and in order to difcufs it immediately, you are Mr. Yelverton faid, the queftion is, whether you will refer it to a committee which can examine the bufinels, or a committee that cannot? To a committee that can report upon the bufi. nefs, or a committee that cannot? In a committee of fupply, we can neither difcufs, nor report on the question: In a special committee we can do both. If the house wants, and if miniftry with to give the fubje&t a full invefligation, fhall we refer it to a committee which cannot be appointed for fome time, when appointed can only fit for a few days, and is diftracted by variety of other business, or to a committee which may fit immediately, continue for any length of time, fit any number of hours which is requifite, and, be confined to one bufinef only? He was, there fore, for a fpecial committee. Upon a motion that the merchants petition be referred to the committee of fupply, in order to receive a particular and folema investigation, the numbers flood thus: American Marine. HE American marine confits of three or four frigates, which are not completely armed, and of fome corfairs of fmall force. Thefe corfairs are in no ftate to carry provifions to the French colonies, nor to protect the vellels, which the Americans have feat for this purpofe; it is not therefore extraordinary, that the inha bitants of our ifles complain, that they receive at prefent from thefe countries lefs fuccours in provisions, wood, &c. than heretofore. The Americans the laft war, failing under the protection of the English flag, arrived almoft without danger, in the latitude of our ifles; the defire of gain furmounting every other confidera. tion, they carried their commodities to thofe markets, where they would fetch the best price. At prefent the number and vigilance of the Englith cruizers intercept almost all the American veels; and if even the communication were more practicable, the war has fo defolated the molt fertile provinces, and to fuch a degree ruined agriculture, that thefe people are no long er in a fituation to make confiderable exportations. The English who environ almoft the thirteen limited flates, being matters of Acadia, Canada, of the Forts Niagara and Detroit, of the navigation of the lakes, and of the Ohio, of Penfacola, the two Floridas, and laftly, of Georgia, do moreover occupy within a cannon hot of the continent, the important poits of Rhode Island, Long Illand, New York, and Staten Island. While they preferve thete potts, they will have a great advantage in the war, of which our colonies are actually the theatre. The elimate of these ifles is healthy, they are fertile, and infinitely better peopled than before the war, witnefs the prodigious number of loyalists who are fled thither: they furnith good pofts to our enemies, and fecure retreats in bad weather; fresh provifions, and recruits of men; and they are within 15 days fail of our Weft India colonies. American Army. The United States of America encouraged by the alliance of France, had made extraordinary efforts in 1778. Being incapable of enlilting men, as heretofore, for a term of feveral years, they enlifted them for nine months, giving them from ten to twelve times greater bounty than they had before given to thole, who had engaged themselves for the whole war. By thefe means, which fufficiently evidence a relaxation and want of fervour, and which in the refult will expose the fates to great inconveniencies, they had affembled in the beginning of June an army of 18,000 men. Although this army had not been in action, it was reduced in the month of No vember, to less than 9,000, the inevitable confequence of its bad conftitution and adminiftrati on. This army has made a very poor progreis in difcipline and instruction. Whatsoever might be its force at the commencement of this cam paigo, we may venture to affert, that it will be in no.ltate to act offenfively, or difpoffel's the Englifh of the pots which they occupy on the cor tinent. They could fucceed in this only with. the regular forces of their allies. Some French officers have made representations on this fubje&. in which they have endeavoured to answer every kind of objection; but the members of congrefs, who were the best informed, although convinced of the neceffity of the fuccours, did not dare to propofe them, for fear of alarming the people, by the introduction of a foreign aimy. In the mean time, if they fhould furmount this obfiacle, and France should refolve to lend a body of troops there, it is neceflary for thole troops to take with them falt, and at least fix month flour, counting from the day of their arrival ; for notwithstanding the good will of the Congress, it is very well known, with what extreme difficulty they were prevailed on to furnish provifions for the French iquadron, during its ftay at Bofton, and that fquadron would at this day have been unprovided, had they not found provifions at Martinique. Divifions among the Americans. The divitions which unhappily exift, and fhew themselves too much in the thirteen Cantons, are concerning the boundaries, which were never pofitively afcertained before the war, and concerning