[T]he army [of 1798] was raised on principles precisely monarchical … Let us explain it by the following supposition. The present Congress will cease to exist on the 3d of March, 1799. On the 4th Mr. Adams may get a certificate from some confidential judge that Virginia or Tennessee is in a state of rebellion. Whether the story be true or false rests entirely within his breast. He directly calls out the militia … [H]e and his militia are absolute masters of America … [A] royal interregnum might readily put an end to the government.
JAMES THOMSON CALLENDER,
SKETCHES OF THE HISTORY OF AMERICA (1798) 1785
In the independent times of the ancient republics, no one thought of giving to a general a supreme command close to the seat of government for four years certain. Yet this and many other high prerogatives, internal and external, are given for this term to the American President … [I]t is sufficient reason for changing the present institution of a solitary president—And what reason is there per contra; what evil in a plural directory, gradually renewed …1786
[The constitution of the United States] evidently had its formation before the United States had sufficiently un-monarchized their ideas and habits. They dismissed the name of king, but they retained a prejudice for his authority. Instead of keeping as little, they kept as much of it as possible for their president …1787
B. F. BACHE, EDITOR,
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, 1790–1798
The more the People are discontented with the Oppression of Taxes, the greater Need the Prince has of Money to … pay the Troops that are to suppress all Resistance … It will be said that we do not propose to establish Kings. I know it. But there is a natural Inclination in Mankind to kingly Government … I am apprehensive, therefore,— perhaps too apprehensive,—that the Government of these States may in future times end in a Monarchy …
DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
AT THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, JUNE 2, 17871788
A Highwayman is as much a Robber when he plunders in a Gang as when single; and a Nation that makes an unjust War is only a great Gang.
DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN1789
SECOND ARTICLE: A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
THIRD ARTICLE: No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
FOURTH ARTICLE: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause …
ARTICLES FROM THE BILL OF RIGHTS
OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The public attention has been engaged for two or three days by some occurrences that have taken place in Northampton county in this state. Efforts are making to magnify these occurrences into a terrible and bloody conspiracy against the government &c …
It is a well known circumstance that in the schedule made out for … the House Tax, passed at the session of Congress before the last, there was a column set apart for registering the number of windows in every house, although no tax has been laid on windows …
In Northampton County, while a [tax assessor] person was in the act of measuring the windows of a house, a woman poured a shower of hot water over his head; in other places they were hooted at … but no other violence done than the hot water war carried on by the female …
We are informed that a body of Volunteers are to be called out and marched into Northampton County, but we cannot believe that such a measure can be deemed either necessary or wise. The discontents in Northampton county were directed against the window admeasurements … No tumult has arisen or violence been done to any person but what was done with the hot water … [P]ossibly there may be found some unfledged Alexander, desirous of burning up some of the flourishing towns in the course of such an expedition …
Today, the President of the United States issues a proclamation:
BY THE PRESIDENT
Of The United States of America.
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS combinations to defeat the execution of the laws for the valuation of Lands and Dwelling-Houses within the United States have existed in the counties of Northampton, Montgomery and Bucks in the state of Pennsylvania and have proceeded in a manner subversive of the just authority of the government by misrepresentations to render the law odius, by deterring the public officers of the United States to forbear the execution of their functions, and by openly threatening their lives …
WHEREFORE, I JOHN ADAMS, President of the United States do hereby command all persons being insurgents … on or before Monday next … to disperse and retire peaceably … and I do require all officers and others … according to their respective duties and the laws … to prevent and suppress such dangerous and unlawful proceedings.
JOHN ADAMS, By the President,
TIMOTHY PICKERING, Secretary of State.1790
Tonight, William Cobbett in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
NEW INSURRECTION!
“If the provisional army is not raised without delay, a civil war or a surrender of Independence is not at more than a twelve month’s distance.” Porcupine, 10th Nov. 1798.
I most certainly hope that events may not justify the burning of me for a Wizard! …
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The terrible hot water insurrection in Northampton county is cooled down to an ordinary process at law, to which all the parties have voluntarily submitted.
Today, having promoted the Macpherson’s Blues commandant,1791 William Macpherson, to be brigadier general in the new federal army and ordered him to lead the army against Pennsylvania’s war-tax protesters, John Adams leaves Philadelphia for his home in Quincy, Massachusetts.1792 He will not return till mid-October.
The eastern counties of Pennsylvania in 1799.1793
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Appointment. William Macpherson, esq. to be a Brigadier General in the army of the United States.
The black-cockaded Federalist militia, the Macpherson’s Blues, now hold the authority of the new federal army. Their commandant, William Macpherson, will lead that army in Pennsylvania. A Blues cavalry lieutenant will be his aide-de-camp.1794
Today, off Guadeloupe in the French West Indies, the U.S. Navy’s thirty-six-gun, 340–man frigate Constellation, under U.S. Navy Captain Thomas Truxton, makes another French capture. Captain Truxton reports to the Secretary of the Navy:
I have captured off the Road of Bassateeer Guadaloupe a [French] Letter of Marque Schooner called the Union, mounting 6 Carriage Guns and navigated with Thirty two Men (Lading Provisions and Dry Goods) and have brought her into this Road …1795
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
THE INSURRECTION.
The roads have been so very bad for several days past that it is not surprizing we have no news from the scene of insurrection. General Macpherson is, it is said, to command the troops which are to march on Tuesday next against the Insurgents …
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
FROM THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE.
“[I have said] I considered disunion as a deplorable event—but less deplorable than a perpetuity of expensive armies—perpetuity of expensive navies—perpetuity of excessive debts—perpetuity of excessive taxes—and all the oppressive consequences resulting therefrom …”
[Virginia Congressman] WM. B. GILES
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
It is a fact that the FRENCH faction in Northampton have assumed and do now wear the French cockade.
No orders have yet been published relative to the marching a military force against the insurgents in Northampton County in this state; but we are informed that different volunteer companies are directed to hold themselves in readiness …
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The sons of St. Patrick kept their anniversary festival on Monday last … VOLUNTEERS [toasts] … The immortal Franklin—“Where liberty is, there is my country.”
Today, U.S. Secretary at War James McHenry writes Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Mifflin:
TO suppress the insurrection in the counties of Northampton, Bucks, and Montgomery in the state of Pennsylvania in opposition to the laws of the United States, the President has thought it necessary to employ a Military Force … The corps of militia first desired on this occasion are the troops of cavalry belonging to this city and one troop from each of the counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Lancaster. These troops, I have the honor to request, your Excellency will order to hold themselves in readiness to march on or before the 28th instant under the command of Brigadier General WILLIAM MACPHERSON.1796
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
A gentlemen who arrived in town hall last evening from Haerlahey’s, where a meeting of a number of dissatisfied persons from Bucks, Northampton, and Montgomery [Counties] was held on Monday informs us that, at that meeting (which consisted of about 200 persons), a disposition of unconditional submission to the laws of the United States was uniformly adopted!
If the insurrection in Northampton is in reality subsiding, and its agents retiring to their shells, what is to follow? Are the perpetrators of so daring an outrage on the laws, honor, and dignity of the government to escape with impunity?
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Some pains have been taken by some enemies of the peace and happiness of these States to spread abroad an idea that the late obstructions to the assessments in Northampton and Bucks [counties] had grown to the height of rebellion … Every indication of tumult has ceased there … and citizens … have displayed every disposition to submit with decency to the laws.
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Whence this precipitation on the part of the government of the United States to march troops against the people of Northampton and Bucks? Are those people in arms against the government? No one will dare say they are. Whence then, it may be again asked, such precipitation?
Even [John] FRIES has declared his readiness to submit and to take his trial when summoned thereto; and yet we hear nothing but military movements !!
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The President in his proclamation directs the citizens of Northampton and Bucks, who are said to be in arms against the law, to disperse … Have the people who have been in arms dispersed or not? No doubt whatever that they have … If this be the fact … what is the pretense for marching troops into that country? … If the civil authority is competent to all objects in the accused counties, and of this there is abundant proof, why is a military force resorted to … ?
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, Peter Porcupine writes:
I am astonished to see so little indignation expressed at the conduct of the NO-TAX insurgents in Pennsylvania … Are men weak enough to believe that the government can long live under the annual visitation of an unpunished revolt? …
There is in these states a faction, a numerous and desperate faction, resolved on the overthrow of the Federal government, and the man who will not allow that there is a danger to be apprehended, is either too great a fool to perceive it or too great a coward to encounter it.
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Is it not very extraordinary that the Executive should persist in the determination to march troops into the county of Northampton, notwithstanding there is not the smallest appearance of disturbance? What can influence such a determination? Is it that certain favorite contractors, commissioners, and quarter-masters may have grist supplied for their mills? … Or is it that the system of alarm may be perpetuated to furnish arguments for standing armies and against the government of the people?
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Yesterday the remainder of the persons who were implicated in opposing the laws in Northampton county arrived in town and surrendered themselves before Judge Peters … Several aged people who were implicated in the opposition to the assessment but who were unable to travel from the severity of the weather and the depth of the roads have sent certificates of magistrates to the proper offices in this city and are excused from present attendance, bail being given …
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
All the [implicated] … citizens of Northampton … have surrendered themselves and have given bail for their appearance at court—Does this look as if there was an insurrection ?
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
A citizen proposes that, in the event of the volunteer corps being ordered to quell the insurrection in Northampton, an armed association should be immediately formed to protect the city against the United Irishmen and other freebooters who are still tolerated among us.
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, Peter Porcupine writes:
INSURRECTION.
[I]t is probable the march of the troops from this city for Northampton will take place about Wednesday next.—Various detachments of regular troops are already on their march thither; these, it is supposed, will form a body of 500 men …
Merely to quell such an insurrection as this will answer but little purpose. It is a weed that has poisoned the soil; to crop off the stalk will only enable it to spring up again and to send out a hundred shoots instead of one. It must be torn up by the root; the principles of insurrection must be eradicated, or anarchy must ensue.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
A CAUTION
The Inhabitants of Montgomery, Bucks, and Northampton Counties, who may be proprietors of windmills or watermills, are hereby notified that they should keep them still the ensuing week, so as to give no provocation …
Today, in Reading, Pennsylvania (northwest of Philadelphia in the county of Berks), members of the new federal army pass through town. From sworn declarations of Berks County citizens:
JACOB GOSSIN, Reading [Pennsylvania] … Wednesday the 3rd of April, about 15 of the Lancaster troop of Horse, commanded by Captain Montgomery, came to my house, and having secured my workmen to prevent their assisting me, observed to them that if I was desirous to keep or preserve my house, I should fell the [liberty] pole … Like highwaymen, with a pistol in one hand and a sword in the other, they approached me, threatening to dispatch me instantly … My wife met with similar treatment, who … in consequence of her fright … fell sick … Another one of my children was kicked and spurned to the ground—Then they took my ax and cut down the [liberty] pole, departed carrying with them the ax, my property …
JOHN STROHECKER. On the 3d of April 1799, at noon while I was dining, about thirteen of the Lancaster troop of horse came to my house. Two or three of whom, entering the door, went into an adjoining room, and took several setting poles belonging to my boats … I rose from table, went out, and asked them what authority they had to take those poles? one of them answered that they intended to cross Schuykill [River], upon which I observed … you must call to the ferry man—who lives on the opposite side … [U]pon my taking hold of the pole, he held it firmly with one hand and with the other hand drew a pistol, saying, God damn your soul! … In the interim, they spied a pole which my children, in their puerile amusement, had erected for a liberty-pole, with a small strip of canvas attached to it for a flag. But fearful the horsemen might carry them off, the children took down this pole and placed it in the said room where it was discovered by the horsemen who thereupon took it out of the house and cut it to pieces to the great terror of the children. After this, they returned and the greater part entered the house with their swords drawn, cursing and swearing most profanely and violently, taking the poles with several rudders … And my wife, who having just recovered from a severe indisposition of two years, was brought into a relapse …
RANDOLPH SAMPLE. On the 3rd of April 1799 … I perceived a party of the Lancaster troop of horse, about 16 or 17 in number … who … surrounded me with their swords drawn … I was forced to go out and cut at the [liberty] pole …
ISAAC FETHER. On the 3d of April 1799, 16 or 17 of the Lancaster troop of Horse came to my house, and forming themselves into military order, drew their swords—one of them rode up to the house and knocked on the window with such violence that the fragments of a pane of glass flew into the room. I went out to enquire their wishes; upon my arrival at the door, I observed several stationed near it who … demanded my axe; when I asked what they intended to do with it; they replied to cut down this damned liberty pole … I procured the axe and offered it to them, they however did not take it, but peremptorily commanded me … to cut down the pole myself … threatening that if I made the least resistance or manifested the smallest reluctance, they would run their swords through my body.—In the meantime, my wife came out of the house … was discovered by them and instantly beset by several who hastily ran up to her with their swords drawn, notwithstanding her advanced state of pregnancy, commanding her to return immediately within doors.1797
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Four troops of volunteer cavalry, attached to the militia of this state, and two troops of volunteer cavalry attached to the Presidential army, marched from this city yesterday for Northampton, under the brigadier general Macpherson.
The corps of Engineers, under captain Elliot, took the same route on Wednesday.
War … Today, off Antigua in the French West Indies, the fourteen-gun United States Navy brig Eagle, Captain Hugh G. Campbell in command, captures the French privateer sloop Bon Père with ten guns and fifty-five men on board. The Eagle dispatches the Bon Père to Savannah, Georgia.1798
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The force marched into Northampton appears perfectly well calculated to produce rather than prevent discontent—It is perfectly well known to every man that has marched thither from this city that there is no force to oppose them, no body in arms, not even a riot to quell—There are many gone thither, however, very desirous of exciting commotion … Some young heroes were heard to declare that if some of the insurgents were not hanged or shot before their return, they would never march a foot on public service again.
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
MANIFESTO
The following is translated for this paper from the Manifesto in the German language, issued to the inhabitants of Northampton, &c. &c.
Wm. MACPHERSON, Brigadier General of the armies of the U. States, commander of the troops ordered to act against the insurgents of Northampton, Montgomery, and Bucks in the State of Pennsylvania.
FELLOW CITIZENS,
Being ordered by the President of the United States … to suppress and disperse all unlawful combinations … I therefore have thought it proper to inform the people … of the danger to which they expose them selves by combining …
The act against which the present treasonable opposition is made is that for laying and collecting a tax for the common defence …
All agreed that we should not submit to the conditions which France proposed but prepare for our defence … This manner of proceeding required money, and, in order to obtain that, a tax became necessary …
Therefore I again forewarn you not to aid or abet those violators of the laws …
WM. MACPHERSON. By order of the general.
