only his private Secretary, Major Jackson. Intelligence having been received of his intended embarkation at H. He had been anxiously expected on Thursday evening by the Governor and several other gentlemen, who had failed to meet him, were compelled to return without tidings.
The vessel, which contained the chief treasure of America, was in company with the vessel that had been long known in this State and Georgia by the appellation of Major Washington, for counterfeiting the indents of this State. His countenance was likely, but his demeanour manly, and would
have saved a conscience void of offence.—At a few minutes past 7 he ascended the scaffold, attended by the officers of execution, and was assisted in his devotions by the Rev. Dr. Keating, pastor of the Roman Catholic Church, to whom, as we are informed, he had confessed that his name was Walsh, and was born of a respectable family in Ireland; that he had never professed any religious profession for a series of years; but as he had been baptised according to the rites of the church of Rome, he wished to die a Catholic.—At the conclusion of his devotions, he was asked by the Sheriff if he had any thing to say, which he answered, that he had already declared, that in this business he had innocently—he mentioned that he had been indicted since the day before, and entreated the multitude not to attribute his falsely countenance to the fear of death; for, as he died innocent, he trusted he should also die brave.—As Christ died upon the cross forgiving his enemies, "I forgive mine." He briefly waved his hand to the crowd, and said, "I am a good citizen, a good husband, and a good day, gentlemen" then stooping forward on the scaffold, he pulled the cap over his face, saying, "Col. Osborne, I am ready," and was immediately launched into eternity.
THE BRITISH JOURNAL. March 19 contains the following intelligence: The ship Dublin and Philadelphia Packet, from Philadelphia, loaded with flour, &c. is on shore about four miles to the southward of St. Bees Head, the materials are saved, and part of the cargo; and the vessel had not sustained any great damage. Several passengers were on board, who, with the crew, were all saved.
The Maria, of 200 tons, bound from New-Carolina, bound for London, was entirely lost about the latter end of January, on the rocks of Applecross; two men were drowned: The rest, with the Captain, got on shore on a broken piece of the ship. Her cargo was deerstans, superlative, tobacco, rice and slaves.
April 8. Extract of a letter from a gentleman residing near Fife.
The Indians to their late depredations in the settlement at the Muddybrook, and that situated at a mile's distance from the mouth of Buffalo Creek, have lately been very active in their depredations on the Allegheny, a few miles from Pittsburgh, and also the butchery of 13 persons, and the captivity of a number of them, all on the Allegheny.
This late attack has struck a dread, and caused general alarm in the frontier, that was rapidly increasing, on the river. I have mentioned, every inhabitant of those parts, on the news of these depredations, has thought it prudent to remove from the frontier to the interior.
Major CHARLES KEENE, President, Col. WILLIAM BARTON, Vice-President, Col. AMOS ATWELL, Treasurer, Mr. BENJAMIN WHEELER, Secretary.
Medals, William RICHMOND, Nicholas BASTON, Samuel THURBER, John WILLIAM POTTER, Samuel CLARKE, Grindall REYNOLDS, John CARLILE, jun. MILITIA.
It is with pleasure we remark, that notwithstanding some considerable delays have been made on the Treasury, in the course of the year past, for charitable and other uses, yet, by the Report of the Auditors who settled the Treasurer's Account, it appears, that the Funds have considerably augmented since the last annual Meeting.
This Institution commenced about 40 Members, in March, 1789, for the "Promotion of Home Manufactures, the cementing the mechanic Interest, and for raising a Fund to assist the Distressed."—At the Session of the Hon. General Assembly, the same Month, they applied for a Charter of incorporation, which was granted; and at the annual Meeting in April, 1789, there were 87 Members belonging to the Society. At the annual Meeting in April, 1790, the Number had increased to 203; and at this Meeting the Numbers are 223;—it is worthy of Remark, that since the first Formation of this Society, they have lost but two Members by death, viz. Col. LEVI HALL, and Mr. WILLIAM SCAMMANS.
The Business of the Meeting being finished at Sunday, the Association adjourned to the 4th Monday in May next.
MADEIRAS. In London, WILLIAM FRANKLIN, Esq., (formerly Governor of New Jersey) to Mrs. Dr. EVERLIN, Widow, late of Norton Street, Marylebone.
PORT OF PROVIDENCE, April 15. INWARD ENTRIES.