the different forms of govern. ment, which individuals with to establish; fome defire an ariftocracy, others feek a denucracy. Thefe divifions, if they exifted at another time, would not be diftreffing, they would rather be defirable, for they would hinder thele Rates, ready too ambitious, from re-uniting in the enterprise of great conquefts; but in the pretent moment, they occafion their lofing fight of the common caule, they ferve as a pretext to feve val confiderable perfons who retire from the army or the magistracy. The contagious examples of these operate on a confiderable part of the people already too weary of the war. The fire of enthusiasm is no longer in its first activiThe last year there was caufe to complain of the lukewarmnels, even of Bolton, which has been the nuifery of the revolution. zy. It is not to be doubted, but the court of London, which appears to have altered its plan relative to America, foments the hatred and jealouLies, which have long fince ex fted between the different fects and provinces on the continent. It is to be feared, left animofities againit the mother country, declining with time, England may be able to detach fome of the provinces from the confederacy. It is well known, that by taking the advantage of fuch divifions, the house of Auftria recovered ten of the feventeen provinces. The thing is more eafy to England from the conformity of language, of manners, of religion, from relationship, by which they are naturally attracted, and from thofe prejudices against France, which the most enlightened of the Americans have not yet been able to throw off. It has been seen that the precautions taken by the Maffachufet's government could not hinder that national averfion from breaking out on different occafions, during the itay of the French fqua dron at Boston. Difpofitions of the People of America. The first fomenters of the war are yet at the head of the adminiftration, and the partizans of independence are perhaps the most numerous, but the people in general figh after peace. The Catholics, thofe of the church of England, the Lutherans, the Quakers, call for it, from the fear they have of Prefbyterian intolerance. The husbandman of every perfuafion defires it, that he may reap in tranquility the fruit of his labours. It is alfo the with of the merchant of every fect, but it is above all defired by thole, who are fituated far from the coafts, and in the vicinity of the tavages. - These nations are attached to the English. Whether it be that they forelee that the Americans, once freed from war, would feek to destroy them, or that liftening only to the intereft of the moment, they prefer the prefents of the English, their rapacity dilposes them to attack the poffef. fions of their peaceable neighbours, where they meet with flocks and goods, almoft without dan ger. Their cruelty fpares neither age nor fex, hence at the approach of a handful of favages, entire frontiers are abandoned by their inhabitants. It is natural for these fettlers, to turn to the English government, rather than to that of the Congrefs; not that they are attached to the one more than to the other, but that they feck any fort of protection against the incurfions of their cruel neighbours. The four provinces of New England, profefng the fame religion, inhabiting a country in seriperfed with woods, rivers and mountains, ct cultivating fufficient grain for their fupport, thing themselves to the breeding of cattle, and being able to remove them with ease, are regarded as the firmeft independents. But allo thefe four provinces, bringing their industry only into commerce, and obferving the itricest frugality, will have the fame advantages over the na tions in Europe, which the Hollanders heretofore poffeffed, and do itill retain. Thele advantages will be unfolded, if the minifter of war thinks fit. The four provinces of New York, Jersey, Pennfylvania, and Delaware, are highly fertile, and very loyal. As to the provinces of Maryland and Virginia, and the English, who being matters of the bay of Chesapeak, have lettled on the rivers Potowmac, James, York, and Patuxent, will make themselves masters of the tobacco trade. North Carolina is a poor province, badly peopled, and of which the inhabitants are little to be depended on. South Carolina, one of the richest on the continent, is in the fituation of one of the French or English iflands. If the enemy make himself matter of the ports and principal fortress, the isle will fall. It is the fame with Carolina; Charlestown is its only outlet. If Charlestown, which is far from being impregnable, thould fail into the bands of the English, Carolina is at their difpolal. For although the inhabitants affect a great attach. ment to independence, it cannot be doubted that they are far more attached to the poffeffion of their riches. AMERICAN FINANCES. ment in America, had a real credit, and was The paper established by the British govern. even preferred to filver and gold in common circulation. The paper which has been substituted both by the particular ftates, and by the Congrefs, loft its value, even in the first months of their enthufiafm; but