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
[T]hose who look upon these insurgents as sinning from ignorance are themselves extremely ignorant of their character and motives. Can any man for one moment suppose that there can be the majority of a county in Pennsylvania who do not understand the true intent and meaning of the house tax? Go and talk to these insurgents, and you will find that they know all that is going forward in Philadelphia as well as you do. It is the greatest nonsense in the world to presume that they do not understand a law merely because they oppose its operation; as well as we may presume that Reynolds, Mother Bache, &c., &c., did not understand the alien & sedition bills.—
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
On Saturday evening last, a detachment of the cavalry of this city arrived in town from the camp near Seller’s on the Bethlehem road, 31 miles from Philadelphia, having in custody the noted [insurgent, John] Fries …
Fries was taken on Friday afternoon, about five miles from the camp, by a detachment of cavalry dispatched for the purpose. He was holding a sale at vendue [auction], when the troops approached; and made no attempt to escape until they appeared in sight, when he ran through some fields into a wood, and was taken after a pursuit of near two miles …
Judge Peters arrived at head quarters on Saturday morning at eleven o’clock.
TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
SALEM [MASSACHUSETTS], March 29 … [David] Brown, who was committed to the jail in this town last week by John Lovejoy, esq. of Andover, was yesterday examined before Thomas Bancroft, esq. for uttering seditious pieces … and being present, assisting, aiding, and abetting the erection of a [Liberty] Pole and Label at Dedham, with the following inscription, “Liberty and Equality, The Vice President and the Minority, A Speedy Retirement to the President, No Sedition bill, No Alien bill, Downfall to the Tyrants of America.” … He is recognized in the sum of 4000 dollars to appear at the Circuit Court to be held in Boston next June.
[NEW LONDON, CONN. Bee] The respectable clergyman [J. C. Ogden] who, from no political motive, interceded in behalf of col. Lyon during his imprisonment, was on his return from Philadelphia arrested on the suit of Oliver Wolcott, esq. Secretary of the Treasury of the U. States (can we here say “from no political motives”?) and thrown into prison …
THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
[BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.] Extract of a letter dated Quakertown, April 8, 1799 … “The system of terror here, I am sorry to say, is carried far beyond what, in my opinion, the public good requires. Detachments are out every day or night apprehending one or other individuals … The scenes of distress which I have witnessed among these poor people, I cannot describe when we have entered their houses. Conceive your house entered at dead of night by a body of armed men and yourself dragged from your wife and screaming children. These poor people are extremely ignorant but they have feelings, and they always consider that death awaits any one who is seized, be he culpable or not. I am sorry to say that there have been many instances of an inhuman disposition exhibited …”
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Extract of a letter dated Miller’s-town (50 miles from Philadelphia), April 10, 1799 … “We are now quartered in a Whig town where the people have always been true republicans … The inhabitants are principally Germans. Nearly all the male inhabitants on the approach of our army fled from their homes, and their wives and children exhibit a very unhappy scene of distress. Had I conceived that some things which I have witnessed here could have taken place, I should never have given my assent to march a mile on the expedition. One effect produced by the distresses here is that every individual whom I meet is disgusted, and a sentiment generally prevails which, contrary to expectation, will, I apprehend, completely destroy the federal influence in the next election …”
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Extract of a letter from an officer of the Northern Army, dated Miller’s Town April 11th, 1799. “With respect to military operations, they still continue; and the number of persons confined in heavy irons encreases … [A] number of troops who derive their authority from the federal government live at free quarters [in private homes] on the people … I cannot believe, however, that these troops are authorized to proceed thus; I rather conclude that it is the effect of that licentiousness into which ignorant men, or indeed enlightened men, will run, when possessed of an unnatural power over their fellow citizens …”
Extract of another letter of the same date. “The stationing of a body of troops here until the next election may induce the people to emigrate to some of the southern states, but it will not influence the vote of a single man who remains …”
A Gentleman now on the expedition against the insurgents writes, “that the only paper read in those parts of the country, where treason has raised her head, is the Aurora. This accounts in part for the defection of these ignorant and deluded wretches.” …
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
FOREIGN INTERFERENCE AT ELECTIONS …
Cobbett, the British printer Cobbett, who … reviles representative government, impudently insinuates that the Chief Justice [of Pennsylvania, Thomas McKean] is acting basely and the people stupidly … Mr. JAMES ROSS’S election is openly supported and advanced by this British agent …
Cobbett’s insidious propping of the British constitution at the expence of the constitutions of the United States is, to be sure, a most audacious foreign interference in our elections and attempt to sap our political principles …
Let him look at the judiciary of Ireland—a kingdom of three or four millions of people … [T]he Parliament of England is chosen for that great and injured people by fewer persons than are entitled to vote in a single American county.
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, Peter Porcupine answers:
[T]his day’s paper … may serve as an answer to … Mother Bache’s filthy dishclout [dishcloth] of this morning—A propos: this delicate dame began her Editorial career by rejoicing at the abolition of “castration in Italy.” I quote her very words, and I will, one of these days, give the modest essay at length …
I hereby give notice that on Monday next, I shall publish an extract from WIDOW BACHE’s first paper which will render my Gazette of that day unfit for any decent woman to read. I have heard a good deal about the delicacy of this woman, and I therefore think it necessary to undeceive the duped publick.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
From Northampton … It is probable the army will return through Reading and visit some disturbed parts of Bucks and Montgomery [counties] in their march home … We are informed by a gentleman who has been continually with the troops that their conduct has not only been irreproachable but remarkable for discipline and good order …
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
[Adv.]
JUST PUBLISHED
At No. 118 Market Street
(Price A Quarter Of A Dollar)
THE PORCUPINIAD.
A HUDIBRASTIC POEM,
Addressed to WILLIAM COBBETT …
“Thank Heaven I am No citizen of America” …
Today, in Reading, Pennsylvania, troops of John Adams’ new federal army visit the newspaper office of Jacob Schnyder, editor and publisher of the Reading Eagle, which has published anonymous reports of military abuses. From Jacob Schnyder’s sworn declaration:
On the 20th of April 1799, John Fry, [Sergeant] Reichard, and three other of the Lancaster troop of horse came to my printing-office, while I was closely engaged at work. One … demanded the author of a piece published some time previous in the Reading Eagle.
I observed to him that it was not customary with printers to give their authors names … I did not think myself at liberty to comply with this request … [T]hey desired to go with them to the Captain … I was forc’d to Michael Wood’s Inn, where the captain lodged … I was accosted thus politely, Is this the damn’d rascal? Is this the damn’d son of a bitch? &c. His throat should be cut … [T]he captain ordered his praise worthy troops to take me to the market-house and ordered the trumpeter, the common whipper, to give me twenty-five lashes … [T]he troops … forced me to the market-house … I then pull’d off my vest, and the trumpeter gave me, to the best of my recollection, six strokes with a cowhide, when one observed it was sufficient.1799
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The presses of the United States which favor British politics and connexions are constantly libelling the talents, character, &c. of America. They abuse Doctor Franklin, whose services in the revolution … entitle him to the esteem of every patriot …
Any man can see by whom and for what Mr. Cobbett has been sent to America. The service required a monstrous stock of confidence, if the British expected him to go the lengths he has done in meddling in our internal affairs, in our elections, in our intercourse with foreign nations …
Not long before the arrival of Mr. Cobbett in America, a formal and official report of the Lords of the British Council was made to the King of Great Britain, concerning the United States, in which it was stated to his Britannic Majesty that “a party was formed in favor of Great Britain.” They naturally wanted a printer or two, and the British government was so obliging as to send them Mr. Cobbett …
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, William Cobbett writes:
MOTHER BACHE
Must hang bye ‘till to-morrow. I have no room for her today. The foreign intelligence is of importance, and were I to omit it, my readers would find themselves but badly compensated by the prose of Mrs. Bache, though it is excessively luscious.
Next Thursday is the day appointed by the President to be observed as a General Fast.—I hope the people of all religions will join us in a hearty prayer for the destruction of the French and their traitorous partizans.
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The trial of prisoners charged with treasonable practices we are informed will come up in the course of this week before the [U.S.] district court … sitting in this city.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
The Grand Jury of the Circuit Court of the United States, now sitting in this city, have found Bills against three of the Northampton Insurgents for High Treason, of this number, [John] Fries is one … Yesterday afternoon several troops of this city arrived here from Reading …
Tonight, Peter Porcupine in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
MOTHER BACHE
Must hang bye for another day or two.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
ORDER and GOOD GOVERNMENT
A transaction that has taken place during the recent extraordinary military expedition merits the earnest and dispassionate consideration of every man who feels the least respect for the laws or holds the least pretension of regard for our free constitution and equal rights.
A troop of horse belonging to Lancaster, in this state, was ordered on the public service as a part of the body of volunteers that had proffered their services to the President of the United states.
On their march to join the army, they were guilty of some excesses in Reading … A statement of the transaction was … published in a German newspaper at Reading, the printer of which is a Mr. Schnyder.
Upon the breaking up of the army a few days ago, the Lancaster troop, under the command of Captain Montgomery, retraced its march through the same town where they halted. A sergeant and several troopers were dispatched to Mr. Schnyder’s house from which they took him by force.
He was brought before the captain, and after a series of interrogatories, this self-appointed Dictator ordered Mr. Schnyder to be taken to the market-house, stripped naked, and there punished by the infliction of 25 lashes! …
This, among numerous others, is a striking evidence of the danger which a free state is exposed to from an army … The army, placed without that controul [that the people have over the militia,] requires but a very small accession of numbers to destroy the public liberties and to exalt some wicked villain over the national ruin of a despotic throne.
Tonight, William Cobbett in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
Pennsylvanians, recollect that the only press in this city which has had the audacity to espouse the cause of [Chief Justice Thomas] McKean is [the Aurora,] that prostituted, that infamous, that blasphemous press from which have issued Paine’s Age of Reason, Paine’s Letter to General Washington and from which the Atheistical Calendar [of the French Republic] is annually issued … This, Pennsylvanians, is the press, the only press, through which McKEAN is recommended to you as a proper person to be your Governor.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
Yesterday afternoon, returned to the city, Brigadier General MACPHERSON, Commander in chief of the forces lately employed against the Northampton rebels … A large concourse of people, whom the occasion had assembled, … received him with reiterated shouts. The General having passed the line of Infantry, they filed off by sections, joined the cavalry, and escorted him to his quarters in Eighth-street, where he retired amidst the customary honors of the Military and the again-repeated shouts of the multitude.
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
[T]he deliberate and savage violation of the law—committed by men in military uniform and who had pledged themselves to the President to maintain law and order … marks the danger [to] the public liberties from men placed beyond the reach of civil institutions …
Application was made to General Macpherson upon the subject … he promised to enquire into it—but the men were marched off … !
By presidential proclamation, today is a national day for prayer and fasting. Life is relatively quiet. William Cobbett’s friend the Rev. James Abercrombie doesn’t preach! In Philadelphia’s Second Presbyterian Church, however, the Rev. Ashbel Green delivers his Fast Day sermon:
My brethren— … [T]he profanation of the name of God, the disregard of the public worship, the contempt of gospel institutions, the neglect of family government and family religion, the dissoluteness of youth, the wanton and wicked reviling of magistrates … the cherishing of seditious practices, the opposition to the laws of the country, the prevalence of dueling, the open practice of adultery and fornication, the multiplied instances of fraud and swindling … the devotedness of thousands to a covetous pursuit of wealth … have encreased upon us, with a rapid accumulation, within a short space … And shall I lay open the source … ? … an enthusiastic attachment, in multitudes of people in this country to the revolution and cause of the French. This attachment has given an easy introduction to the atheistical, infidel, and immoral principles of that people …
I am now to remark we have not been … free from the judgments of God … For six years past, the pestilence has been sent into our land in a manner that never was before known to us … With our prayers, let us resolve to join our endeavors for the suppression of vice …1800
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Let it be known that JAMES ROSS is nominated and approved [for Governor of Pennsylvania] by PETER PORCUPINE, that Porcupine is a foreign emissary, that HE has reviled our revolution, despised our civil institutions, and has laboured assiduously to render our country subservient to Great Britain …
MONDAY, APRIL 29, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
[The Rev. J. C. Ogden] has been confined in the cell of Litchfield [Connecticut] by the Secretary [of the Treasury, Oliver Wolcott] of the United States for delivering the petitions of the western district of Vermont in behalf of col. Lyon … It was supposed that the parson had the sum with him which was raised in Philadelphia to pay col. Lyon’s fine …
This confinement was undoubtedly preconcerted in Philadelphia on the part of Mr. Secretary [of the Treasury, Oliver Wolcott], and our Members of Congress. The time of the messenger’s departure [from Philadelphia] was known to Mr. Pickering and others. He left the stage house at twelve o’clock, came in the mail stage, halted two days in New York, and one in New-Milford [Connecticut]. It was universally known that this business led him by way of Litchfield …
All this malevolence arises solely from the wishes of col. Lyon’s foes to have detained him in the cell in Vergennes …
Who will be astonished if hereby we gain a LYON in Connecticut more formidable than him in Vermont? Do not such proceedings multiply Lyons ?
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, Peter Porcupine writes:
I know [Democratick Judge] M’Kean … I will never live six months under his sovereign sway … I look upon it as my duty to the publick to assist in opposing M’Kean’s election …
This was day fixed on for Mother Bache, &c., &c. but, as I forgot to inform the ladies of it on Saturday, I must put it off till to-morrow.—If, after this warning, they should be incautious enough to look at Peg’s bawdry, it will be no fault of mine …
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
THE FAST DAY.
Unlike the political festival of 1798, that of the 25th of April, 1799, passed over with a composed and impressive silence—our streets were not thronged with boisterous ruffians, “mad with the Tuscan grape and ripe for blood”—the pomp of military parade was not seen in our peaceful streets—the windows of our citizens were not assailed with stones—and the President did not send back the Aurora unread—because it has never been served him since the fast day of 1798 …
Joe Thomas who, with a sword drawn, led a phalanx of Bacchanals through our streets on the fast day of 1798—has since fled from the uplifted hand of justice …
It is a very striking evidence of the growing moderation of politicians that the Rev. Mr. Abercrombie did not preach …
Today, in Philadelphia, the U.S. Circuit Court for Pennsylvania, with Judge James Iredell presiding, opens a nine-day trial for high treason of John Fries, the German-speaking auctioneer who, on March 7th, led a throng of Northampton residents to release seventeen or eighteen fellow war tax protesters who were in the custody of U.S. Marshal John Nichols at Reiter’s Tavern House near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Prosecution testimony includes:
COLONEL NICHOLS, the marshal: … The prisoner at the bar was at the head of the infantry, with his sword drawn; the horse marched into the yard and formed in front of the house; the infantry marched round the house … I had a good deal of conversation with … Captain Fries … His reason was that he was opposed to those laws—the alien law, the stamp act, and the house-act; and said they were unconstitutional … I then begged him to use his influence in persuading the people to disperse … His answer was that he had no influence; that he could do nothing. After this, I consulted with Judge Henry and others, what was best to be done; it seemed to be their opinion that I had better submit and give up the prisoners.1801
JACOB EVERLY: … I was out with the marshal … I looked out of the window and saw a company of rifleman, all with three-coloured cockades, marching Indian file around the house. I counted them; there were forty-two in that company …1802
JOSEPH HORSEFIELD: … The marshal still continued to hesitate. By this time, a number of persons got into the house, adorned with three-coloured French cockades … I then worked my way downstairs again, in order to be ready for a jump. By this time, I understand that the prisoners were delivered.1803
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
BOSTON, April 25. yesterday, Mr. ABIJAH ADAMS [of Boston’s Independent Chronicle] was discharged from his imprisonment … Mr. ADAMS returns his thanks to his numerous friends …
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, Peter Porcupine writes:
MOTHER BACHE.
This impudent woman, in the first number of her paper, published a most infamous libel against me in which my wife was in some sort mentioned. I was preparing to render her famous at that time; but, upon consideration, I desisted …
It is said by some silly wretches that the woman is not to blame; for it is not she who writes in the paper. I have been informed to the contrary; and I have every reason to believe that she wrote, with her own hand, the paragraphs I am about to quote. Besides, if the paper be published by her, every one but a soft-brained sot must know that she is answerable for its contents, both in the eye of reason and of the law.
In order to avoid the lash of satire and, perhaps, the penalty of the law also, she has lately taken her name from the head of the paper and put “the heirs of Benjamin F. Bache” in its stead. This is a miserable trick. Every one knows that she is one of the heirs and that the paper is the joint property of her and her children..
[T]he notice of her resolution to continue the paper [proves incontestably that the publication was a voluntary deliberate act on her part]. Poor Ben expired about midnight, and, as appears by the date, “HIS WIDOW” had this notice (which appears in a handbill) struck off before his corpse was cold! It was actually hawked about the city before daylight had scarcely made its appearance, and long before the husband’s dead body was put under ground. There’s “delicacy”, there’s “sensibility” for you! This noble act alone would, I think entitle the “WIDOW” to the honourable rank of Citoyenne Française …
Now for the “WIDOW’S” first essay. She begins her career with an enumeration of the benefits which the French sans culottes have conferred on the world. After reciting their praise-worthy efforts to restore the Rights of Man, she comes to their efforts, no less praise-worthy, for restoring the Rights of Woman.
EXTRACTS
From Mother Bache’s Paper of November 1st.
“One of the first acts of the Roman legislature [under French rule] was the prohibition of the use of the … horrible practice of castration …”
M[rs]. Bache’s Comments
“Before the revolution, this shocking practice was carried on to such an extent that the barber’s sign boards in the streets of Rome were inscribed with … Here boys are CASTRATED with wonderful dexterity!! Thus we see how the vile Jacobins abolish without mercy the ancient customs of ancient States …”
There’s “delicacy”! There’s “female modesty”! Is the American reader willing that foreigners look upon this as a specimen of the language of republican women? If he be, I can have no manner of objection to it.—
The compassion of this “lady” is of a curious kind. She can hear of murders and massacres in France … and yet, behold, how tender-hearted she becomes toward the poor little Italian boys! with what maternal zeal, with what courageous resentment, with what savage fury, she falls upon the remorseless barbers! …
N.B. I learn with pleasure that this woman is neither of English nor American birth.
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
During the late wonderful expedition, a body of our federal infantry … exhibited … military sagacity and valor … [W]hen one of the wagons was attacked, a sentinel gave the alarm; the drums beat to arms … The enemy was seen at the rear of the baggage in great force; the corps of heroes … marched up in Hessian time to the point of action; two horrid weapons were discovered protruding their muzzles from behind the wagon; a platoon was ordered to fire; a hefty groan was heard, and a violent concussion of the earth … Be it remembered, these were regular troops that killed the bull !
Today, in Massachusetts, publisher Thomas Adams of Boston’s Independent Chronicle sells the nation’s second-largest Republican newspaper to his Federalist landlord, Bostonian James White. Thomas Adams sacrificed his health for the Chronicle’s republicanism, and his federal sedition trial is but a month away. Now that Thomas Adams’ paper has been bought up for prostitution,1804 Thomas Adams will himself die within a week.1805
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
LIBERTY POLES !!! …
Is it possible … the erection of a pole, decorated with the classical and long established emblem of Liberty, the LIBERTY CAP, can possibly be … incompatible with the good order of society ? No, the enemies of the Liberty Cap are only to be found in that class of beings who maintain monarchy to be the ne plus ultra of human excellence, and a republic a non-entity … I hope the citizens of America will never, through improper deference to those in power, concede the wholesome practice of erecting Liberty Poles, and whenever one shall fall by the ax of aristocracy, may ten thousand be reared in its stead. These are the undisguised sentiments
AN OLD FASHIONED REPUBLICAN.
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, Peter Porcupine writes:
MOTHER BACHE.
A correspondent observes that the fury of this citizen against the Italian Barbers appears very natural, when we recollect the loss [of cohabitation] she had recently experienced.
MONDAY, MAY 6, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
When SCHNYDER the printer in Reading was dragged out of his house by captain Montgomery’s brave troop, and punished like a felon, complaint was made to GENERAL MACPHERSON … The General listened to the complaint … and did nothing ! …
Let the people look at the case of SCHNYDER—it is a serious [one] and truly alarming—every individual obnoxious to a troop may be treated in the same manner and, in the ebbs and flows of party, no man can say that his turn may not come to be tied up to a post and whipped at the discretion of a banditti—If the laws are no longer to protect the citizen, let it be publicly announced that each citizen may arm himself and prepare for his defence.
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
TO THE REV. ASHBEL GREEN …
To you it appears [in your April 25th Fast Day sermon] that our sins and sufferings are “principally to be attributed to an enthusiastic attachment in multitudes of the people to the revolution and cause of France” and that this has brought down on us “the judgment of God” and sent into “our land the pestilence in a manner that never was known before.” …
You ought to have known that the pestilence has been a frequent visitor to these states. That so long ago as 1699, as 1702, and so late as 1736, this city was previously afflicted by the pestilence. The French revolution had not then commenced, nor even our own revolution which is becoming equally odious with that of the French in the eyes of your party …
GUATIMOZIN
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, Peter Porcupine writes:
[A] statute of [Vermont], authorizing the selectmen of each town to take possession of all church lands … [was] adjudged … unconstitutional …
(Mother Bache, give us your pious opinion on this.—You dare not. You … must not allow that the Federal Government is the guardian of the people’s rights …)
N.B. Not a word about the poor dear little Italian boys.
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
GENERAL MACPHERSON AND THE
LANCASTER COUNTY TROOP
The General has taken “an affectionate adieu” of the Lancaster County troop … The General publicly thanks Capt. Montgomery and his troop for dragging an unaccused and an unconvicted citizen from his dwelling, tearing his cloaths from his back, and whipping him in a public market place !! … After such an avowal, it would not be surprising if every citizen of Philadelphia, who was obnoxious to Macpherson’s Blues, should in turn be dragged out of his house and treated as Mr. Schnyder was …
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
FRIES.
The trial of this man closed last night about six o’clock when the jury retired, and the court adjourned. At ten o’clock, the Court met again, and the jury came in with their verdict—GUILTY.
MONDAY, MAY 13, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
ST. TAMMANY.
The Anniversary of the American tutelary Saint, falling on Saturday, the brotherhood of St. Tammany held their customary festival at the Wigwam, near the upper Ferry … After partaking of the feast … the following [16] toasts were given, accompanied by music and the discharge of cannon … 4. The Grand Sachem of one of our councils, Thomas Jefferson … one gun … 6. Our departed brother Benjamin Franklin Bache—Patriotic and good, great and virtuous—may the glorious inheritance of a well spent life animate every brother to an imitation of his example … 9. Our brother Thomas M’Kean—may his enemies be punished for their abuse and persecution of him by beholding him the next Chief of the tribe of Pennsylvania—2 guns … 16. The Great old Sachem of the tribe of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin, who directed the thunder and humbled the oppressor of the thirteen tribes, one gun.
It is a good time to toast Benny Bache and his grandfather. It is the anniversary (to the week) of the Macpherson’s Blues attack on the office of the Aurora.
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
[Concerning the late expedition of the Federal troops to Northampton, t]he fact concerning the living of a certain troop at free quarters is well known …
[T]he brutal proceeding [of the Federal troops] at Lancaster … deserves particular notice …
Sedition poles are what were called in 1776 Liberty poles. These lovers of order … the Lancaster troops, on their march to join the generals, took upon themselves to cut down some of those poles. In what manner were they justified in the attempt?
Not by any law—No law forbids the erection of liberty poles … In trespassing upon the ground where the pole was erected, they acted illegally …
Today, Thomas Jefferson writes his friend Archibald Stuart:
The cause of republicanism, triumphing in Europe, can never fail to do so here in the long run. Our citizens may be deceived for a while & have been deceived; but as long as the presses can be protected, we may trust to them for light …1806
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
THE TRUE CHRISTIAN HERO
In Brown’s paper a few days back, I saw a communication defending the Sermon of … Doctor Green against the attacks of Mother Bache and her gang … But I had one particular objection, … that the Philadelphia Gazette had been chosen as a vehicle for the defence …
Brown’s is the only paper in which I saw an eulogium on the Constitution merely because it admitted JEWS to the Magistracy. In fact, I am sure Brown’s paper had done more mischief than Bache’s in this way, because it has been read with a less suspicious eye …
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
TO THE EDITOR OF THE AURORA …
On the return of the troops who performed the expedition to Northampton, we observed that, during their absence, several publications had appeared in the Aurora under the form of “extracts of letters” whereby the most unfounded imputations were attempted to be fixed on the troops themselves and on their commander. In one of these extracts it is alleged that “a number of the troops who derived their authority from the Federal government lived at free quarters on the people.” … These slanders were so notoriously false …
MACPHERSON’S BLUES
BATTALION ORDERS
The Artillery, Grenadiers, and Infantry are ordered to parade at the Menage in Chestnut-street on Thursday the 16th inst. precisely at 4 o’clock completely equipped for the purpose of going through their firings … By order of the Commandant JOHN M’CAULEY
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
If the ruffian who assaulted the late editor of the Aurora received a confidential charge to a minister at a foreign court, Montgomery, the chosen commander of a select corps of volunteers who dragged Mr. Schnyder to the whipping post where he was scourged, merits the high consideration of our executive. Perhaps he will succeed Macpherson who, for the merit of overlooking the offence in the ruffian, will be promoted …
At a time when standing armies seem to be rising on the depression of the militia, we ought to be watchful and jealous of our rights … Let us … take the constitution in one hand and the sword in the other … [L]ethargy and blind implicit faith … will, if not corrected, produce Montgomerys and Schnyders in every part of the Union …. !!
Today, about noon, officers from the Macpherson’s Blues and other units of the new federal army pay a visit to the Philadelphia Aurora.1807 Peter Miercken, an organizer of the infamous Federalist dinners at Cameron’s Tavern in Southwark a year ago,1808 takes the lead. From the testimony of witnesses (including my own):
JOHN MASSEY … A meeting was held at Hardy’s, composed generally of the officers of the five troops of cavalry that had been on duty in Northampton county. Some publications, said to be written by some one on the expedition, had been published in the Aurora, which attributed irregularities to the troops.—It was agreed by the meeting to go in a body to demand of Mr. Duane to designate the troop to have acted irregularly… 1809
BERNARD M’MAHON … [S]ometime before 12 o’clock, eight or ten persons called at the front office, or accounting office, and asked for Mr. Duane; they asked where he was, and as I did not know, I told them so. They went away as I supposed, but in a few moments afterwards, I heard something of a noise and saw a few people running in the street towards Franklin court; and it struck me it was those people, and I accordingly went to the printing office … 1810
FROM MY TESTIMONY: They planted centinels above and below the stairs, at the entrance of the court towards the street; they chose that hour of the day when the market is cleared and the butchers at dinner.1811
ROBERT OLIPHANT … Mr. Duane was busily employed in writing; the appearance of the officers did not appear to have any effect on him, for he continued writing and speaking while questioned … Duane told them he could not at that time, with propriety, make known what they required; he alleged several reasons, among others that … he did not want to prejudice the prisoners to be tried … Mr. Miercken then rushed forward and seized Duane by the shirt collar …1812
BERNARD M’MAHON … [I] went to the printing office, and was making my way up as fast as practicable, when I found those and some-other gentlemen dragging Mr. Duane downstairs … I was forced down with the crowd and saw Mr. Duane knocked down before I could well recover my position on my legs … He was struck down so often, and so severely, that I thought his life in danger … I saw the big man they call Peter Miercken knock him down … After he knocked him down the first time, they formed a ring around him while he was lying senseless on the ground, and when he recovered and sprung upon his legs, they knocked him down again, repeatedly … From their violence and cruelty, I had no reason to expect any other effect than his being beaten to death … 1813
FROM MY OWN TESTIMONY: I knew nothing of boxing, and Miercken had studied under Mendoza … [T]he first recollection I had on recovering sense was some of the gang lashing at me as I lay, with a cowskin or some instrument of that kind … My whole body, head, and limbs were beaten, bruised, and lacerated—both my temples were swelled … my head, back, breast, and thighs were black and blue …1814
THOMAS BRADLEY … Duane hallooed out murder, but to no effect … [T]hey beat him most unmercifully up and down the court—he was covered with blood, his clothes torn off, and so cruelly treated that I thought they would have certainly killed him … I saw Duane’s son make his way through the ring in the early part, after his father had been knocked down a few times—he made his way to his father—I felt exceedingly concerned at the sight of the boy, he was crying, and pushing his way between the legs of the assailants—his father was lying on the ground, and he threw himself on his father’s body to protect him from the blows—I saw the boy receive a violent blow from one of them, and some of the others were so cowardly as to kick the boy.1815
WILLIAM JOHN DUANE (my son) … I saw Miercken, with some others, hold my father by the neck and dragging him along down the stairs. I attempted to force my way after him, but they apparently stationed persons over us, they would not let me move … [A] great bustle took place below in the passage; and some of the persons who had been stationed above then went down; I slipped downstairs with them; 6 or 8 of them only remained in the office to prevent the workmen from interfering or going down—Two or three had been posted at the office door; some went to the press and obliged the workmen to quit work … When I got below, I endeavored to get forward in search of my father, whom I found prostrate on the ground lying on his face. One of them stopped me, and asked why I rushed forward so? I told him I wished to get to my father. He said it was a great pity he was my father, for he was a damned rascal. I reached him where he was and found he was alive. A kind of ring had been formed round him, which kept constantly agitating, and one person in the ring struck me in the head and knocked me down. I fell at the west side of the alley. I don’t know how or who took me up.1816
MY OWN ACCOUNT: Nearly strangled on the way downstairs, the editor by his struggles extricated his throat from the hands of the two ruffians … while the general exclamation of the friends of order and regular government were “Knock him down”—“Drag him to the market-house and flog him”—“Kick the rascal”—“Knock him down Miercken.” … [T]he editor finding there was nothing to be done but to die hard—or fight it out—made as much use of his hands as one man could do, attacked by above ten different persons nearly all of whom were nearly ten years younger and some of them double the weight of the editor. This extraordinary conflict continued above half an hour, during which the editor was knocked down above twelve times … one lifted him up, while the other knocked him down—and this repeatedly. After recovering a few moments from this violence, the editor was called upon for the author repeatedly, and he was so obstinate as not to be beaten out of his honor or integrity … An immense crowd had gathered … [T]he Editor, while making a blow at the bully of the gang, Miercken, was knocked down from behind … In this state of insensibility, the heroes walked round the body, like mourners at a funeral, and while the editor lay senseless, beat him over the head, the face, and sides with the whip. Each of the heroic commanders declaring that the blows were inflicted for their several troops … [T]he people who stood around looking with dumb astonishment, were heard to murmur loud … Among other of the exploits of the heroes was the knocking down of a son of the Editor who had flown to his father’s defence … 1817
Tonight, the Gazette of the United States reports the attack on me:
This morning about 12 o’clock, the Officers of the first and second Troop of Volunteer Cavalry, and the officers of the first, second, and third City Troops, called upon the Editor of the Aurora to know … what Troop was meant in yesterday’s Aurora as living in “free quarters” on the late expedition to Northampton.—The editor answered that he would not designate the troop at present … He was then told he must … The Editor then said he would fight any man with Pistols; on which it was generally observed, don’t fight him with Pistols—whip the rascal … [T]he Editor was forced downstairs. When, in the courtyard, the Editor was asked repeatedly to give up the author, which he absolutely refused to do, and was then whipped as he deserved. He was asked how did you come by your information? He answered it was anonymous; after which he again and repeatedly refused to give up the author, and was again whipped.
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The late editor of the Aurora was publicly unprovokedly assaulted, and the violator of public law was as publicly honored by an appointment on a public mission. The present editor, without the advantage of being a descendant of [Benjamin Franklin,] the memorable founder of the American republic, could not hope to escape …
Yesterday a band of those friends of good order and regular government to the amount of near THIRTY entered the Office of the Aurora—and while the editor was pursuing his business, assaulted him … Peter Miercken who was the principal of those dastards with several others seized the Editor by violence, struck him several times on the head, while others held his hands. By force they dragged him down stairs into Franklin court, and there repeated their violence by reiterated blows from above TEN different persons …
After having satiated their malice … they sought to add what they conceived to be dishonour on the Editor by several blows with a whip …
If any circumstance could more deeply impress on his mind … to guard, with the vigilance of republican jealousy, against the artifices, the intrigues and the injustice of arbitrary men;—this conduct would only more and more attach him to his principles—but he has never slackened since he has had the honor to hold his present situation—and while he holds it, his hand must perish or his vital principles must be suspended by the hand of some of those assassins before he will shrink from exposing villains and crimes to public obloquy.
Wm. DUANE, Editor of the Aurora.
The above statement was drawn up by the editor in the few moments after the lovers of good order and regular government had departed …
Today, the federal army officers reassemble for an assault on me and the Aurora’s printing office:
ISRAEL ISRAEL: I heard the alarm had increased, that further violence and barbarity was intended, and as an old citizen, I thought it was my duty, as far as in me lay, to interfere and prevent it if possible. I was told a number of these gentlemen were at Hardy’s … I went alone and sent in for Mr. Miercken and told him I understood they were assembled to act the second part of the tragedy of the preceding day by attacking Duane again and destroying his press … I told him that this conduct of theirs would rouse the people and probably lead to civil war; that although they might build very much on the troop of officers, the strength of the community was not with them. He said you have a right to do as you please, but by God, we will have satisfaction.1818
VICE PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON: [T]hese friends of order, these enemies of disorganization, assemble a second time to pull down the printing office of the young and amiable widow of the grandson of Benjamin Franklin. On the other hand, a body of real republicans, of men who are real friends of order, assemble in arms, and … mounted guard to protect the office of this widow, the person of her Editor, of his journeymen, his apprentices, and his son.1819
Yes, dear reader, a large crowd of republicans gathers at the Aurora’s offices and stands firm against the reassembled federal army officers. As darkness approaches, a federal officer seizes a bayonet from one of my new Republican guard.1820
Tonight, Jack Fenno in the Gazette of the United States:
MURDER ! MURDER ! MURDER !
Citizen Dwight in his candid account of the magnanimous manner in which he received his flagellation has forgotten to mention that he bellowed MURDER! from the time he was taken hold of ‘till the discipline was completely gone through—I dare say this omission has arisen from the haste in which he drew up his statement, and he will no doubt correct the error in his next edition.
Jasper Dwight told his customers on Saturday last that in Monday’s Aurora he would publish a laboured vindication of the troops employed in the Northampton Insurrection; and he has this morning exhibited himself as a belaboured vindication of the same subject. We would advise this gentlemen to change his climate—the cowskin of America cuts as keenly as the lash of India.
We published, yesterday, a statement which was communicated by an eye-witness of the flagellation inflicted upon one of the United Irishmen concerned in propagating that Diablerie of slanders and lies, called the Aurora, and who it since appears, is the fellow who calls himself “the Editor of the Aurora.”
Although the punishment of this caitiff is of no more consequence than that of any other vagabond, yet as he has the impudence to make a parade of his sufferings and his republicanism, we shall bestow a remark or two which the insignificance of the object would not otherwise require.
A body of men, as respectable in character as any in the United States … make a further sacrifice … in defence of their country and its constitution. In their absence on this expedition, they are maligned with every slander that the foul malice of an incendiary can invent, and after their return, are insulted …
When the officers reflected on these things … and more especially when they reflected that … the same villain and the same paper had called the great and good Washington a hypocrite, a fool, a liar, and a coward, a tyrant and a murderer—the present illustrious Chief Magistrate, who cooperated so powerfully in council with his immortal compeer in the field, in obtaining our Independence, “a blind, bald, toothless, crippled, dotard”— … when they reflected on these things, and reflected that the author of them was not an American but a foreigner, and not merely a foreigner, but a United Irishman, and not merely a United Irishman, but a public convict and fugitive from justice; they might have determined that nothing from so vile a source could stain their well-established credit, and they might have let him go … But then must they have stifled every distinctive attribute of a soldier and a man of honor, and sunk to the level of the Democratic crew …
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
TO THE PUBLIC …
In that calamitous moment—which my country and virtue herself must daily deplore—that snatched Benjamin Franklin Bache from this post of honor, it is my felicity that he named me in his Will as the man who ought to succeed him as the Editor of the Aurora.
When I undertook the trust, I foresaw its dangers and hazards. Honored with the most affectionate and unrestrained confidence of that incomparable man, I believe I knew better than any other person the sacrifices he had made to the service of his country and the preservation of its liberties, and the hideous persecution which he suffered in supporting these principles for which so much American blood had been shed.
I could not be insensible that when the descendant of Dr. Franklin—the heir of his principles and his virtues—suffered so much—that, unsurrounded by the reverend honors which belong to that great man and his posterity, I must be at least as much exposed as he was to the assaults of the common enemies of this republic and of liberty itself …
Solicitous of respect and regard only in proportion as I should be found to really merit it, I sought not to be conspicuous [in the execution of my honorable trust], nor did I deign to more than smile at the pointless malignity with which I have been so often assailed.
The present is an occasion in which I am bound to stand forward—and to challenge the industrious satellites of party to name the vice much less the crime of which I have, in the course of between 36 and 37 years, been guilty …
Three insinuations have been promulgated concerning me—
1. That I am a foreigner.
2. That I have been a convict and a fugitive from justice, whose republicanism has been derived from gaols, dungeons, and pillories.
3. That I am an United Irishman,
To the first and last of these insinuations, I simply reply—that I drew my first breath in America, have loved my country from my first reasoning hour—that I spent my early years a part in New York and at a later period in this city …
I am proud to say both my parents were Irish. The death of my father and the natural partiality of my mother for her own country carried me, before I was yet a youth, to Europe, and to Ireland I am indebted for my education …
As to the insinuation that I am an United Irishman … —If to have studied the history of the British empire attentively … [if] to have learned to detest the stupendous perpetuity of oppression which Britain has heaped for 600 years on that otherwise blessed country be an error or a crime, then I am decidedly an United Irishman as any man in that or this country …
It only remains to notice the second insinuation …
It has been more than once asserted that during my residence in India (where I lived for eight years) I had been imprisoned. It is true I was there twice a state prisoner …
[I]t will serve to shew the tyranny of the British government … I learned my crime was the issuing of proposals for publishing a work of two volumes, entitled, “The Policy of Asia.” Under despotic governments it is not unusual to see the press attacked, authors imprisoned, and printers tortured for works already printed—it was left with the English government in Asia to anticipate the contents of a work only half written at the time, and not yet printed …
Since my return to my native country, I have found but few of my old friends—but I have been blessed with many that are new and dear to me—my personal dealings and domestic character will speak for themselves—I, in perfect charity, most sincerely wish those who attempted my life could say as much.
WILLIAM DUANE
This is a portrait of me, William Duane, engraved by a French refugee, Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de St. Mémin, who lives in Philadelphia on Third-street, engraves about eighty-five such profiles per year, and advertises his services in the Aurora.1821
On Friday, the 10th inst. departed this life, after a lingering illness, at Boston, THOMAS ADAMS, late Editor of the Independent Chronicle, in the 42d year of his age.
The Circuit Court of the United States yesterday afternoon decided in favour of Mr. Lewis’s motion for granting John Fries a new trial.
Jury misconduct will allow tax protester John Fries a new trial next year.
Tonight, Jack Fenno in the Gazette of the United States:
To complete the character of the vagrant who calumniated the great and good Washington, under the signature of Jasper Dwight, he has avowed himself an United Irishman.
[Adv.] A BAYONET,
WRESTED from the musquet of a fellow in uniform, at the front of the Aurora office, by one of the Officers of the United States, on the night of the 16th inst. at the time they were assaulted in passing the street by the mob there assembled may be had, by proving property, at the Marine barracks.
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The Gang are quite dolorous at their ineffectual efforts to pull down the Aurora or murder its Editor;—they have learned some things useful by their last exploit—
1. That the public indignation is roused.
2. That the republicans are the only respecters of the law.
3. That a reiteration of violence would carry public vengeance to their firesides.
A young federal lawyer … was heard to declare a few days ago—that altho’ he did not think the life of the Editor of the Aurora worth 100 dollars, yet he should consider his death worth 200.
“Hail Columbia, happy land,
“Hail ye heroes, heaven-born band.”
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
Adams, the printer and publisher of the infamous Chronicle at Boston, is DEAD.
Tonight, Jack Fenno in the Gazette of the United States:
In the last Aurora is the most singular gallimaufry [hodgepodge] of falsehood, Democratic, and jailbird impudence, terrified apprehension, and guilty cowardice, signed Wm. Duane. What I have to notice, however, is a gross and palpable lie. He says he had the felicity to be named in Franklin Bache’s will as the man who “ought to succeed him.” Now, although such a nomination were enough of itself to draw any man to everlasting infamy, and, although it be of no consequence whether if Tom, Dick, or the D—l, happened to be named, yet as the Gentleman took the pains to come and inform me of the state of the facts, in complaisance to him, I can do no less than say that it is an utter falsehood and that Wm. Duane is not named nor alluded to.
There can scarcely be a more laughable object than a fellow making pretensions to character, whom every circumstance indicated to have been born and bred in a brothel …
It is equally curious to hear a wretch pretend to have written a Book … under whose hands the least distinguished offspring of literature, a news-paper, has become, by the gross vulgarity and ignorance it has displayed … the reproach and scandal of the age and nation.
Nor is it less ludicrous to hear a fellow boast of debauching the king’s guards with his wine, who could never in his life ‘till very lately, muster money enough without difficulty to purchase his diurnal half-pint of Gin.
It is a serious reflection that the stupidity and dullness of such Gazettes as those of Duane … have the deleterious operation on society from their peculiar aptitude to the minds of those on whom they are designed to take operation.
I set about forming a new Democratic Dictionary …
A Republican. The scape-gallows, Duane …
A Tory. General Washington.
The friends and supporters of American Liberty and Independence.United Irishmen.
The enemies of d[itt]o. The Government, the officers, soldiers and sailors …
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Several citizens having intimated that a full and particular statement of the transactions which took place in this office last week was looked for by the public, the Editor … gives the following detail …
In the height of their rage, a menace was thrown out that they would tear down the Aurora Printing-Office, in consequence of which a number of Republican citizens collected with arms and ammunition to mount guard in the Printing-Office. The banditti have assembled several times since and have raised a purse of 1500 dollars to defray the expences of the prosecution against them! …
Several occurrences have arisen which strongly manifest the public indignation at these outrages … [T]he most important is the spirit of association among the republicans who have joined the militia volunteer companies in considerable numbers.
[WILLIAM DUANE.]
TO THE REPUBLICAN CITIZENS OF PENNSYLVANIA …
My fellow citizens, the moment is arrived when it has become essential to your safety that you should be soldiers as well as citizens … After the outrages which were committed both here and in Reading, which of you will say that it may not be his turn next … [M]en intent upon hostility have associated themselves in military corps. [I]t becomes your duty to associate likewise …
MENTOR
The federal army officers’ attack on the Aurora has prompted guardians of the press to start a Republican militia for its protection!1822 [W]ithout any agency or knowledge of mine, a body of young men presented themselves to me and offered to uniform if I would command them; a young man … in the United States army, was their lieutenant, and I accepted the command.1823
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
If a daring banditti had declared that none of their brotherhood should be punished by law and that civil process dare not touch them, what should we think of the energy of the municipality that was terrified by the threat. This is precisely the cry of the jacobins with regard to their partizans and accomplices.
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The Mamelukes have contrived to get the Editor of the Aurora bound over to keep the peace—thirty more, kill them says Bobadil! … The hero who presented a pistol to the breast of a person in the Aurora Office on Wednesday, the 15th inst. is said to be George Way—some one observed he wished to be in the way of promotion.
Crowds of armed citizenry, Federalist and Republican, fill the city streets every day. If someone were to discharge a musket, this city and perhaps the country could erupt in civil war.1824
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States, Jack Fenno writes:
IN the Aurora of [the day before] yesterday, the faction of which that paper is the organ are expressly called upon to associate themselves in the military corps, not for the purpose of defending their country from foreign invasion; not with a view to support their government against the machinations of domestic traitors, but avowedly to act against the Friends of Government.
Under the authority of Duane himself, it is stated that to accomplish this object, considerable accessions of military strength have already been made to the Militia Companies; and that a band of Jacobins mount guard every evening at his office …
Duane says that during the horse-whipping he received t’other day, the people who stood looking with dumb astonishment were heard to murmur aloud!! Will this blundering bull maker again tell us he is an American?
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
PRINTING TYPES
ANY PERSON, having a small fount of SMALL PICA, new or in good condition, to dispose of, may hear of a purchaser on application to the editor of the Aurora.
AGAIN—The subscribers to the AURORA, who are in arrears, are requested to remit them to the heirs of B. F. Bache, or they may certainly expect their papers to be discontinued as soon after this date as there is time to receive the answers from their respective residences.
THE Price of the DAILY AURORA is Eight Dollars per Annum, Subscribers at a distance from the City to pay Five Dollars in advance …
FOR SALE
A QUANTITY OF WASTE PAPER FIT FOR GROCERS OR TRUNKMAKERS ENQUIRE AT THIS OFFICE.
AN APPRENTICE WANTED TO THE PRINTING BUSINESS AT THE OFFICE OF THE AURORA
TO PAPER-MAKERS
PROPOSALS for supplying this office with Super-royal paper of good quality will be received in writing addressed to the Editor, post paid. The quantity required for a regular supply will be about TWENTY-FIVE RHEAMS a week. The terms per Rheam, or per 100 Rheams for Cash must be mentioned, and a specimen enclosed if convenient …
THE REPUBLICAN BLUES
Will meet at 7 o’clock on Saturday Evening, the 24th instant, at the house of citizen Morrow, in Chestnut-street, for the purpose of receiving the signatures of such friends of good order as are inclined to attach themselves to said company …
The militia legion will assemble at 2 o’clock, on Monday afternoon the 27th, provided as before with blunt cartridge.
The Aurora’s advertisements tell much about Republican newsprinting in 1799!
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
General Macpherson approved the conduct of the troops under his command on the Quixote expedition—he told them that they behaved well—The general was present at Reading when the base and lawless attack was made upon the printer, and yet he tells them that they behaved well! … It now remains to be seen whether the government authorized such proceedings—If they did authorize them, no notice will be taken of General Macpherson’s misconduct; if they did not, he will be called to immediate account …
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The late Mr. [Thomas] Adams was spirited to the last moment and conducted the Chronicle in Boston with honour to himself and to the Republicans of that town …
The only paper that dares to publish the truth [in Connecticut] … is the [New London] BEE whose spirited Editor braves the malice and enmity of the surrounding foe …
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
The important rank which Pennsylvania holds in the Union renders her conduct with regard to the General Government extremely interesting; and there is reason to dread that if we should raise up characters in the administration of the state who are opposed to the General Administration for the avowed purpose of “stopping the wheels of government,” the whole fabric may eventually be shaken …
With this view, therefore … we do most earnestly recommend to our Fellow-citizens of the county of Lancaster, JAMES ROSS, of ALLEGANY, as a proper person to be chosen Governor at the next Election …
[THE GRAND JURY OF LANCASTER COUNTY]
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Peter Miercken is off—like his predecessor Joe Thomas. Peter was seen on Wednesday on his way to the Southward—this was expected, his house has been shut some days …
Mierckin the bruizer it is expected will have to pay a visit to his old master Mendoza—where he will have the satisfaction of enjoying the sweets of that country he so bully-like defends.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
It is said that Peter Miercken is only gone southward to collect his debts—we have not heard but we understand he means to come back …
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
Mr. Peter Mierckin, to whom the citizens of Philadelphia, are so greatly indebted for his humane exertions during the calamity of last summer, is charged in the Aurora of yesterday “with treading in the footsteps of Joseph Thomas.” [I]t is there stated that he has gone off; and that his House has been shut this week.
A paragraph so false, so base, and infamous, will disgrace even the Aurora …
Mr. Miercken left home on Tuesday last to collect some debts due to him in the Delaware State; his House has never been shut, and his friends hourly expect him with as much Exultation as the Author of the paragraph must apprehend it with Fear and Horror …
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The operation of the military dependants on the federal government appears not to be confined … [I]n the same month, we hear of outrages committed in Virginia and Connecticut, as well as Pennsylvania … [A]t Alexandria, the printer of a newspaper is assailed by men armed with daggers and in his own house—in Reading in this state, a printer is dragged from his own house … —in the capital of this state, the same nefarious plan is pursued—and in Connecticut … a clergymen [is] confined for a small debt upon the precaution of the secretary of the federal treasury, Oliver Wolcott … We hear that last week fifteen or twenty of those recruits … forced themselves into the cell of the Clergyman in Litchfield prison for the honorable purpose of tarring and feathering him …
Humphries, with his ship carpenters, assaulted the former editor of the Aurora, for which he was brought to the bar of justice and fined 50 dollars. When he went to pay it, he was informed that it had been already done—Afterwards he was sent on public business to France! It is probable that the gentlemen volunteer officers had an eye on Humphries when they attacked the present editor. Ep. Times.
It was Benny’s turn a year ago. Now, it is mine.
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
MR. EDITOR … When I first heard of a French conspiracy for the subversion of our government published in the English paper [Porcupine’s Gazette] … I greedily ran over the contents of each paper … and at last, out came the story of the famous packet directed to Benjamin Franklin Bache … I could scarcely sit a moment still, ran around to my acquaintances … and freely consigned Bache to punishment and infamy; but judge, Mr. Editor, my confusion when Bache, with so much manliness, called upon them for his packet … [M]y neighbors laughed at me. What’s come of your prophecy now, said one ?—You foresee truly, said another; what death must Bache die, said a third—ask Porcupine; he is in the secret, replied a fifth; whilst I stood, in the middle, as still as a mouse, and as sheepish as Hamilton when he wrote the story about Reynold’s wife …
ROBERT SLENDER.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
They tell us La Fayette is coming to coax and wheedle us … The Directory cannot send armies; but they can send La Fayette …
The great effort of the Faction, both in and out of Congress, has been directed against the army and navy. Keep these down, has been the cry from Gallatin in Congress to Duane in the drain shop … Is it not evident that had the country remained without either, France would have made no advances to a negotiation …?
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
From the RICHMOND EXAMINER … [T]he once peaceful streets of Philadelphia, are, perhaps, by this time, transformed into a field of battle. A body of armed men conceive themselves injured by the printer of the Aurora. Instead of asking for legal redress, they knock him down, kick him when lying senseless at their feet, and, as the climax of barbarity and beastliness, they knock down his son, a youth of sixteen years of age, who, on the impulse of filial sensibility, was attempting to rescue his father. Next day, these friends of order, these enemies of disorganization, assemble a second time to pull down the printing office of the young and amiable widow of the grandson of Benjamin Franklin. On the other hand, a body of real republicans, of men who are real friends of order, assemble in arms, and according to our best private advices, they have for sixteen successive days, mounted guard to protect the office of this widow, the person of her Editor, of his journeymen, his apprentices, and his son. This miserable work arises from the effect of those printed falsehoods that have been so industriously disseminated throughout the United States by pensioner Fenno …
(Signed) THOS. JEFFERSON
If any of the republican news printers shall think fit to copy these extracts from The Examiner, they are further desired to mention that the publication was made without the privacy and contrary to the desire of the Vice-President … [O]f Thomas Jefferson … [i]t is to be desired that he would write and publish more frequently than he hitherto has done …
Has Thomas Jefferson finally written for a newspaper? Jimmy Callender, the Aurora writer who fled Philadelphia, now edits the Richmond Examiner!
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Extract of a Letter. Hartford [Connecticut] … The Aurora is looked upon by many here as an important check on federal ambition and extravagance that has been the salvation of millions of the country; and many would patronize it, would not such a measure point them out as objects of persecution—The republicans here who are able are marked and the others are not able to afford the expence or endure the oppression and malice of its enemies. You, perhaps, have not any just idea of the state of politics here … [that] the commission of an aged and respectable justice of the peace should be refused him for suffering a man … to plough his land on the President’s fast; and that of another withheld for taking the [New London] Bee, a little weekly newspaper … It is also said … that the publication of that paper in New London is the only reason why a navy yard is not established at that port …
The Post-Office in this state, like every other public institution, is subjected to all the abuses of party—neither private letters nor newspapers escape, the former are broken open and sometimes withheld … and particularly the newspapers—yet no one dares to complain—lest, like Paul, he should be ruined by prosecution.
Had our situation in point of distance been the same with regard to England in which Ireland stands at this time, instead of retiring to their farms in peace and security … our citizens would be sold into the service of Prussia for life …
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The Members of the new Republican Company of Infantry are requested to attend at their parade on Saturday Evening next at 8 o’clock to elect officers and on other business. Known republicans desirous of joining the company may learn particulars on application to WILLIAM J. DUANE, junr. Sec’ry pro. tem.
My son, William John, helps me with the Republican guard.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
The Editor of the Aurora has stated with tears in his eyes that 300 of the Irish emigrants have been shipped to Russia to serve as soldiers. He would have preferred, so much does he love liberty, that these United Irishmen had been permitted to encrease the corps of Patriots in the United States for which he is now actually beating up recruits. It happens that the sober, industrious, and well attached to government … do not think with this Editor …
SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 1799
War … Today, in the Atlantic, northeast of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Navy’s twenty-four-gun ship Ganges fires on and captures a French privateer, the Vainqueur. Captain Thomas Tingey reports to the Navy Secretary:
As the day open’d we knew or believ’d her to be a French privateer Sloop of 10 Guns … and she was scarce more than 3 or 4 guns shot distance. She led us however with every sail in the Ship sett ‘til 3 in the Afternoon, having ran near 90 miles & discharg’d upward of 40 Guns at him, some of the last of which were charg’d with canister shott which went round him like hail … During the chace he had cast overboard (in order to lighten his vessel & facilitate her sailing) his boat, some of his provision, all his Guns except two, and much other heavy materials but to no effect. After—or about 1 PM finding we approach’d him & that he must fall—he hoisted French colours & fir’d a Gun to the windward to give him opportunity of striking in form, which he at length did, but so near that a broad-side from the Ship would probably have totally destroy’d him—It proved to be the Privateer Sloop Vainqueure of Guadeloupe of 8 Guns & 85 men …1825
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The electrical conductor of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN … has touched the immediate connection between our planet and the universe. The great American who invented it stands … blasphemed in himself, in his memory, and in his posterity by our Gothic British Printer [Peter Porcupine].—The reason is plain. The image of the illustrious FRANKLIN, grasping in his right hand his own electrical conductor and in his left the American fragment of the British sceptre, destroys his peace …
Today, Thomas Jefferson writes a college student,
To preserve the freedom of the human mind then & freedom of the press, every spirit should be ready to devote itself to martyrdom, for as long as we may think as we will & speak as we think, the condition of man will proceed in improvement.1826
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
[T]he Irish are treated more inhumanly by the British than [the British king] dared to treat us during our glorious struggle for independence … What he dare not do in 1779 he does with impunity in 1799! Fenno likes this.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States, Jack Fenno writes:
The Aurora a few days since gave circulation to … notorious falsehoods and calumnies taken from the Richmond Examiner …
What ought to be the punishment of the inventor (Callender) and the propagator (Duane) of such libels upon government? Ought grand juries to sleep and justice shut her eyes? Of what events are such a torpid state of things and inattention to such flagrant offenders the harbingers?
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
From THE VIRGINIA EXAMINER … The ringleader of the riot and assault in the Aurora office was Peter Mierckin. This man is tall, muscular and capable of great animal exertion. He went to London … to study under Mendoza, the Jewish boxer, …
Mr. Duane himself, though not bulky, is active, well made, and, before this affair, he was known to be a man of great personal intrepidity. In fair fighting, the chance is he would successively have knocked down half a dozen of such figures …
For more than fortnight after the 16th of May, the streets of Philadelphia were filled with crowds of people who wanted nothing but the firing of the first musket to precipitate Pennsylvania, and perhaps the continent, into the horrors of a civil war. Blood will have blood, says Shakespeare. The mischief only wants a small beginning. We are happy to say that, within the last fortnight, the appearances of an immediate contest have become less alarming. By our last advices, however, the Aurora Office continued under the protection of a party of armed citizens …
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
The following curious printed circular having been received by a young Irishman … [and] as every thing relating to so dignified a personage as the Aurora-man must be interesting, it would be wrong [that] the public should not know of his establishing … a body guard for his sublime person.
Citizen,
[T]he New Republican Company … [will have] another meeting on Saturday evening next at 7 o’clock … The uniform agreed upon at two meetings was as follows: White hat, with green under, and cock’s neck feather; green coatee, with yellow collar, edging, and buttons gilt, cloth superfine; dimity waistcoat and pantaloons; half boots; black collar; cartridge box in front; cockade, a large silver eagle on a very small black ground. The meeting on Saturday will be held in the private room under the Aurora printing-office; where if you really mean to belong to the corps you are requested to attend. Health and esteem,
WILLIAM DUANE June 19, 1799.
CHARLESTON [South Carolina] … [E]xtract from a letter … I strongly suspect that all this history of the Lancaster troop [in Reading] will turn out to be a falsehood … [A]t Philadelphia, it was published in the Aurora and in that paper only.
The editors of the Aurora being by many suspected … to be in the pay of France, it was not to be expected that they would … applaud the patriotism of that portion of our fellow citizens in Pennsylvania … enforcing its laws … [T]hose who are acquainted with the jacobinic and exotic temper of the Aurora must have expected to see in that paper every shaft of calumny against our citizen soldiers …
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
[BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.] On Monday, the 10th inst. David Brown who had pleaded guilty to an indictment for seditious writings and practices was sentenced by the court to pay a fine of 400 dollars and to eighteen months in prison …
The last count in the indictment was for procuring a label to be painted and affixed to a pole erected in Dedham [Massachusetts] … “No stamp act; no sedition, no alien bill; no land tax. Downfall to the tyrants of America; peace and retirement to the President; long live the vice president and the minority.” …
David Brown appears to be between 40 and 50 years of age … and audaciously predicts that the people will “finally break out like the burning mountains of Etna.”
