American Aurora
Page 81
In no Christian country but our own … are moral institutions wholly disregarded … Where the sacred [place] of the church is guarded by national provisions from the inroads of infidelity … it reciprocates that protection …
This vacuum might … be supplied by the powerful influence of the press; but here too all is hopeless; a more potent engine to the destruction of this government and country does not exist …
If the independence of America is not to pass away … it may perhaps one day be made a question whether every ignorant impostor who comes along is to be allowed unadvisedly … to utter the most venomous slanders and lies, unchecked by any supervision or restraint …
I no longer behold, when I look around, any thing much to struggle for! A country overrun by turbulence and faction … the people split into two deadly parties whose impending collision must as surely produce bloodshed and misery as that of flint and steel emits the spark …
The government, though feeble, might have had energy imparted to it for self-preservation … A war with France, “a long obstinate and bloody war” could alone affect this. Peace, peace; let us have peace is now the cry, and peace we are to have. It is a peace of which I will never partake …
The sun of federalism is fast retiring behind the clouds of turbulence and treason … In a little while, it may be seen no more …
It is an high satisfaction to me that, in the step I have thought fit to take, I leave at his [Presidential] post a man whose firmness (to renew the prostituted term) has stood a thousand times greater trials than mine and whom not all the hell of democracy in arms could divert from his duty …
Though I wish to be considered as relinquishing all interest or concern in the Gazette from this day, I shall nevertheless give directions to have it continued until the papers which are paid for in advance shall be supplied …
JOHN WARD FENNO
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
MIGHTY MARVELOUS
[A] very singular production appeared yesterday in the GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES—[T]he strange mixture of the incomprehensible and the ridiculous—of vapidity and bombast—egregious vanity & naked hypocrisy—pitiful whining and outrageous rant—which it displays, surpass any thing perhaps that has ever appeared in a newspaper notorious for all that turpitude which it condemns as well as for the defects which it laments.
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, William Cobbett writes:
For the information of my readers at a distance, I here observe that, last evening, Mr. John Ward Fenno, Editor and Proprietor of the “Gazette of the United States” (that Gazette to which mine has been so frequently and so largely indebted) notified his readers of his resolution to discontinue its publication …
This notification is accompanied with a political view of the United States … I have seen few things more excellent than this view …
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
APPROACHING ELECTION …
It is now ascertained who are to be the candidates for the office of governor at the ensuing election. It is announced that the enemies of our administration have fixed upon Thomas M’Kean, and it is well understood that its friends have determined to support JAMES ROSS, of Washington [county] …
Pennsylvania, seated in the centre of the United States, wealthy, populous, commercial, and extensive as it is, must, while the present division of sentiment subsists between … parts of our country, direct and govern its policy … [T]he influence of Pennsylvania in the scale of American consequence would be immense … The effects then of the election of governor will be incalculable …
Fenno is right! Pennsylvania could prove the “keystone in the democratic arch” for next year’s presidential election. If the five New England states (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut) give their thirty-nine presidential electoral votes to John Adams and seven southern states (Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee) give their fifty-two electoral votes to Thomas Jefferson, the choice of President of the United States could depend on three middle Atlantic states (Pennsylvania with fifteen electors, New York with twelve, and New Jersey with seven), and the coming Pennsylvania gubernatorial election in October could set the stage for a Jeffersonian victory.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
“Poor Fenno!” “Poor Lad!” are now the common theme of charitable conversation—the young ladies lament that a young fellow should be so ingenious as [to] form an object with his own hands so hideous as to skeer him out of his wits !
Today, in the Gazette of the United States, