expression; whereas there is variety, sprightliness, and figure, in the oaths of gentlemen well educated. Dean Swift says very justly, "a footman may swear, but he cannot swear like a lord." Now we have many lords in the English army, all of whom, when here, were pleased to honor me with their friendship and intimacy; so that I hope my qualifications can hardly be disputed. I have imported many of the most necessary articles for appearance in genteel life. I can give them Lavornitti's soap-balls, to wash their brown hands clean, perfumed gloves, paint, powder, and pomatum. I can also furnish the NewEngland men with rings, seals, swords, canes, snuffboxes, tweezer-cases, and many other such notions, to carry home to their wives and mistresses, who will be nation-glad to see them. You are also to know that I import a great many patent medicines, which may be of use to your army. It is said that some of them are exceedingly liable to a disorder called by physicians the rancomania, which is frequently followed by the two twin diseases of plumbophobia and siderophobia. If they will but submit to a strict regimen, and take the tincture drops and pills which I prepare, I am confident the cure in most cases would be infallible. of news. Finally, I hope I may be of service to the United States, as a writer, publisher, collector, and maker I mention this with some diffidence; because perhaps you will think I have foreclosed myself from such a claim, by confessing (as above) that my credit as a news-writer is broken by overstretching. But it is common enough for a man in business, when his credit is wholly gone in one place, by shifting his ground, and taking a new departure, to flourish away, and make as great or greater figure than before. How long that splendor will last is another matter, and belongs to an after consideration. I might therefore, though my credit is gone in New-York, set up again in the place which is honored with your residence. Besides, I might write those things only or chiefly, which you wish to be disbelieved, and thus render you the most essential service. This would be aiming and arriving at the same point, by manœuvring retrograde. Once more, as I have been the ostensible printer of other people's lies in New-York, what is to hinder me from keeping incog. and inventing or polishing lies, to be issued from the press of another printer in Philadelphia? In one, or more, or all of these ways, I hope to merit your approbation. It would be endless to mention all my devices; and therefore I will only say further, that I can take a truth, and so puff and swell and adorn it, still keeping the proportion of its parts, but enlarging their dimensions, that you could hardly discover where the falsehood lay, in case of a strict investigation. Francis Hopkinson published one of his wittiest papers at Rivington's expense in the following JAMES RIVINGTON, printer of the Royal Gazette at New York, whilst the British troops were in possession of that city, had been exceedingly virulent, abusive, and illiberal in his publications against the Americans, their congress, their army, their officers, and their measures: Every paper abounded with the grossest falsities, misrepresentations, and insults; till at last, facts repeatedly contradicting his positive intelligence, the Royal Gazette lost all credit, even in Europe, where his accounts of the events of the war were chiefly intended to stances, having rendered it convenient for the subscriber to remove to Europe, all those who are indebted to, or have any demands against him, are earnestly requested to make as speedy a settlement of their accounts as possible. NOTICE is also hereby given, that the subscriber will dispose of his remaining stock in trade by public auction. The sales to begin at his store on Monday, the 19th instant, and will be continued from day to day (Sundays excepted) from the hours of ten to one in the forenoon, until the whole shall be disposed of. It is well known that his store is furnished with not only an extensive library of the most approved authors, but also a greater variety of curious and valuable articles than hath ever been exhibited in one collected view on this side of the Atlantic. The scanty limits of an advertisement are by far insufficient to admit of an adequate display of his extraordinary and miscellaneous collection. The subscriber must, therefore, content himself with selecting, for the present, a few articles for public attention: but a complete catalogue is now under the press, and will be distributed at the time and place of sale. BOOKS. THE History of the American War: or, The glorious exploits of the British Generals, Gage, Howe, Burgoyne, Cornwallis, and Clinton. The Royal Pocket Companion: being a New System of Policy, founded on rules deduced from the nature of man, and proved by experience: whereby a prince may in a short time render himself the abhorrence of his subjects, and the contempt of all good and wise men. Select Fables of Esop, with suitable Morals and Applications-Amongst which are, The Dog and the Shadow The Man and his Goose, which laid a Golden Egg, &c., &c. A New System of Cruelty; containing a variety of Modern Improvements in that Art. Embellished with an elegant Frontispiece, representing an Inside View of a Prison Ship. The Right of Great Britain to the Dominion of the Sea-a poetical Fiction. THE State of Great Britain in October 1760 and October 1781, compared and contrasted. A Geographical, Historical, and Political History of the Rights and Possessions of the Crown of Great Britain in North America. This valuable Work did consist of thirteen Volumes in Folio: but is now abridged by a royal Author to a single Pocket Duodecimo; for the greater convenience of himself, his successors, and subjects. The Law of Nations, revised and amended. To which is added, by way of Appendix, a full and true account of the Capture of the Island of St. Eustatia, by Admiral Rodney. The Conquest of the four Southern rebel Colonies, with Notes critical and explanatory by Earl Cornwallis. A narrative of the Ship-wreck of Lord Rawdon, in his voyage from Charlestown, South Carolina, to London. operate. This conduct of Mr. Rivington, and of those who countenanced and assisted him, provoked some sarcasms in return-amongst which was this publication.