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
MARTIAL LAW
[I]f the people cannot see, in the outrages committed on all occasions in various parts of these States by persons holding military authority under the United States, the danger to which the public liberties are exposed, they deserve to be dragooned into military subjection— …
Last Saturday night about 11 o’clock, a number of officers of the United States Frigate … were walking down South street, committing every act of outrage upon the citizens they met with—they began with upsetting a cart, then to upset a chair before James Carr, the coach-maker’s door—from thence they proceeded on a little farther where they attacked Three Women, who were sitting before their doors, by pulling up their clothes and laying hold of them—(decency forbids any further remarks here) They took with them a chair and went a little further, when one of them cried out—“a sail ! a sail !” and immediately crossed the street to two women and committed like indecencies … Mr. Durnell, a constable, who lives in the neighborhood, hearing a noise came out … [H]e was immediately attacked in a furious manner and stabbed with a dirk …
Today, George Washington writes the Governor of Connecticut:
No well informed and unprejudiced man, who has viewed with attention the conduct of the French Government since the Revolution in that Country, can mistake its objects or the tendency of the ambitious plans it is pursuing. Yet strange as it may seem, a party, and a powerful one too … affect to believe that the measures of it are dictated by a principle of self-preservation … War with France they say is the wish of this Government; that on the Militia we should rest our Security …
With these and such like ideas attempted to be inculcated upon the public mind (and prejudices not yet eradicated) with all the arts of sophistry and no regard to truth, decency, or respect to characters, public or private, who happen to differ from themselves in Politics, I leave you to decide on the probability of carrying … an extensive plan of defence … into operation …1827
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
THE Aurora thinks it right, and to be desired, that the French should … subvert the independence of other nations … [H]e is now raising cock-necked troops …
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
[Adv.] CENTRE HOUSE TAVERN AND GARDENS …
FOURTH OF JULY
A full CONCERT will be presented to the public gratis …
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
There is a boldness of sinning … in the editor of the Aurora which surpasses, in bare faced devotion to the French cause, almost any thing that has yet appeared. In the capital of one of the most important states in the union, this man has the unparalleled effrontery to attempt to organize a company of armed men and to proscribe insignia for them, altogether Gallick. As the American soldiers wear black hats, he directs his company to wear white hats; as a Cock is an emblem of the French, he orders them to wear cocks neck feathers; as a small triangle on a large black ground is the American cockade, he requires a large silver eagle to be mounted on a very small black ground, to shew as much as possible, by his regulations, a contempt for the national military insignia.
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The present struggle on the subject of government, between the hereditary despotic kings and the people, is waged no less with the pen and with the press than with the sword. This country has not taken any part in the contest with the sword … We cannot however say that we have taken no part with the pen nor with the press.
The American newspapers, sermons, magazines, and pamphlets [published by the Federalists] have
1. Held republicanism in contempt. 2. Ridiculed democracy. 3. Violently counterargued equal liberty. 4. Roundly condemned resistance to the unlawful and unconstitutional acts of power. 5. Openly advocated an established church. 6. Offered extenuations for even the doctrine of the divine right of kings. 7. Persuaded to a chief magistracy to be constitutionally unimpeachable …
In short, the far greater part of the American presses have entered into an alliance, offensive and defensive, with the monarchical and despotic combined powers against the republican states.
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
REPUBLICAN GREENS.
YOU are requested to attend at your Parade on Saturday Evening at Six o’Clock—to form arrangements for the celebration of the Anniversary of American Independence—and transact other business.
WM. DUANE, Commanding Officer.
Poor corporal Fenno raves grievously about the new republican company—when he hears that there is another republican company besides the greens nearly completed—the bile must discolour the delicate crimson of his smock visage …
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
MR. FENNO, Duane … publish[es] the following account [from the Richmond Examiner] of himself:
“Duane prints every day paragraphs an hundred times more obnoxious than those for which Abidjah Adams [of Boston’s Independent Chronicle] was dressed in a stone jacket …” …
How long are we to be insulted by wretches who can thus boast of their obnoxious qualities …?
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
MILITARY RESENTMENT …
[BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, June 7.] To oppose with all the little energy I possess the establishment of a mercenary Standing Army is one of the many pledges I have made to the public … Exercising only that independent spirit which … should actuate the conduct of the Editor of an American newspaper, I discharged that duty incumbent on my situation by decrying an establishment more to be dreaded … than the exertions of … the “FIVE HEADED MONSTER” [the French Directory] … [s]ince which I have received all the private persecution, calumny, and back-biting in the power of the most inveterate malice to invent …
[Y]esterday, finding the danger of attempting to shew their superiority over the people by open violence, these brave and spirited officers—after whipping a poor, unfortunate devil … marched him with more than savage triumph from Fort M’HENRY to my office, where they gave orders to their Jannissaries to play the officers march before my door …
After the mercenaries had left my office, I waited on the sergeant, and asked him why, with fixed bayonets, he drew up his men and ordered his musicians to play that insulting air, the Officer’s march, at my office door. He declared it was by the order of his superior officers!! …
ALEX MARTIN,
Editor of the Baltimore American.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
The Aurora, a paper which is not only free to but invites every calumny against the government of the United States and whatever else is calculated to incite the people to oppose the laws has recently (see the Aurora of the 27th instant) enumerated … cases in which, it is asserted, the American news-papers (or far the greater part of them), sermons, magazines and pamphlets have directly attacked or waged war, with the pen, upon republican states … that the American news-papers … have held republicanism in contempt … They have ridiculed Democracy.
It is answered that sound American patriots consider pure Democracy as one of those Plagues which have been suffered occasionally to afflict mankind. It is everything that can be dictated by the most turbulent, wicked, and ambitious men, carried into effect by an inflamed and ignorant multitude. It is a mob-government; a government without branches, where every individual has a right to oppose every individual; where laws are made in the same way … as Town resolves in public squares or State-house yards … The existing government of the United States is a well poised and balanced machine. It is equally distant from a democratic, aristocratic, or monarchical government, while it partakes of the principles of each. It will be the endeavor of the Federalists to perpetuate this government, and they will take up arms to prevent mad Democrats, at the nod of their demagogues, from changing it for a pure Democracy … Americans of sound principles have argued against every kind of liberty which would disturb the social order …
When it pleases Heaven to deprive a banditti of their leader, the devil not uncommonly infuses a greater portion than ordinary of his infernal spirit into some menial villain of the gang by the assistance of which he is soon enabled to usurp the command …
Thus has it been with the ex-shoe black of the late Aurora-man; but his progress has been rarely paralleled in rapidity or its constant tendency towards the highest point of baseness.
He began by calling General Washington a fool, a coward, and a murderer—he called Mr. Adams a blind, bald, toothless, crippled old dotard—he justified and defended the Northampton insurgents—and maligned the general and the army who quelled them …
That a fellow thus lost to every sense of shame, thus brazen and bold in his opposition at and ridicule of the friends and defenders of the government and country in which he lives and fattens, should devote himself to the interests of the enemies of America is by no means extraordinary.
MONDAY, JULY 1, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
More military discipline.—Last Tuesday, at Reading, three officers of the standing army, one of whom was disguised in coloured clothes, went to the house of Mr. Schnyder printer (who was so barbarously treated by Montgomery’s horse of Lancaster) and seized a young man who acts as translator of English and German to Mr. Schnyder. They were in the act of beating him, when Mr. Heister the younger rushed from the adjoining house to the aid of the injured man. Mr. Heister had suddenly snatched up a gun barrel with which he struck the officer in disguise and obliged the others to decamp precipitately—though the whole three were armed.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
The Aurora says that the safety of all republican governments depends on the success and exertions of the French. This same lying vehicle is daily sounding the alarm of danger to this republic; and this assertion is only an additional proof (which indeed was not wanting) of the traitorous views of the Irish and native rebels amongst ourselves !
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
[NEW YORK] John D. [aly] Burke has left the United States. It is hardly necessary to say that this is the same Burke who printed the Time-Piece in our city in connexion with the learned doctor Smith. Having a number of prosecutions on him for libels against the United States, he made application to the President who, on Burke’s promising immediately to depart from the United States, ordered the suspension of said prosecutions.
I have ever been of the opinion that Infidelity is generally the fruit of ignorance … [T]here is no more blasphemy in [Thomas Paine’s] Age of Reason than in Common Sense and the Rights of Man … [T]he same holy scripture which enjoins us to fear God also enjoins us to honour the king … [I]t was such works as Common Sense and the Rights of Man which prepared the minds of the ignorant in this country for the reception of that blasphemous publication …
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
This day being the Anniversary of American Independence, the citizens engaged in the publication of the Aurora, will have to suspend their labours for the day and join in the general festival—the next number of this paper therefore will appear on Saturday morning next.
REPUBLICAN GREENS.
The impossibility of obtaining uniforms and equipment for more than one fourth of the corps (between the 15th of June and 4th of July) renders it necessary … that you should not exercise with the legion in this imperfect state. The whole corps in and out of uniform will assemble in their own parade at 6 o’clock in the morning of the 4th of July … It is expected that all members will dine together, along with the Republican Blues, where the declaration of Independence will be read & an oration delivered, &c.
WILLIAM DUANE, Captain.
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 1799
[As announced, there is no edition of the Aurora today.]
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
The Anniversary of Independence was yesterday celebrated in this city with the usual demonstrations of joy and festivity. The First and Second troops of Volunteer Cavalry … the Volunteer Grenadiers and Macpherson’s Blues paraded at 10 o’clock in the morning in High-street, when a salute was fired by the Artillery … At two o’clock, they repaired to Mr. Weed’s ferry on Schuylkill [River] to dinner, where they were honored with the presence of Brigadier General Macpherson … At six, they again took up their line of march …
In the course of the day, a thief-looking vagabond, with a white hat and feather, was observed strutting about the streets like a turkey-cock in a barnyard: This was Jasper Dwight, captain of the cock-necked troops.
SATURDAY, JULY 6, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL
THURSDAY was kept in this city as a day of general Jubilee …
The Republican volunteer militia legion under Col. [John] Shee paraded in the morning on the north side of the centre square, and the legion of Federal Volunteers, under General Macpherson, on the south side of Market-street …
After the military exercises were concluded, the corps marched severally to their places of entertainment …
The Republican Blues, commanded by Captain Summers, and the Republican Greens, by Capt. Duane, at their meeting, after reading the Declaration of Independence, drank the following [16] Toasts: 1. The day we celebrate, that gave birth to a nation and the great example now followed by mankind.—Yankee Doodle, a volley. 2. The sovereign people of the United States … 3. Dr. Franklin, the great patriarch of American liberty—may republicanism like the electric principle pervade the universe. 9 cheers. He’s gone to the blessed abodes. 4. The Republics of Europe.—More of them.—Ça ira. 5. The freedom of the Press—devoted to truth, fear[ful] only of falsehood … 8. The author of the Declaration of Independence—who prefers the activity of republicanism to the calm of despotism.—3 volleys … 14. Thomas M’Kean …
VOLUNTEERS …
B. F. Bache—the man who preferred honorable competency and domestic virtue to public distinction & fortune at the expence of principle.—How sweet’s the love that meets return.
The female democrat that would not marry a coach …
General Washington—May the glories of his youth never be obliterated by the mistakes of his age.
TUESDAY, JULY 9, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
There will be a vast deal of tautology in the names of our naval vessels. We had an Adams [a U.S. frigate] lately launched in the east river [of New York]—another U.S. ship of war, the [John] Adams is mentioned in the Charleston papers to have been a few days ago brought forth near that city; and report states that another of that blessed name is now on the stocks in this city. The name will be certainly a host of strength in itself and completely protect our commerce. Is this flattery or not? Surely, we outstrip the British in this instance. In the navy of England, there is only one Royal George … The name of Washington honours but one small vessel …
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
Jasper, the Gallic Irish Aurora man, is about establishing a life guard for his own carcass. It is said the French republic are to pay for the uniform which is to be green, with the French Cock feather in their cap. They have called themselves the French Irish Blues, or the Aurora Life Guard; it is added that three recruits have already inlisted!!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
[E]very day [we] experience the benefit of a navy and army. Our citizens can no longer walk the streets in safety … A government cannot long remain popular when its hirelings tyrannize with impunity over the people and are despised by them. Military establishments are fruitful sources of despotism, and we fear that the public have seen only a small part of the many evils which we are yet to feel.
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, Peter Porcupine writes:
COMMUNICATION …
In an Oration delivered by Mr. How, at Trenton, on the 4th of July, … [s]peaking of the revolutionary war [and] … the conduct of France during the negociations in 1783 … [h]e fairly states the Claims of Gratitude which have been lately urged by the partizans of France from Jefferson to Duane … Mr. H., by reference to authentic documents contained in the appendix to Mr. Morse’s sermon of 29 Nov. 1798, will find, 1st, “that one of the negociators (viz. Doctor Franklin) joined the Count de Vergennes and his secretary [Rayvenal] in opinion that the independence of America should be … not acknowledged as a preliminary to negociation.” 2d, That “Mr. Adams had not yet arrived from Holland, and Dr. Franklin was so much in the French interest, THAT HE WAS NOT CONSULTED [by Mr. Jay] …” 3d, That “Dr. Franklin was with the French generally in opinion …” … 4thly, That “French influence procured Dr. Franklin to be appointed sole minister at the court of France.” …
And to conclude, it was “the virtue and firmness of Messrs. Adams and Jay that defeated the views of the French, and though fettered with one colleague (Franklin) … THEY, notwithstanding all these embarrassments, gained by the treaty every important point for America …” …
How unjust, is it not then, in an American to encircle the brow of Franklin with any part of the laurels gained by Adams and Jay in opposing him … To these two men, and to the candor and honesty of the British court and their envoys, are we indebted for our Independence … Ever honored and respected be their names, and may the searing iron of infamy ever brand the name of the cowardly Frenchified hypocrite, the prototype of Gallo-Americans !
It is reported that Duane expects to be brigadier general of militia, if M’Kean is chosen governor, and that the company of Americans who have at present the honour to be under the command of this United Irishman are looked upon as so many men in paste-board by the maneuvering of whom the general is to learn the art military.—Quere.—if Duane should be the commander of a considerable corps, may it not be expected that he will employ one of his present employers for a Surgeon to it ! One good turn deserves another.
Curious Toast.
On the 4th of July, one of the Democratic clubs toasted “The Female Democrat who refused to marry A COACH” ! If the female to whom I suppose they alluded had refused to marry one of the horses, though her refusal would have surprized me much, it would have given more sense to the toast.
Porcupine’s speculation on my appointment of a surgeon refers to Peggy’s stepfather, Dr. Adam Kuhn. His speculation about Peggy’s willingness to marry me is just that, though I agree with his repeated description of Peggy Bache as “luscious”!1828
THURSDAY, JULY 11, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
BLOOMFIELD, FOURTH OF JULY, 1799 … [T]he citizens of Bloomfield … assembled at the Tree of Liberty … After the exercises … the citizens retired to Mr. Jacob Ward’s tavern when … the following toasts … 9. The celebrated Patron of Liberty, Benjamin Franklin …
VOLUNTEERS
The Vice President, Thomas Jefferson—3 cheers
May the presence of the Marquis de La Fayette in America destroy the influence of the British federal faction.
May the whole tribe of British Printers, Porcupine … Fenno, &c. in America meet with their deserts, the American altar …
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
LA FAYETTE …
It is said and, I believe, not without good foundation, that this revolutionary war hero is about to re-visit America …
Those who hire and who pay the Aurora have certainly informed their agents of their intention to send him … On the 4th of July, success to this intended mission was toasted by a gang of democrats in Maryland … They never toast at random.—This “hero” was sunk into merited obscurity, but, as he is, it seems, to be dragged out of it for the purpose of wheedling America, I shall, now-and-then, honour him with a notice which the contemptibleness of his character would not otherwise entitle him to.