fome time fince it is failen into the utmott difcredit, fo that a ducat of gold, is actually worth eighteen ducats in paper. The want of economy, the malverfations exercised in all the departments, the monopolies which they have fought in vain to reprefs, by laws which it was necellary every year to revoke, that avidity of which the most confiderable perfons fet an example, have obliged the Congrefs to circulate a prodigious quantity of this money, and of confequence to render it of no value in the public opinion. The operations of finance, announced last year, could not effablifh confidence-for those who were the most zealous for independence, feared with justice, left the intelline wars, which would inevitably arife, fhould hinder the promised liquidation on the part of congrefs. This paper has been the nerve of war, but, at prefent, intereft is the most powerful of all motives, especially with the Americans, this paper may become the bond which will re-unite the ftates of America, with the mother country. It is equally embarraffing in the prefent con juncture, to give or to refule money to the Ame ricans. If you refufe it them, they will murmur, and will be incapable of fuftaining their independence. If you grant it them, it cannot be dilembled, that the taxes which the Englif fought to impofe upon them, were only the pretext and apparent cause of the war, but that the danger of a general bankruptcy on their part, has been one of its principal causes. The 1782. The Nymph of the Sunny Rock. Wrote on the Marriage of Mifs Rochfort of Clogh. rennan in the County of Carlow, to Sir Matthe Blackifton, Bart. August 1782. ENEATH yon funny Rock and Hill, BE Midft flow'ry lawns and Wood-lands green; Where tafte refin'd hath fhew'd her skill, T'embellifh nature's faireft scene. Blith Anna dwelt a lovely maid, From parents fprung of fplendid race; Who all he father's worth display'd, And all her charming mother's grace. Superior long Dorinda reign'd, And fill'd her fex with envious fighs; The daughter with her parent vies. Soon as the yields to him her hand, Conduct them to my facred fhrine; I'll tie th indiffoluble band, And the her empire must refign. Low Cupid bow'd then quickly flew, To Sunny Rock all blith and gay; Refolv'd this couniel to puriue, And rob fair Anna of her way. The Knight was found, the Knight was taught Farewell, faid he, the pomp of war, Farewell the glories of the field; The din of arms I'll hence abhor, And Nymph to thee as captive yield. In vain with trumpet, drum and fife, Bellona founds fierce war's alarms; Love bids me quit the martial strife, And here as Trophies pile my arms. Then down at Anna's feet he laid, The pompous banner and gilt fword; While fuppliant to the lovely maid, Her gen'rous pity he implor'd. Oh! Anna, faid the lovefick youth, Compaffionate my fore diftrefs; Provok'd that crowds fhould round her wait; Hear me now fwear eternal truth, Refolv'd at length t' exert his fway, And foon determine Anna's fate. To Hymen pofts he then with speed, And him accofts with courteous air; Young Anna of the Sunny Rock, Who leads my votaries in chains; In vain I point at her each dart; No pow'r have I to pierce her heart. Friend Cupid, faid the holy Sage, Purfue with caution my advice; For your fuccefs I'll then engage, You fhall fubdue her in a trice. A youthful Knight from Britain's (hore, In military garb array'd, With glitt'ring Faulchion by his fide; With Banner o'er his head display'd, On prancing charger let him ride. With gorget, fafh and epaulet, His perfon deck as for review: A Soldier and a Baronet, Muft foon a maiden's heart fubdue. And fome kind fympathy exprefs. Since thee refiftless Heav'n defign'd, And deign, oh! deign to pity me. Which might the glowing Eaft adorn; And paint with more celeftial grace,. The rofy cheek of orient morn. Cupid defcending from the skies, Saw Pity had the nymph poffeft; And each glance of her magic eyes, The feelings of her foul expreft. The lucky moment then she seiz'd, Drew forth one of his keenest darts; And whilst the lovers fondly gaz'd, At once deep wounded both their hearts. Victorious now, thrice he huzza'd, And twice with tranfport clap'd his wings; Then foon the captive knight and maid, In triumph he to Hymen brings. The genius of Hibernia's ifle,' On the folemn rites attended there; Approv'd their union with a smile, And thus addrefs'd the bridal pair: Hail! hail ye faithful lovers hail ! Your guardians be each Heav'nly pow'r ; May lucky omens now prevail, To mark the auspicious nuptial hour. May you fair daughter, long my pride, Of all my virgins favour'd moft; Since now you are become a bride, Of virtuous matrons be the boaft. The Poetry. Verses on Dobbin's-Well, near Ballynahinch. THO' doctors long have try d-their skill in vain, The languid patient's vigour to regaio, Fill all your glaffes, bottles, cups and bowls: And Sylvan mufic fonths each lift'ning Spray ;) The Frenchmen, the Spaniards, and Dutch W ftand amaz'd, At the glorious Ipirit your country has rais'd; Their thoughts of vain conquest must quickly fubfide, And Britain's dread navy in triumph fhall ride. IL Hiftorians and poets, in ages to come, In