Table with 2 columns: Ship, From. Entries include: Sloop BETSEY, Rhode-Island; Schooner FALCONE, Grenada; Sloop HANCOCK, Brown, New-York; Schooner DEANE, Bullock, Edenton; Sloop ROLANNA, Spencer, Alexandria; Aurora, Caboon, New-York.
OUTWARD ENTRIES.
Table with 2 columns: Ship, To. Entries include: Ship HOPE, Brown, Copenhagen; Schooner DELIGHT, Halle, Barnstable; Ship TRINIDAD, Potter, Wilmington; Sloop NANCY, Nance, New-York; Barnstable Packet, Schudien, Barnstable; Brig CHANCE, Earl, Surinam; Mercury, Fry, St. Eustatia.
Extract of a letter from Port-au-Prince, March 10. We have lately arrived at this place some ships of war from France, with a number of troops on board. On their landing, they met with some opposition on the part of the militia and former garrison at this place, in consequence of which the Colonel of the latter, and second in command on
the island, lost his life; and the town and the houses of the inhabitants have been pillaged by the former. Where it may and I know not; but government has been obliged to have lost its influence, and party rage and mobs seem wholly to prevail."
By accounts received from the district of Maine, the state of votes of 23 towns is as follows, viz: Mr. LITENGER, 550; Mr. THACHER, 214; Mr. WELLS, 37; and Mrs. THACHER, 20.
Our late Treasurer, agreeably to a resolve of the Legislature, passed the 21st of February last, is now receiving his primary notes, bearing interest from the 10th day of January last, for warrants, due-bills and orders, on the several taxes.
PROVIDENCE, April 16.
At the Superior Court in South-Kingstown, last week, Thomas Mount, and William, were tried for Burglary, in breaking open a Shop, contiguous to the Dwelling-House of Joseph Potter, of Westerly, last December, and taking from thence a Quantity of Goods, &c. the guilt, and received Sentence of Death, to be executed on the 27th of May next.
Session Campbell, and Caleb Church, who were convicted of cheating by forged Orders, received Sentence of whipping and branding, and were fined £5 each.—The Sentence of the former was executed last Monday; that of the latter was postponed till after the Sitting of the ensuing Federal Court.
At the Superior Court, holden this Week at East Greenwich, CYRUS PARRISH, Esq., was admitted Attorney at Law—where the Bar was recommended by Nathan TYLER, Esq., of Exeter, who initiated him in Law Reading, which he farther prosecuted in the Office of David HOWELL, Esq.
At the Superior Court, held in the Province Association on Wednesday the 29th inst. the following business was transacted: The Association convened at the State House in this Town, for the Choice of Officers for the ensuing Year, when the Gentlemen whose Names follow were elected to the Office affixed thereto, viz:
Major CHARLES KEENE, President, Col. WILLIAM BARTON, Vice-President, Col. AMOS ATWELL, Treasurer, Mr. BENJAMIN WHEELER, Secretary.
Medals, William RICHMOND, Nicholas BASTON, Samuel THURBER, John WILLIAM POTTER, Samuel CLARKE, Grindall REYNOLDS, John CARLILE, jun. MILITIA.
It is with pleasure we remark, that notwithstanding some considerable delays have been made on the Treasury, in the course of the year past, for charitable and other uses, yet, by the Report of the Auditors who settled the Treasurer's Account, it appears, that the Funds have considerably augmented since the last annual Meeting.
This Institution commenced about 40 Members, in March, 1789, for the "Promotion of Home Manufactures, the cementing the mechanic Interest, and for raising a Fund to assist the Distressed."—At the Session of the Hon. General Assembly, the same Month, they applied for a Charter of incorporation, which was granted; and at the annual Meeting in April, 1789, there were 87 Members belonging to the Society. At the annual Meeting in April, 1790, the Number had increased to 203; and at this Meeting the Numbers are 223;—it is worthy of Remark, that since the first Formation of this Society, they have lost but two Members by death, viz. Col. LEVI HALL, and Mr. WILLIAM SCAMMANS.
The Business of the Meeting being finished at Sunday, the Association adjourned to the 4th Monday in May next.
MADEIRAS. In London, WILLIAM FRANKLIN, Esq., (formerly Governor of New Jersey) to Mrs. Dr. EVERLIN, Widow, late of Norton Street, Marylebone.