The Aurora of yesterday; the paper in which General Washington has been styled “a coward, a traitor, and a murderer,” Mr. Adams, “a blind, bald, crippled, toothless, dotard,” … and the French Republic, “the liberator of oppressed nations, the friend and defender of liberty, and the asserter of natural and unalienable rights of mankind,” this same paper yesterday contained this sentiment—not ironically—but in a manner which must arouse every feeling of the President’s heart to blast the insolent caitiff: “THANKS TO OUR BETTER FORTUNE, WE ARE BLESSED WITH A WISE AND VIRTUOUS ADMINISTRATION” !!! If the President should not feel this as the deepest insult, well may we exclaim “Sic transit gloria mundi.”
FRIDAY, JULY 12, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
MR. [THOMAS] COOPER’s [FAREWELL] ADDRESS.
To the Readers of the Sunbury and
Northumberland [Penn.] Gazette, June 29, 1799.
[A]s this is the last opportunity I shall have to intrude on the patience of the public in the capacity of editor, I shall dedicate the space that is left to a subject of some importance …
[M]easures have been adopted … to stretch to the utmost the constitutional authority of our executive … I can best illustrate my meaning by supposing a case. Let me place myself in the President’s chair at the head of a party in this country aiming to … reduce by degrees to a mere name the influence of the people. How should I set about it? what system should I pursue?
Ist … [M]y first business would be to undermine [the] Constitution and render it useless …
2. My next object would be to restrict by every means in my power the liberty of speech and of the press … For the free discussion of public characters is too dangerous for despotism to tolerate … Hence too I would express the idea that all who opposed my measures were enemies of the Government, that is (in my construction) of their country …
3. In conformity to this plan, I would treat with derision and abhorrence the doctrines of the Rights of Man and the sovereignty of the people. I would seize upon every folly of the French in particular to bring those principles into contempt …
4. The more completely to enlist the ambitious, the needy, and the fashionable under my banners, I would take care it should be known that no place, no job, no countenance might be expected by any but those whose opinions and language were implicitly and actively coincident with my own.
5…. By strict attention to the forms of religion … by a declared preference of religious characters—by loud exclamations against infidels and atheists—by frequent appointment of days of humiliation and prayer, I would gain over the interest of the clergy and acquire the popular reputation of sanctity …
6. It would be my evident interest to cultivate the monied interest of the country …
7. But the grand engine, the most useful instrument of despotic ambition would be a standing army. The system of volunteer corps among the fashionable and would-be-fashionable young men …
It would therefore be my business to invent, to forge, to create reason for appointing a standing force, if no real motive existed. If there were no fears, I would manufacture subjects to alarm …
THOMAS COOPER
Forty-year-old lawyer Thomas Cooper, who served as stand-in editor (April 19–June 29) for the Sunbury and Northumberland Gazette, grew up well-to-do in Westminster, England, attended Oxford (which made him a barrister-at-law), moved to Manchester (where he helped found the Manchester Herald), and used his considerable intellect (in and out of corresponding societies) to criticize Britain’s slave trade, defend Tom Paine’s Rights of Man, oppose Britain’s war with France, and run afoul of the king’s 1792 Proclamation Against Seditious Writings. Rather than muzzle his political beliefs, Tom Cooper quit the British monarch in 1794, taking his wife, Alice, and the Cooper children (she bore him five) to seek democracy, write politics, and practice law in Pennsylvania’s rural Northumberland County, where, despite the disfigurements of a minuscule (under five foot), tapered body and a gigantic head (he looks like a wedge), Tom Cooper gains heroic stature in opposing the President of the United States and allying himself with the Philadelphia Aurora.1829
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
MOTHER BACHE
With that satan-like malignity which her very name seems now to imply, endeavours to excite a jealousy against the President, by observing that several of the vessels of war bear HIS NAME while “the name of WASHINGTON honours only one small vessel.” … [D]oes the impudent editress recollect what she and her soon-forgotten spouse have called this man whose name, it seems, now “honours” a vessel ? does she recollect that they have called him a LEGALIZER OF CORRUPTION, an IMPOSTOR, or an APOSTATE? nay, does she recollect that the name which now “honours” a vessel has been branded, in the Aurora, with THE CHARGE OF MURDER? … And the shameless woman who owns this paper has now the assurance to complain that “the name of Washington HONOURS but one small vessel.” …
The Aurora does not, as some people imagine, give the cure; on the contrary, it takes its cure from them. Their ideas are very clear and precise. Another revolution that will lay the property of the rich at their mercy is their sole object …
In Pennsylvania, in particular, things are fast approaching to a crisis. The good men must come forth, or the bad will rule over them with more than despotick sway. Property must be defended by those who hold it, or it will certainly change hands!
SATURDAY, JULY 13, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Extract of a letter from Bucks County, dated July 11th 1799. “The letters from [British Minister to the United States] Robert Liston to [Canadian] President Russell are enclosed.—it is of importance they should be promptly communicated to the American people …”
(COPY.) (No. III) Philadelphia, 23d May, 1799.
SIR … On public affairs I have scarcely any thing to add—ONE STEP FURTHER ON THE ROAD TO A FORMAL WAR BETWEEN FRANCE AND THE UNITED STATES has been taken by the Governor of Guadeloupe [in the French West Indies], WHO IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE CAPTURE OF THE INSURGENTE FRIGATE, has authorized French ships of war to capture all American vessels, whether belonging to the government or to individuals. But the resolution of the Directory [of France] on the great question of peace or war is not yet known …
In the interior of this country, the declamations of the democratic faction on the constitutionality and nullity of certain acts of the Legislature have misled a number of poor ignorant wretches into a resistance to the laws and a formal insurrection—This frivolous rebellion has been quelled by a spirited effort of certain volunteer corps lately embodied, WHO DESERVE EVERY DEGREE OF PRAISE. But the conduct of these gentlemen having been shamefully calumniated by SOME of the POPULAR newspapers, they have ventured to take the law into their own hands and to punish one or two of the printers (by a smart flogging), a circumstance which has given rise to much animosity, to threats, and to a commencement of armed associations (particularly the United Irishmen), and some apprehend that the affair may lead to a partial civil war! The portion of the jacobinic party who could carry matters to this extremity is but small: the government is on its guard AND DETERMINED TO ACT WITH VIGOUR …
ROBT LISTON
OBSERVATIONS OF THE EDITOR
The originals of the foregoing documents have been transmitted officially to the [President] … The public, however, are entitled to an examination … They were seized on a horse stealer of the name of Sweezy in Bucks County of this state. Sweezy had been one of [a] gang … [which] was outlawed and fled to Nova Scotia and Canada … [He] was sent to this city with dispatches, and, on his return with the above documents, was pursued under the former outlawry … [and] left behind … these documents …
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
MR. LISTON’S LETTERS …
The letters … seized and broken open were sent down and lodged in the hands of McKEAN, from the press of whose friend and intimate acquaintance, DUANE, they have this day been published … with a set of the most stupid attempts at perversion that were ever conceived by Democratick ignorance.
While the United Irishman was throwing out his threats to publish these letters, I was afraid he did not mean to do it … The letters breathe a desire of seeing America maintain her honour in a war with France … As to the Democrats, the partizans of France and M’Kean, the MEN WITHOUT A GOD, they are too wicked to be reformed and too despicable to be reasoned with.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
[N]othing can save these United States from the … cursed effects of a holy French brotherhood but the intervention of a Washington and a well appointed army. The jacobins know this well; and hence their opposition to the army; thence the Editor of the Aurora, on the 29th of June inst. copied from a Baltimore paper, established to propagate French principles, the following paragraph. “I (the Baltimore printer) discharged the duty incumbent on my situation by decrying an establishment (the American army, raised expressly to prevent or meet French hostilities) more to be dreaded … than the exertions of [the French Directory] …”
TUESDAY, JULY 16, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
[British Minister Robert Liston’s] letter, marked (No. 3) … displays … the minute concern and interests which the British minister takes in our most minute transactions … and it displays something still more important for the public consideration, that when the band of ruffians who took the law … into their own hands in attacking Mr. Schnyder of Reading and the Editor of this Paper, Mr. Liston informs his colleagues in British employment that the [American] government was determined to act with vigor … [W]hen with vigor?—If the Printer had beat the thirty federal officers or when the violation of law and order on the part of these federalists had produced resistance on the part of the people, then the government would act with determined vigor !
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
[The] Duane’s of the Aurora think it would “serve the cause of virtue and promote the freedom of mankind” were the French to be conquerors in the four quarters of the world ! These men may call themselves real republicans, it is most certain they are not real Americans.
SUNDAY, JULY 21, 1799
Today, George Washington replies to a suggestion that he become a candidate for president:
[With] the line between Parties … so clearly drawn and the views of the opposition to clearly developed as they are at present … [my] personal influence would be of no avail …
[This is] a time when I am thoroughly convinced I should not draw a single vote from the Anti-Federal side and, of course, should stand upon no stronger ground than any other [Federal] character well supported; and when I should become a mark for the shafts of envenomed malice and the basest calumny to fire at, when I should be charged not only with irresolution but with concealed ambition, which waits only an occasion to blaze out; and, in short, with dotage and imbecility …
[N]o problem is better defined in my mind than that principle, not men, is now and will be the object of contention; and that I could not obtain a solitary vote from that [Republican] Party … Prudence on my part must arrest any attempt … to introduce me again into the chair of Government.1830
MONDAY, JULY 22, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
REPUBLICAN GREENS.
BE particular to attend in uniform this evening at your usual parade—at half past five … W. DUANE, Captain.
Tonight, Peter Porcupine in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
What is said in Mother Bache’s paper I think worth no attention. Her base misrepresentations are intended to urge on the democrats to open rebellion …
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
BRITISH INFLUENCE.
[T]he dispatches of Robert Liston are objects of too great public concern to be suffered to pass into oblivion … [I]t is high time that we should look back and around us—and enquire how … British influence has been practicing … [W]e have evidence … 1. We have it in the records of the British Privy Council, in the most authentic form, that Britain had formed a party devoted to her interests in the U. States. 2. We have it in the hand-writing of John Adams, now President of the United States, that British influence has been employed, and with effect, in securing the appointment of an officer of the most confidential and important trust under the government … 4. We have it under the hand writing of Robert Liston, the British ambassador, residing among us, that the American government has embarked in concert with the British, in measures of aggression … calculated for the dismemberment of France … [I]n America, during the year 1798, Great Britain has expended Secret Service money to the amount of one hundred and eighty thousand pounds sterling—or 800,000 dollars.
Today, Secretary of State Timothy Pickering writes the President of the United States:
There is in the Aurora of the city an uninterrupted stream of slander on the American government. I inclose the paper of this morning. It is not the first time that the editor has suggested that you had asserted the influence of the British government in affairs of our own and insinuated that it was obtained by bribery. The general readers of the Aurora will believe both. I shall give the paper to Mr. Rawle, and, if he thinks it libellous, desire him to prosecute the editor …
The Editor of the Aurora, William Duane, pretends he is an American citizen, saying that he was born in Vermont, but was when a child, taken back with his parents to Ireland, where he was educated. But I understand the facts to be, that he went from America prior to our revolution, remained in the British dominions till after the peace, went to the British East Indies, where he committed or was charged with some crime, and returned to Great Britain, from whence, within three or four years past, he came to this country to stir up sedition and work other mischief. I presume, therefore, that he is really a British subject and, as an alien, liable to be banished from the United States. He has lately set himself up to be the captain of a company of volunteers, whose distinguished badges are a plume of cock-neck feathers and a small black cockade and a large eagle. He is doubtless a United Irishman, and the company is probably formed to oppose the authority of the government; and, in case of war and invasion by the French, to join them.1831
Today, Timothy Pickering also writes William Rawle, the federal district attorney for Pennsylvania:
I inclose the Aurora of this morning and beg you to examine it. If the slander on the American government will justify a prosecution against the Editor or Author, be pleased to have it commenced.1832
FRIDAY, JULY 26, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Extract of a letter dated Hartford, July 21 … “You may be well surprised at this state of things in Connecticut … when you learn what lengths this domineering party proceeds … We have only the one print [the New London Bee] which dares even to take a glimpse of the worst practices or the wicked measures. Several attempts have been made in the post-office to obstruct its circulation and in many cases with success … The federal party … took another step, they interfered with the stage drivers, and every paper sent by that medium was destroyed …”
Today, Secretary of State Pickering again writes the U.S. district attorney for Pennsylvania, William Rawle:
Since I saw you this morning on the subject of the letters of the British minister, seized & broken open in Bucks County in Pennsylvania, proposing that the offenders should be inquired for and prosecuted, I have received a letter from the President of the United States, directing such an investigation & prosecution.
For this purpose, I inclose [the Aurora] … published on Saturday (not Friday), July 19th in which Mr. Liston’s letters are published. This suggests a further question, Whether the publisher ought not to be prosecuted? I beg you to consider whether he is liable …1833
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
It is well observed, by an elegant writer, “that the Grecians, while the Romans were in the course of their conquests, ceased not to praise their disinterestedness and regard them as the defenders of Liberty …” Rome, however, swallowed up Greece …
France is treading in the steps and pursuing the policy of ancient Rome. The Democrats of the United States, like the Democrats of Greece, are lavish in their praise of France …
The Aurora expects to find the American people stupid enough to believe that the French … are not ambitious …
MONDAY, JULY 29, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Fenno amuses his readers with dry allusions to the lessons that he lately learned at school—these things are new in the lad’s memory … Fenno tells us that Rome swallowed up all the free states of Greece—but he either did not know or had not honesty enough to tell that they did not fall until they had grown corrupt … Liston could unravel volumes more extraordinary than history, Grecian or Roman, is acquainted with.
To asperse the memory of Dr. Franklin seems to have become part of the duty enjoined by their employers on the editors of our “federal” presses; the reasons are obvious … [T]hese men envy the spotless fame of the founder of American liberty …
It is unnecessary for us to enter into a refutation of the calumnies lately received … and industriously propagated respecting the conduct of Dr. Franklin in the negociations at Paris … The journals of the old Congress bear ample testimony to his fidelity and solicitude to promote the interests of his country; and it is from such unquestionable authority as these journals that the misrepresentation of his conduct … with a view of enhancing the merits of John Adams … have long since received a complete refutation.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
The best guarantees of the security and honor of the United States … are a good army and navy … [H]ow then does it happen that an army and navy … still are opposed by the different tribes of Democrats?
These partizans of France do not relax, although their object has become visible … Some write common place Philippics against the army and navy … while Duane openly in his writings and orations encourages the brigands to prepare for a trial of strength, and embodies a corps of men, uniformed a la Francois.
