FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
Mr. EDITOR,
I LATELY received a letter from an inhabitant of the planet
Jupiter, written in the ancient Hebrew language, which I
have carefully translated into English, as literally as the different
idioms of thofc languages will admit. Since the writer seems de
iirous to establish a correspondence, I wish you topubliftithis let
ter, if not inconsistent with the plan of youi ufeful and inftru£tive
Gazette; and I would request some one, who has more leisure
and greater abilities to answer it. Should an answer appear in
your paper, I will undo take that it lhall be immediately trans
lated into Hebrew and transmitted without delav to the planet Ju
piter ; and I doubt not but a correspondence may be kept up,
which will be ufeful to mankind.
To one of the INHABITANTS of the EARTH, if any there be.
Brother Existence,
AM I right in my conjecture ? Is that little world, the
Earth, inhabited ? If so, I am desirous to know by what kind of
beings .This is therefore to request thee,O being, into wliofe hands
this may fall, that thou wouldeftjgive unto me a true account of
thy race. Tell me, O inhabitant ofthe third planet, whothou art.—
I suppose thou haft a body—ls it made of fire, mud, or water ;or
is it only consolidated finoke ? No doubt all ye inhabitants of
the earth, how many soever there be, sprang from the one only
Great : but when did ye begin toexift? Knoweft thou, O being,
thine origin ? If thou haft a spirit within thee, how dost thou
ieed it ? Are the funnels of thy foul continually open, to receive
the streams of knowledgefrom the full bottles of nature? Hasthe
#reat Auleeim given the a fine (trainer, through which thou mayeft
itrain thy foul's good ? or dost thou pour in the scum, and lees all
together ? Art thou Ifcppy, or art thou in the scouring tub of
affli&ion ? 1 know not what to ask of thee, or how to ask : left
ihou fhouldft not be able to c >mprehend my words. Epiftolize
xinto me, O being; that I may know what to call thee. Lift up
now thine eyes if thou haft any, and fee : Let the all piercing raysjof
truth dispel the mist whichperadventure darkeneth the eyes of thy
loul; that thou mayeft understand. That world on which thy race
dwelleth receiveth light from yonder blazing Sun, kindled by the
breath of the Eternal; but do not think for thy wot id only, for
ours also. Great Jupiter, where I, with innumerable millions
dwell, from the famefountain receiveth light; and from the fame
source, existence. Seeft thou this magnificent world ? Pcrad
venture thou fecft, but belicveft not in its greatness, and the my
riads of beings that dwell here. Know then that from one dwel
ling on the great planet Jupiter thou received this : Unto him,
therefore direffc thy epistle ; and let him know what thou art, and
what thou knoweft. If ye, O sons of the earth, know more than
we, inftrutt us ; for knowledge it> the pillarof happiness, and the
lupport of immortality ; if less ye havedrankof Nature's fathotn-
Jt'fs ocean, from us, then receive an additional stream, and an
swer the irqueft of JOVICULARIS.
NATIONAL MONITOR. Mo. XXVI.
Say not thou, what is the cause that the former days were better
than these ? for thou dost not enquire wiicly concerning this.
Solomon.
PASSION, rather than Rfason, is the source
of com plaint—" The golden age, is never
the present age"—hut a little attention to the ex
perience of mankind mud convince every person,
that as on the one hand, no age of the world is
exempted from trouble—so on the other, some
peculiar circumstances fhewthat liappinefs is not
confined ro any particular period. Mankind are
so apt to be more affected with pain than pleasure,
that present inquietudes excite clamors and com
plaints, while in contemplating ilie/><j/?,the finootli
current of enjoyment only, employs our imagi
nations.
Human exiflence is full of inequalities : One
age exceeds a former in one relpect, and falls be
low a succeeding, in another : But; whatever the
fancies of the poet may imagine, or the uneasy
temper of thereftlefsmay conceive of former gol
den eras, certain it is that no man now exijliiig
regrets that he was not born a thousand years
ago. A flight retrofpec't of puft ages will lerve
to ftlence a spirit of complaint; and their com
panion with the present will serve to lhew that
the condition of civilized humanity is unspeaka
bly more eligible than it was at any preceding
date. Under the null celebrated system of go
vernment among the ancient Greeks, their le
gislators encouraged thieving.