defence of their king, and their country's right. IV. When your thunder shall make all hostilities And a glorious war brings a permanent peace; Derry down, &c. HEN thou wert young, and I was gay, Has chas'd all numbers from my brain. N OTB S. A men, FOREIGN Rome, July 6, 1782. TRANSACTIONS, LL the generals of the different religious orders are fummoned to Rome by the Pope, His holiness will not permit but one convent of and one of women, of each refpective order, in any one kingdom; into each of which only 40 perfons shall be admitted of the age of 25 years, who shall neither lofe their liberty, nor their eftate, if ever they should incline to come into the world again. Drefden, July 9. An ordonnance has been published in the electoral state, which permits the Catholics not only the free exercife of their religion, but gives them the liberty likewife to purchase houses in the cities and towns of this electorate, alio to obtain the rights of freedom of companies, &c. of which they have hitherto been deprived on account of their religion; hope is alfo given them of enjoying fome other privi leges. So that after the auguft chief of the empire had fhewn an example of toleration in favour of the Proteftant religion throughout his ftates, the Proteftant princes begin already to imitate him by permitting in their's the exercife of the Catholic religion. Florence, July 11. On the 5th of this month an ordonnance of the grand duke was published, which totally abolishes the tribunal of the inquifition in the grand-duchy of Tufcany. Hague, July 15. On Friday laft their High Mightineffes delivered to M. de St. Saphorin, Envoy Extraordinary from the Court of Denmark, a provincial answer to his laft Memorial; according to which it appears that the Directors of the East-India Company are ordered to charge, without delay, the Governor of the Cape to treat the hips and subjects of his Danish Majelty with all the regard due to amicable powers, in return for the friendly treatment which the faips of the republic receive in the ports of his Majesty. That with refpect to the ship the Citaelle Dansbourg and the conduct of Capt. Fuglade, he has been ordered to obtain the most exact information respecting it, and to fend the eclairciffement to their High Might ineffes, that fuch measures may be taken, as after a ferious examination may be found neceffary. Moreover, M. de Rechteren de Borchbeunington, Envoy. Extraordinary from their High Might ineffes to the Court of Denmark, has been ordered to communicate in a private audience, as foon as poffible, the furprife and concern of their High Mightineffes with regard to the incautious terms and expreffions made ufe of in the last Memorial presented by M. de St. Saphorin; and likewife with respect to the fhort time limited for a fatis factory answer; which expreffions are little com BRITISH patible with the regard which Sovereigns reci- Stockholm, July 16. Conftantinople, July 24. Yesterday evening, about fix o'clock, a fire broke out at Conftantinople, in a quarter called Balatta, mostly inhabited by Jews. As the wind was rather high, the flames (pread with fuch rapidity, that, notwithstanding every effort, in about three hours the whole city was threatened with deftruction. It is impoffible to paint the horrid fcene exhibited by this alarming conflagration, which raged with equal violence for about fifteen hours, and spread through one of the most inhabited parts of the town. The number of boufes deftroyed is computed at ten thousand, befides mosques, churches, and other public edifices. At this infant, (three o'clock P. M.) the fire which had appeared nearly extinguished, broke out anew in three diftinct places, and proceeds in different directions. The wind, which had fallen, is again pretty high, and the greatest apprehenfions are now entertained for the fate of the city. The Grand Signior, Vifir, and all the grandees, have attended these feventeen hours, to encourage the exertions of the people to check the progrets of the flames. Conftantinople, Aug. 1. The conflagration which raged in the center of this city on the 24th. ult. was fortunately flopped at eight o'clock the fame evening; and though it broke out again in different parts of the ruins, it was totally got under by eleven. The Grand Signior remained on the spot upwards of 22 hours. It was at first reported that upwards of 20,000 houtes had been reduced to afhes, and that great numbers of Janiffaries and others loft their lives by the rapid progrefs of the flames, which in different places proved fatal to the workmen : it is however to be hoped that thefe accounts are greatly exaggerated, and that the number of boules actually ceftroyed may be reduced to about 9000, three fourths of which were very fmall, and inhabited by the poorest fort of the inhabitants. INTELLIGENCE. by N. about five leagues, we faw a fchooner fteering in for the land; chafed and came up with her, Donnofe Point Eaft four leagues, about four o'clock in the afternoon: the proved to be a French privateer, named Le Vipere, of 10 guns, (four pounders) and thirty feven men, commanded by Michael Ladri Venceat Menage, Rrr eight |