TUESDAY, JULY 30, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
AN ADDRESS TO THE GERMANS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY [PENNSYLVANIA] …
Is it possible that you would give your votes at the next election for James Ross to be your next governor..? …
Do you not know that the majority of your German fellow-citizens in our county, in Berks, Northampton, Bucks, Northumberland, and Montgomery, are almost unanimously against Ross and the sedition bill, and for M’Kean? …
[T]he time fast approaches when your eyes will be opened … The soldiery will be billeted at your dwellings; if they plunder you …, you must speak kindly of them; for if you say, write, or print any thing against it, you will be served according to the examples you have seen in Reading and Philadelphia. The heavy taxes that will necessarily follow to support these banditti will make you think …
“LET M’KEAN BE OUR GOVERNOR.”
Today, at midmorning, the U.S. marshal for the District of Pennsylvania once more enters the offices of the Philadelphia Aurora and arrests its editor for seditious libel against the government of the United States. He takes me before Judge Richard Peters, who gives me until Friday to obtain sureties for my appearance at trial.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Several anxious enquiries having been made concerning the Editor yesterday—and as he could not attend to them all and perform his duty at the same time—he is induced to satisfy them and inform the readers of the Aurora generally in this manner—that the Editor was yesterday between nine and ten o’clock arrested by John Nichols, esq., marshal of this district, upon a warrant from Judge Peters, and on behalf of the administration, for publishing in the Aurora of the 24th instant, certain matters alleged to be defamatory or untrue concerning the administration.
By the marshal he was treated in a gentlemanly manner—and by Judge Peters, he was politely allowed until Friday morning to bring forward securities. To those who are personally acquainted with the Editor, no declarations concerning his past or future conduct are necessary—to those who know him only as the organ of public sentiment—a trustee for the public to detect and expose public errors, and to promote the public good—he can give only these brief and steadfast assurances, that he has not published a fact that he cannot prove, and that neither persecution nor any other peril to which bad men may expose him, can make him swerve from the cause of republicanism—or prove himself unworthy to be the successor of the descendant of Franklin in whose steps it is pride and pleasure to tread, with the same confidence in his country and the laws …
BRITISH INFLUENCE …
During our own revolution, we had authorized our ministers in Europe, as Dr. Franklin and John Adams, to use their efforts to draw some of the European nations into the war against Great Britain. They succeeded in drawing in France & Holland … But before [these nations] had taken a share in the war, while they were neutrals, our agents distributed commissions under the authority of Congress to citizens of … France to cruize against the enemies of America.
When the French minister [Edmond] Genet came here [at the beginning of the war between Britain and France] and distributed a few commissions to American citizens to cruize against the common enemy of republicanism, the British minister blustered and threatened and [Washington] had the French minister very meekly recalled.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
We are informed that the people concerned in publishing the Aurora were yesterday morning arrested for a gross and virulent libel upon the government of the United States, wherein they asserted that Great Britain distributed, in one year, 800,000 dollars secret service money amongst the officers of the federal Government.
Great wits jump, Bache, in the Aurora of the 29th, attempts to treat with ridicule … the Roman History which [has] been lately introduced into this Gazette to illustrate the designs of the French and shew that they, like the Romans, aim at nothing short of universal domination. “Fenno, (he says) amuses his readers with dry allusions to the lessons which he lately learned at school; these things are new in the Lad’s memory …” Bache, for this, and a thousand such strokes, deserves at least the credit of being true to the cause.
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
From the Connecticut Courant. HARTFORD, July 20 … [W]e … notice … an express or an implied approbation of the Alien and Sedition Laws … [T]here is, in many places, a direct and cordial approbation of them …
The only thing that is wanting to establish their complete popularity is a prompt and faithful execution of them. If several hundred intriguing, mischief making foreigners had been sent out of the country twelve months ago, and a few more Matthew Lyons had been shut up in prison for their seditious libels, we should not have had so many Duanes, Burkes, [New London] Bees, and a host of other villains filling the country with falsehoods, slanders, and factions …
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
BRITISH INFLUENCE …
We have received from a person in Wilmington, Delaware, the following letters. Both the originals were seen there while COBBETT was waiting to know whether the British … bait for Secretary Jefferson would take him in.
[To THOMAS JEFFERSON, U.S Secretary of State]
Hague, August 6, 1792.
Dear Sir, Mr. Cobbett, who will deliver you this letter, is an English gentleman … A gentleman in the family of the English Ambassador here … asks [me] to give him a letter of introduction to some person in Philadelphia which may, from his first arrival there, shew him to be a man of worth and merit …
[U.S. Minister to The Hague] W. SHORT
[To THOMAS JEFFERSON, U.S. Secretary of State]
Wilmington, (Delaware State) November 2d, 1792
SIR … Ambitious to become the CITIZEN of a FREE state, I have left my native country, England, for America. I bring with me, youth, a small family, a few useful literary talents, and that is all. Should you have an opportunity of serving me, my conduct shall not shew me ungrateful … WM. COBBETT …
Upon these letters of the British printer we offer no other present comment than his subsequent declarations that he would not accept the citizenship of the United States …
Federal Electioneering Diplomacy
A country storekeeper not many miles from this city has had a letter sent to him containing a threat to burn his store unless he deposits a sum of money in a certain place by such a time. The writer tells him that he understands he is no friend to French principles, but that he (the letter writer) is … The storekeeper of course shews the letter to all his customers, and the honest people accordingly execrate the French …
It is remarkable that this circumstance has taken place in the neighborhood of Bustletown … Our remote readers should be acquainted also that Bustletown is the summer residence of [William] Cobbett, the printer to the British government, and who is so active in his canvass for Mr. Ross—!
The forgery of letters is no new British trick—a letter intimating a design on the part of some supposed French incendiaries that they meant to burn Philadelphia about two years ago—the letter was laid before the late Hillary Baker, then mayor of this city, the hand writing was known to be that of Porcupine—the matter was declared to be only a joke, the city remained unburnt, but such tricks as that of Bustletown occasion this being called out of oblivion.
Today, the President of the United States writes U.S. Secretary of State Timothy Pickering:
I have received your favor of the 24th of July, inclosing an Aurora of July 24th, imbued with rather more impudence than is common to that paper. Is there anything evil in the regions of actuality or possibility that the Aurora had not suggested of me? You may depend upon it, I disdain to attempt a vindication of myself against the lies of the Aurora, as much as any man concerned in the administration of the affairs of the United States. If Mr. Rawle does not think this newspaper libellous, he is not fit for his office and if does not prosecute it, he will not do his duty …
The matchless effrontery of this Duane merits the execution of the alien law. I am very willing to try its strength upon him.1834
Today, Timothy Pickering writes President John Adams:
The day before yesterday, I received … a letter concerning a publication by Thomas Cooper, an Englishman … addressed to the readers of the Sunbury and Northumberland Gazette on the 29th of June. This address has been republished in the Aurora of July 12th, which I now inclose …
Cooper was a barrister in England … and a warm opposition man … Cooper has taken care to get himself admitted to citizenship. I am sorry for it; for those who are desirous of maintaining our internal tranquillity must wish [him] … removed from the United States …
[W]aiting the expression of your will, I remain …
TIMOTHY PICKERING
P.S. A prosecution against Duane, editor of the Aurora, has been instituted on the charge of English secret-service money distributed in the United States; and I have desired Mr. Rawle to examine his newspaper and to institute new prosecutions as often as he offends. This, I hope, will meet with your approval.1835
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Fifty-one applications were made at this office since Tuesday morning to become security for the Editor of the Aurora in the prosecution lately set on foot by the men who are vexed about … British Influence ! Republicans of America, if you were all but as firm, the Boston Chronicle would not be bought up for prostitution, and American republican sentiments would triumph over British influence and monarchical doctrines.
Extract of a letter dated Easton [Northhampton County, Pennsylvania], July 30. A Captain Peter Falkner [of the federal army] who has been recruiting up this way … manifested the tyrannical disposition of the military … These military officers seem to consider themselves above all law but that of their own will. The people are generally discontented and an opinion prevails that it is intended to excite the people to resistance and violence in order to create a pretext for quartering troops in different places and finding employment for this detestable and useless army.
The Germans of Philadelphia who have so steadily and uniformly supported the cause of freedom must view with pleasure the change which has taken place among their countrymen in York county … and we have no doubt that their exertions will ensure the victory to the Republican cause.
Today, I appear with two sureties before Judge Richard Peters, who releases me pending trial in October (when the federal court reconvenes). It seems the trial John Adams planned for Benny Bache last October will be held for me a year later.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States Jack Fenno announces:
The Editor of this Gazette, having received several letters expressing a desire to be ascertained of his intention to continue in his present occupation, takes this opportunity to mention that he has relinquished his design of declining it, and that the Gazette of the United States will still be continued as heretofore by
JOHN WARD FENNO
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
BRITISH INFLUENCE …
That British influence should be employed in America or British money is not so surprising … Would they scruple to corrupt abroad who are so abandoned to corruption at home?
Queries to be debated by the next meeting of the philosophical society of Philadelphia.
1st. Whether it is most commendable to knock down an independent honest news printer or to knock down his son?
2d. When thirty-six men have surrounded one, and when this one offers to fight the whole posse in succession, whether it is the greatest proof of bravery to accept of the one man’s challenge or to turn upon him, all in a body, beat him down, and kick him when lying senseless? …
4th. Whether does it shew the highest sense of honour, of delicacy, and of manhood, to menace the widow Bache or to employ the infamous printer of the British ambassador’s Gazette to write bawdry paragraphs against her?
Extract of a letter dated Richmond, [Virginia] July 24 … Mr. Meriwether Jones, a zealous republican, and who is otherwise a gentleman of a very popular character … set up a newspaper, viz. The [Richmond] Examiner, and, as his own health is a little impaired, he some months ago engaged Callender … to come down here and assist him …
In order to silence the Examiner’s battery, some desperadoes formed a plan for attacking the printing-office and seizing upon Callender. The report is that they were to drive him out of the city; but the most probable issue is that they would have murdered him. The scheme seemed so black that a person to whom it had been entrusted came and told it to one of the friends of Captain Jones on Monday afternoon, some hours before it was to have been put into execution …
A party of armed men remained upon guard before the office of the Examiner till twelve at night … The conspirators had actually subscribed [to] a written agreement respecting this business. Undoubtedly they looked up to the government for protection and promotion, having before their eyes the impunity with which Duane was flogged … [W]hat kind of government must that be whose favour is courted by the collection of mobs and the perpetration of riots? …
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, William Cobbett writes:
MOTHER BACHE.
This loving wife, who could pen a masculine address to the publick before her husband’s carcass was stiff; this modern matron who, in the first paper (which bore her own name at the head of it), rejoiced that the practice of “castrating boys” was abolished in Italy for the good of woman kind, published in her bawdy and prostituted Gazette of [Thursday] … barefaced and ridiculous lies …
Hillary Baker [the mayor of Philadelphia] not only never saw a letter of my forging, but he never saw a line of my writing, to my knowledge, in his whole lifetime. As to the threatening letter alluded to … such a letter has been received by a very respectable man about two miles from Bustleton; but Mother Bache is deceived if she imagines that people are to be persuaded that the letter was not actually sent by the Democratic faction with a view to alarming the Federalists of property and preventing them from exerting their influence, against the Scourge, M’KEAN. It is true I live at Bustleton, but, one Miles, M’Kean’s relation and one of his patrons, lives much nearer the person to whom the letter was sent than I do! …
JEFFERSON.
This philosopher seems to have been so stung by certain reflections which I published … that all his philosophy could not restrain him from an act of spite … I did not see his communications to Duane ‘till about an hour ago. It is, therefore, out of my power to comment on them ‘til Monday which I shall then do in a letter addressed to myself. I will prove clearly that he communicated Mr. Short’s and my letter to Duane, and after that, I think that no one will blame me for condescending to return him my thanks for his kindness …
Mother Bache and good man, Duane, have published some parts of the late European News; but they are devilishly sparing of their comments. They used to comment a good deal; but, as the Sans-culottes are nearly driven out of Italy, I suppose the sympathetick Widow is in tears, lest “the horrible practice of castration” should be revived …
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
William Duane, who has been hired for some time past to conduct Bache’s Aurora, was brought up before Judge [Richard] Peters, on Friday morning, and bound, himself in 2000 dollars, and two sureties in 1000 dollars each.
His trial is expected to come on before Judge Paterson, in October next.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 1799.
Today, Elijah Griffiths writes Thomas Jefferson:
[T]he republican interest has gain’d rapidly the last 6 months in this State [of Pennsylvania] … If the Aurora finds its way into your neighborhood, the whiping business which follow’d the Northampton expedition … must be known to you. Those things must have taken place through want of policy … (They) very sensibly lessen’d the popularity of the party in Pennsylvania & New Jersey … (and) may probably have that effect elsewhere … (so there is) no doubt of Mr. Thomas McKean being Elected to the Governor’s chair [in Pennsylvania] by a very respectable majority.1836
Today, from Mount Vernon, George Washington writes Secretary of State Timothy Pickering:
[A] question which I intended to propound … I find solved in the Aurora which came to hand last night.
The question I allude to is whether the officers of Government intended to be acquiescent under the direct charge of bribery, exhibited in the most aggrivated terms by the Editor of the above paper? The most dangerous consequences would in my opinion have flowed from such silence and therefore could not be overlooked, and yet I am persuaded that if a rope a little longer had been given him, he would have hung himself up something worse, if, possible, for there seems to be no bounds to his attempts to destroy all confidence that the people might and (without sufficient proof of its demerits) ought to have in their government; thereby dissolving it and producing a disunion of the States. That this is the object of such Publications as the Aurora … those who “run may read.” …
They dare not, at present, act less under cover, but they unfold very fast and, like untimely fruit or flowers forced in a hot bed, will, I hope …, soon wither and in principle die away …
All of the Administration or some of the members are now to look for it, for Mr. Duane, I perceive, in his address to the public on the occasion of his arrest, has assured it “that he has not published a fact which he cannot prove, and that neither persecution nor any other peril to which bad men may expose him can make him swerve from the cause of republicanism.”1837
Secretary of State Pickering has instituted proceedings against me for claiming John Adams wrote of British influence in the Washington administration. For the article in yesterday’s Aurora, a federal indictment will include:
THE Grand Inquest of the United States of America for the Pennsylvania District … do present that William Duane … being an ill-disposed person designing and intending to defame the government of the United States … and to cause it to be believed that the President and principal executive officers of the said United States were bribed and corrupted … on the third day of August … wickedly and maliciously did print … in a certain newspaper called the Aurora … “That British influence should be employed in the America … or British money is not so surprising …”1838
I will answer all these indictments in the sedition trial that is scheduled to occur in October (when the Pennsylvania federal court reconvenes).