Alexander's prodigality has never been paralel
led. The stun which he expended on Hephwjlion's
tuneral was so great that 'tis a question whether
at that time the revenue of the world could afford
it: And what were his vitftories, but the progress
of a madman through the world, more terrible
than a host of wild bealls. What a liit of crimes
disgrace the Jewish liiltory ! What punifliments
did their cruelty invent, and inHitft upon their
captives ! If we advert to the Roman Empire,
even in its meridian splendor, while fovercigns
of the world, will the comparison fuffer ? Under
Titus, that was for the fwcernefs of his disposi
tion cried up, by the Roman people, as the 'jewel
of the World, 50operf'ons were daily crucified be
lorethe walls of Jerulaleiii, during the hotted of
the siege of that devoted city.—The devaluations,
persecutions, robberies, murders, and miseries
brought upon mankind by the proud mistress of
the world, are not to be equalled by any subse
quent tranfaAions : Licinius Luctillus put 20000
prisoners to the fvvord, contrary to the articles
of capitulation ; and the unjustly celebrated Ati
gujlus, was an inhuman butcher, who at one time
m Perufia, facrificed 500 of the principal citizens
at the altar of his uncle Julius Ctefar —His maila
cres and proscriptions have rendered his name
julHy execrable. Sylla took 24000 of the conquer
ed party to mercy; but not willing to trull them
afterwards, in the hearing of the Senate, cut them
to pieces. But it is impolEble to detail all their
cruelties, which were not confined to a particu
lar spot— the whole world felt the weight of their
power.
The infatiabh avarice of former ages outwent,
ifpoflible, their cruelty. Accufatious were not
tor crimes, but for wealth: Neither persons,
towns, or temples escaped this rapacity. Marcus
Antoninus, in one year, railed from the Lelier
Alia only 20000 talents, an amazing sum ! Their
luxury, theirgluttony, intemperance, anddebau
chery, were carried to a height of refinement that
we can scarcely form any idea of. If we descend
to succeeding times, how wretched was the fate
of mankind during the dark ages of bigotry
and superstition, which followed the downfall of
the Roman Empire ? How many did the jaws of
persecution devour, for even a supposed differ
ence of opinion. How debased and funk was hu
man nature, when the fiat of a priest, gave law
to States and Empires ! Surely those who fay the
former times were better than the present, do not
enquire wifely concerning these things. Igno
rance was the fruitful source of all those cala
mities. How powerful lliould fucli examples
prove to these States, to induce them to diffufe
the rays of knowledge among the people ? For
mer tyrannies were founded on pre-existing ig
norance. America muftlofe her information be
fore she can be enslaved : While she remains en
lightened she ever will be free.
NEW-YORK, NOVEMBR 14.
Yesterday, at one o'clock, THE PRESIDENT
of the United States returned to this city in per
fect health, from his tour thro the Eastern States.
This event was announced by a federal falure
from the Battery.
THE PRESIDENT left Portfmoutli last week
on Wednesday—his rout was thro Exeter, Haver
hill, Lexington, IVatertown, ire. to Hartford.
There is a variety of incidents that attend the
tour of the President, which mu(t fill every patri
otic mind with peculiar plcafure: Independent of
that perfojial relpecfl which is paid to him as a
Man, there is an invariable reference in all the
addrefles, to his political situation, and that COll
- over whose administration he presides.
These national sentiments are universally reiter
ated^ — ant l plainly prove that the people are uni
ted in their hopes and expectations of public free
dom, peace and happiness from the general go
vernment.
I uf'day evening last the (Jommiflioners Plenipotentiary for
treating with the Nations df Indians, south of the river Ohio, re
turned to this city.
learn that Mr. M'Gillivray, who, with between one and
two thoufard Indians met the Commissioners at Rocklaijding,
declined acceding to the terms propolcd to him; but that all the
otnei Chiefs appeared extremely desirous of being at peace with
the United States.