-Author's Note. To appreciate fully the humor of this ironical inventory, the reader should consult the files of Rivington's paper and note the provocation to mirth, in the glowing advertisements, arranged pretty much according to Hopkinson's order, of the royal printer's pamphlets, maps, charts, views and plans of battles, musical instruments, &c. There is a complete set of Rivington's Gazette in the Library of the New York Historical Society. Miracles not ceased: or, an instance of the remarkable Interposition of Providence in causing the Moon to delay her setting for more than two hours, to favour the retreat of General Joshua and the British Army after the battle of Monmouth. Tears of Repentance: or, the present state of the loyal Refugees in New York, and elsewhere. The political Liar a weekly Paper, published by the Subscriber, bound in Volumes. PLAYS. WEST Point Preserved: or, The Plot discovered. Miss M'Crea: A Tragedy. Burgoyne's Address to the people of Saratoga. The sleeveless Errand: or, the Commissioners of Peace. The march to the Valley Forge; or much ado about nothing. The unsuccessful attempt by Gov. Johnson. The amorous Hero and contented Cuckold, by Gen. Howe and Mr. Loring-Comedies. The Meschianza: a pantomime. Who'd have thought it? or, the Introduction of 24 Standards to the rebel Congress. A procession. MAPS AND PRINTS. AN elegant Map of the British empire in North America, upon a very small scale. AN accurate Chart of the Coast of North America from New Hampshire to Florida; with the Soundings of all the principal Inlets, Bays, Harbours, and Rivers. This work was undertaken and completed by his Majesty's special command; and at a national expense of many millions of Guineas, thousands of Men, and hundreds of Merchantmen and royal Ships of War. A Survey of Lord Cornwallis's Rout through the Southern Colonies: beginning at Charlestown, in South Carolina, and terminating at York in Virginia. As the preceding Chart gives an accurate description of the Sea Coast, so it was intended to form a correct Map of the interior parts of this Country; but the rude Inhabitants grew jealous of the operation, and actually opposed his Lordship's progress. The Battle of Saratoga, and the Surrender at York; two elegant Prints, cut in Copper, and dedicated to the King. British Representations of the principal Transactions of the present War, highly coloured by eminent hands. These pieces are so ingeniously contrived, that by reversing any one of them, it will exhibit an American or a French view of the same subject uncoloured. A very humourous Representation of the memorable Procession of Brigadier General ARNOLD; with his Friend and Counsellor, through the streets of Philadelphia.* The Times: A satyrical Print, representing the British Lion blind in both Eyes, thirteen of his Teeth drawn, and his Claws pared off; with Lord North, in tl e character of a Farrier, bleeding him in the Tuil for his recovery. PHILOSOPHICAL APPARATUS. A curious new invented magic Lanthorn: very useful for those who are at the head of affairs. This *After the Discovery and Failure of General Arnold's treaBonable design to betray the whole garrison of West-point, with the person of Gen. Washington, the minister of France, Baron Steuben, and other principal Characters, into the hands of the Enemy; an effigy of the General, as large as the life, was constructed by an able artist at Philadelphia, and seated in a cart, with the figure of the Devil at his elbow, holding a Lanthorn up to the face of Arnold to show him to the people. The cart was paraded a whole evening through the streets of the City, with Drums and Fifes playing the Rogue's march, and other marks of Infamy, and attended by a vast concourse of People. -Author's Note, Machine was constructed by an able Artist, under Lord North's immediate direction, for the amusement of the good people of England. The Spectators are gratified with an illuminated view of the fictitious objects presented, but kept totally in the dark with respect to the real objects around them. Multiplying Glasses; whereby the numbers of an Enemy may be greatly encreased to cover the dis grace of a Defeat, or enhance the glory of a Victory. Microscopes, for mag sifying small objects, fur: ished with a select set ready fitted for use. Amorgst these are a variety of real and supposed Successes of the British Generals in America, A complete Electrical Apparatus, with improvements, for the use of the King and his Ministers This Machine should be exercised with great caution; otherwise, as experience hath shown, the operator may unexpectedly receive the shock he intends to give-Pocket glasses for short-sighted Politicians. PATENT