PORT OF PROVIDENCE, April 15. INWARD ENTRIES.
Table with 2 columns: Ship, From. Entries include: Sloop BETSEY, Rhode-Island; Schooner FALCONE, Grenada; Sloop HANCOCK, Brown, New-York; Schooner DEANE, Bullock, Edenton; Sloop ROLANNA, Spencer, Alexandria; Aurora, Caboon, New-York.
OUTWARD ENTRIES.
Table with 2 columns: Ship, To. Entries include: Ship HOPE, Brown, Copenhagen; Schooner DELIGHT, Halle, Barnstable; Ship TRINIDAD, Potter, Wilmington; Sloop NANCY, Nance, New-York; Barnstable Packet, Schudien, Barnstable; Brig CHANCE, Earl, Surinam; Mercury, Fry, St. Eustatia.
Extract of a letter from Port-au-Prince, March 10. We have lately arrived at this place some ships of war from France, with a number of troops on board. On their landing, they met with some opposition on the part of the militia and former garrison at this place, in consequence of which the Colonel of the latter, and second in command on
THE CO-PARTNERSHIP OF Brown, Rogers & Brown.
will by mutual Consent be dissolved on the 31st Day of May next. All Persons having any Accounts open with them, are earnestly solicited to call at their Store, and adjust the same; for which Purpose constant Attendance will be given. Those who have any Demands now payable, will please to apply for Payment; and those indebted, are hereby informed of the indispensable Necessity of their making immediate Payment, as their Demands then unpaid will indiscriminately be placed in the Hands of an Agent or Attorney, for Collection.
As the RORERVALE CORRESPONDENCE, under the Firm of NICHOLAS POWER and Co., will at the same Period, be differently arranged, a Liquidation of those Accounts must necessarily take Place, of which both Debtor and Creditor will take due Notice.
Providence, April 14, 1791.
WILL COVER, The ensuing SEASON.
At the FARM of the Subscriber, in Coventry, FERDINAND, A remarkable fine large
SPANISH JACK.
About 14 Hands high, on the following Terms, viz: Mares, for the Season, One Pound Sixteen Shillings, Ditto, to ensure a Foal, Two Pounds Eight Shillings.
To cover Jennets, and ensure a Foal, If a JACK, Twelve Pounds.—If a JENNY, Seven Pounds Ten Shillings.
If the Owners of the Mares should incline to dispose of the young Mules, they will be allowed Five Pounds in Cash for each, and the Service of the Jack free of Expense, if delivered in good Season. From Mouths died, it is expected that those who do not engage the young Mules, will pay Cash for the Service of the Jack.
JOSEPH MATHEWSON. Country, April 15, 1791.
New Recruits for Three Years.
THE Subscriber having received Information for commencing the recruiting Service in this State, for all those who are Citizens, not under the Age of Eighteen, nor exceeding Forty-five, who may have an Inclination to explore that delightful Country denominated the Western Territory, to repay immediately to this Town, where they will receive the most liberal Encouragement. To such as are inclined to visit this new World, the most favourable Opportunity is now presented, by the Bounty of Sixty Dollars to be paid down immediately, the Wages, Clothing and Rations, are so ample, that the frugal Soldier, at the Expiration of his Enlistment, will find himself in a Capacity to repolo, "under his own Vine and under his own Fig-tree." In the enjoyment of a Soil and Climate inferior to none within the Limits of the United States.
JOHN TILLINGHAST, Esq., 2d Reg. Infantery in the Service of the United States. Providence, State of Rhode-Island, April 12, 1791.
FOR BALTIMORE, THE SLOOP DELIGHT.
GEORGE ROSS, Master, Now lying at Mr. Moses Brown's Wharf, will sail the 24th of April, for Freight or Passage. Apply on board said Sloop. Providence, April 15, 1791.
MILITIA.
A General Regulation for the Militia of the United States being now pending before Congress, it is the wish of the Militia of this County should take Place as speedily as possible; the Brigadier-General therefore requests, that the Colonels of the several Regiments will, in their respective Regiments, muster, and procure Returns from the Captains of the State of their Arms, Accompaniments, &c. the whole of which they will form into regimental Returns, and forward the same to him, as soon after the several Muster as possible.
By Order of Brigadier-General THAYER, B. WHEELER, Brigade-Major. Providence, April 11, 1791.