Notwilhftanditig a Treaty has not been concluded with the
Creeks, vet the strongest allurances were given by Mr. M'Gilli
vray, arid all.lhe head men present, that no hoflilities should be
committed on the part of their Natiot. The Supreme Executive
of Georgia werealfo taking measures to prevent aggreflions or
provocations on the part of the inhabitants of the frontiers of that
State.
\\ e are happy to inform the public that all the other Nations
•)oi dcring on the southern States continue in perfect peace and am
ity with the United States. The Commiflioners sent friendly
lniflagei to all the Nations comprehended within the limits of
their comtninion. They saw Piomingo, the Chickafaw Chief,
Jt Richmond, in Virginiaj and delivered to him a fcopy of the talk
which they had previously f=nt to his nation.
On Wednesday last was held the annual meeting of the German
Society of tins city. An oration in the German language was de
livered on the occaflon, by Mr. Wi l m eidikg : Also an Englilh
oration by Mr. Edwa*d Li vi noston, at the Dutch Lutheran
Church. The fubjc&s were chosen .villi judgement; and the
speakers acquitted themselves to the full approbation of a nume
rous audience.
The time to pull down, and destroy, is now
P a st—As it was once dellgnative of the highest
patriotism to overturn those systems which were
tound incompatible with that Independence
which the United States had alfumed—fo now it
is equally their duty to build up, strengthen and
fupporta Constitution, with which is inseparably
connected all that is dear and valuable to us as ci
tizens and freemen. This sentiment appears to
pervade the minds of the people, and must
ibengtlien the hands, and encourage the hearts
of our civil rulers, while it inspires with pleasure
the hearts of every real friend to the United
States.
EXTRACT.
The serene atfts of beneficence—the small and
still voice of goodness are neither accompanied
by noise nor oftentation—lt is uproar and tumult,
rather the tumbling of fack'd cities—the Ihrieks
of ravilh'd matrons, and the groans of dying na
tions, that fill the t'ruinp of fame, and give birth
to your heroes. Men of power and ambition find
diftindtion and glory, very readily attainable in
this way—as it is incomparably more easy to de-
Itroy, than to create—to give death, than to give
i'fe—to pull down, than to bnild up—to bring
devastation and misery, rather than plenty, and
peace, and prosperity upon earth : But are not
mankind as blind to their own interelt, as unjust,
and iniquitous,in giving glory, where lhame alone
is due ? They are undoubtedly—for they hereby
become at once the dupes, and of their
own folly. Praifea child for his genius in pranks
of mifchief and malevolence, and you quicken
him in the dired: road to the gallows: It is just
so that this wife world has bred up its heroic re
probates, by ascribing honor and acclamation to
deeds that called loudly for execration, infamy,
and the gibbet.
PRICE CURRENT. NEW-YORK.
NOVEMBER 14.
Jamaica Spirits, ...
Antigua Rum, ... 4 yp_
St. Croix, do. - .
Country, do. - • 2/10.
Moinffes, - 9/2. a 2/3.'
Brandy, - - . 4/9. a 6/
Geneva, ... 5/
JJo. in calcs, - - 28/" a 29/r
Muicovado Sugar, - SoJ. a 72/.'
Loaf, do. - - .
Lump, do. - - ij\ 1
Pepper, ...
Pimento, ... 2 y" 2 . a 2 _/T
Coffee, - . 3/8. a 1/9.
Indigo, (Carolina) - - of a 6f %
Do. French, - - - x gr
Rice, - * * 23/:
Superfine Flour, - - 4a 44r
Common do. - - 2971 40/^
Rye do. 2 /r
Indian Meal, i . _ jg£
Rye, . " * pr. bujh.
Corn, (Southern) - *r
Do. (Northern,) ' - 4/3. a 4%"
Beef, fir ft quality, - . 48/ a w."
Pork, firft quality, . - Bi/o"
Oats, ... !/-"
Flax-feed, - - sj-
Ship bread per cwt. - . 2 i f.
Country refined bar-iron, . 281.030!.
Do. bldomery, . . i5 \. a i6l '_
Swedes do. ... ~1
RuOiado.