MEDICINES. Aurum Potabile. This preparation was formerly supposed to be a never failing :pecific; but has been found not so well adapted to the American Climate, having been frequently triel here without effect: But its reputation is again rising, as it has lately been administered with success in the case of General Arnoid. Vivifying Balsam: excellent for weak Nerves, Palpitations of the Heart, over Bashfulness and Diffidence. In great demand for the Officers of the Army. Sp. Mend. Or the genuine spirit of Lying, extracted by distillation from many hundreds of the Royal Gazette of New York. Other papers have been subjected to the same process, but the success did not answer the Expence and Trouble of the operation, the produce being of an inferior quality -Therefore beware of Counterfeits. The Ink and Paper of the Royal Gazette' can alore furnish this excellent Sp. Mend. in its greatest perfection. administering due proportions of this admirable Medicine, Lies may be formed which will operate for a day, a week, a month or months; near at hand or at a distance; in America, or in Europe, according to the design of the party. N. B. The true Sp. Mend. is authenticated by the Seal of the Subscriber, who is the Inventor and Patentee thereof. By Cordial Drops for low spirits, prepared for the special use of the Honorable the Board of loyal Reju gees at New York. Anodyne Elixir, for quieting Fears and Apprehensions: very necessary for Tories in all parts of America. WITH a great variety of other Articles too tedious to enumerate. N. B. To every Purchaser to the value of five Pounds, will be delivered gratis, One Quire of counterfeit Continental Currency. Also two Quires of Proclamations, offering Pardon to Rebels. JAMES RIVINGTON. Hopkinson also published Rivington's reply to this, very much in the style of Witherspoon. Lastly, we have these witty morceaux, by Freneau, who found capital vent for his humor in the character of this curiously compounded gentleman. Ile wrote a number of verses on the tempting theme. First, an Epigram "occasioned by the title of Mr. Rivington's New York Royal Gazette being scarcely legible;" then, "Lines occasioned by Mr. Rivington's new titular types to his Royal Gazette," but became very much dissatisfied with the execution of the king's arms; and when that was remedied, produced a inore stinging Epigram still, "on Mr. Rivington's New Engraved King's Arms to his Royal Gazette." The "Reflections" and "Confessions" are most searching and candid— since Freneau did not spare him; but perhaps of all these, the best was his RIVINGTON'S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT. Since life is uncertain, and no one can say Some folks are so weak they can scarce avail crying, And think when they're making their wills they are dying; "Tis surely a serious employment—but still, Let others be sad when their lives they review, too; And though it may seem a fanatical story, I know there are some (that would fain be thought wise) Who say my Gazette is a record of lies; All the choice that I had was, to starve or to lie. My fidelles, my flutes, French horns and guitars, And digest the affront of his effigy-burning. To Baron Knyphausen, his heirs and assigns, I bequeath my old Hock, and my Burgundy wines, To a true Hessian drunkard, no liquors are sweeter, And I know the old man is no foe to the creature. Before flesh and after fish.-See R. Gaz. To a General, my namesake,* I give and dispose The least they can do is to wait my decease; 66 Graydon, in his Memoirs, mentions Rivington as one of the occasional visitors of his mother's boarding-house at Philadelphia, and notices his theatrical turn. "This gentleman's manners and appearance were sufficiently dignified; and he kept the best company. He was an everlasting dabbler in theatrical heroics. Othello was the character in which he liked best to appear."t Ashbel Green, in his Autobiography, says, that "he had, in foresight of the evacuation of New York by the British army, supplied himself from London with a large assortment of what are called the British classics, and other works of merit; so that, for some time after the conclusion of the war, he had the sale of these publications almost wholly to himself. Amongst others, I dealt with him pretty largely; and with nothing else to make me a favorite, the fulsome letters which he addressed to me were a real curiosity. He was the greatest sycophant imaginable; very little under the influence of any principle but self-interest, yet of the most courteous manners to all with whom he had intercourse." JAMES M'CLURG. THIS accomplished litterateur and eminent physician of Virginia was born at Hampton, in the county of Elizabeth City in that state, in 1747. He was at the College of William and Mary with Jefferson, and pursued the study of medicine at Edinburgh and Paris. While in London he published his Essay on the "Human Bile," exhibiting a series of experiments, with an introduction, written in so philosophical a spirit, and expressed with such beauty and classic elegance of diction, that it was translated into all the languages of Europe." He returned to America in 46 284 1772 or 1773, and established himself at Williamsburg, removing, when the seat of government was changed, about 1783 to Richmond, where he died, July, 1825. He was killed on Governor's street, in that city, by his horses running away. His remains lie in old St. John's Church, on Church Hill, where there is the following inscription on his tomb, written by Mr. Watkins Leigh, who married his grand-daughter, and which has been much admired for its tasteful composition. Here lies interred the body of James M'Clurg, M.D. admired and honored for learning, taste, and genius, and venerated for virtue; of studious and retired habits, yet of the most easy and polished manners; of the readiest and happiest wit, tempered with modesty and benignity; with a native diguity of character and deportment always sustained without effort, united with unaffected simplicity, and softened with the utmost suavity of temper; formed to delight, instruct, and adorn society, his conversation and acquaintance were courted by the most distinguished persons without pretension on his part, In old age cheerful and tranquil, his mental faculties, unimpaired, the serenity of his temper undisturbed. Even his social gayety hardly clouded to the last by the decay and infirmities of his body; honored, beloved, revered, content to live, content to die, with equal mind he sunk to rest, on the 9th day of July, 1825, in the 78th year of his age. He married Miss Elizabeth Seldon, daughter of Carey Seldon. His daughter, the mother of Mrs. Leigh, became the wife of John Wickham, celebrated in the Burr trial. Of his general literary accomplishments there is a pleasing instance in some vers de societé, according to the style of the day, savoring somewhat of the English Cowley, entitled The Belles of Williamsburg, which were written and circulated in that capital in 1777. They were mostly from his pen, a few having been supplied by his intimate friend Judge St. George Tucker. THE BELLES OF WILLIAMSBURG. Wilt thou, advent'rous pen, describe That maddens all our city; Nor dread, lest while you foolish claim hit While every miss with cool contempt, Will, tittering, view thy plight. Ye girls, to you devoted ever, Is somehow to amuse you; Advance then, each illustrious maid, With Beauty's ensigns gay; And here exert their sway. No smiles her looks environ; And on her tongue the Syren. Such sweetness in her look is seen So jauntie and so airy; Aspasia next, with kindred soul, Each gentle pleasing art; We see in gentle Delia's face, The sweet complacent mind; Each shepherd thinks her kind. The prince of modern wits. THE REDWOOD LIBRARY. Not far removed from her side, And rolls about her eyes; That from her quiver flies. Whence does that beam of beauty dawn? What lustre overspreads the lawn? What suns those rays dispense? From Artemisia's brow they came, From Artemisia's eyes the flame That dazzles every sense. At length, fatigued with beauty's blaze Her picture to complete; Some happier bard shall treat. SEQUEL TO THE BELLES OF WILLIAMSBURG. Ye bards that haunt the tufted shade, Who bead before Apollo's shrine, And ye who bask in beauty's blaze, From fair Aurora's brow, Or those which form her crescent shrine, Say why, amidst the vernal throng, With eager look the enraptured swain, The picture should explore. The tribute of the song? Like hers, I ween, the blushing rose, Which even Gods might sip. Or Delia's melting grace, Sweet as the baliny breath of spring, Of Zephyr as he flies, A title to the prize. What giddy raptures fill the brain, Her look each throbbing pain beguiles, Here Envy with her venomed dart, For might not such a nymph inspire The sister graces met the maid, And decked her with their charms. Say then why thus with heedless flight, A train so blythe and fair, But tumbles through the air. A portion of these lines on the fair belles of Williamsburg has been happily introduced in the excellent novel by John Esten Cooke, of the Virginia Comedians, which introduces us in a spirit of delicate sentiment and elevated romance to the chivalric olden time of the state. In the romantic sketch from the same pen, of the Youth of Jefferson, Dr. M'Clurg is introduced as one of the fine spirits of that day. Dr. M'Clurg's talents as a medical writer are spoken of with great respect. Dr. J. W. Francis, in the article in Thacher's Medical Biography, speaks in reference to his discourse On Reasoning in Medicine,* that "in his extensive views of the study of physic, he considered every branch of science as kindred and capable of mutual illustration," and also notices "his purity and classical elegance of style seldom attained by writers on professional or scientific subjects." THE REDWOOD LIBRARY. IN 1730, an as-ociation of gentlemen at Newport met together and formed themselves into a Society for the Promotion of Knowledge and Virtue.' The town then included some of the most cultivated men of the country, whose intellectual activity was stimulated by the presence of Berkeley. The original members of this club, or association, similar to Franklin's Junto, were Daniel Updike, the Attorney General of the Colony, a distinguished lawyer and an intimate friend of the dean; Peter Bours, a member of the Government Council; James Searing; Edward Scott; Henry Collins, a merchant of taste and liberality; Nathan Townsend; Jeremiah Condy, and James Honeyman, Jun., the son of the Rector of Trinity. It was chiefly, at first, a debating society, but the collection of books soon became an object, and a wealthy gentleman of the town, Abraham Redwood, gave five hundred pounds sterling for the purchase of standard works in London, recommending the erection of a library building. To secure this, the Society procured a charter of incorporation from the Colony in 1747, Published in the Phila. Journal of the Medical and Physical Sciences, edited by Prof. Chapnian. |