Pig-iron, - . 81 10 r a 9 j|
German steel, per lb. - . g,/
Nails American, by caflt. per. lb. 4d. - 12J.
Do. do. do. 6d. - . ll( j
Do. do. do. Bd. - -» qij
Do. do. do. lod.
Do. do. do* iad. f
Do. do. do. 2od f 72 a B£d.
Do. do. do, 24d. J
Pot ast, per ton, . 391. a 401.
Pcarl a(h > - - 481 a 50k
Bees-wax per lb. - „ 2
Mackaiel per barr. - - 2 6f. a 30/"
Herrings, - . -16/
Mahogany, Jamaica, per foot, - aorf.
Dominico, do. - gj
Honduras, do. - _ ~ yd'.
Logwood uncliipped. per ton. . . 81.
Do. chipped. - . - 141
2 inch white oak plank, perm. - . aol. iq/f
1 inch do. .
2 inch white pine plank, . - 81.
inch do. . . 61. joA
1 inch do. . . 3 1. 10/
2 inch pitch pine do. - . 10 ]
inch do. r . 61. io/T
1 inch do. 4 j^
Pitch pine scantling, - _ 8/T
Cyprus 2 feet Ihingles, - . 11. io/f
Do. 22 inch do. s jJ. gr
Cedar 2 inch do. . _ jJ_
Do. 22 inch do. . . j]_ gr
Do. 18. inch do. - . jgr
Butt white oak. staves, - - or /
Pipe do. do. . . - gl"
Hogshead do. do. - » 61. icf.
Do. do. heading, . .81
Iriih barrel do. staves, - - gl. r?
HogOicad red oak do. . . rl. ir
Do. French do. - f £
Hoglhead hoops, - »
White oak square timber per square foot, 1 od.
Red wood, per ton, . _ 2 gi
Fuftick, . . . j o] _'
Beaver, per lb. . . 12/. a 16?
Otter per Ikin, k . g f.
Grey fox,
Martin, 4/1 0
Racoon, . . . 3/6 "7/6.
Mufkrat, ... tod. a 14d
Beaver hats, - . . r
Castor do. - . _ _ oV
Chocolate, . . «£
Cocoa, " - 7Qf- a 80/.
Cotton, - - . 2 /g
Tar, pr. ■ . ,0/
Pitch, - - Jf
Turpentine, . s g J r
Tobacco, James River, - id a old
Do. York, - Id. a gL;
Do. Rappahanock, - - 2d a old.
Do. Maryland^coloured, . clj
Do. Weftern-Ihore, - - 3d a gid
Lead in pigs, pr cwt. - . g o r
Do. bars, . . - 68/7
Do. Shot, . . go/-
Red lead, . . _ gg'f
White do. dry, - _ G , r
White do. in oil, . _ 6 i 12 yj
Salt-petre hams, - _ \j
Spermaceti candles, - _ J
Mould do. - . ai. a 7i
Tallow dipt, . • - 9&.
r . * - id. a Id.
Caitile soap, - . ad. a lod
Fnglifh checfe, pr. Jb. . 9 Q
Country do. - . . .j
Butter, ... \ d r
"y font «, - - 11/ a l2 f.
Sequin do. - - 6/5
Sohea do. . . ,f' a
P infen «' " - 3f a 4 /6
Sta lc h Poland, - . J 4 ,y"
S"uff, . : If:
Allum fait, water measure, pr. bush. 3 /g*
Liverpool do. - . \r
Madeira wine, pr. pipe, - 60A a 90/]
Port, . .
L.fbon, pr . gal. . ."
Teneriff, 6 , . .
- -3h.
Dutch gnn-powder, pr. cwt. - 8/
Nail rods, pr. ton, - - 05/
Lintfccd oil, pr. gal. . . .r
Whale do. pr. barrel, - co/ a 5 6f.
spermaceti do, . - 6/
Shake-down hhds. . . gj£
ERRATA IN OUR LAST.
In the 25 tk line oj the Address of the Cincinnati to the Prejdent, for
virtue read virtues, and injert the uiotd again after the word them.
In the 3 6th line, for paternal read fraternal. And in the anficer, for
paternal read fraternaj. J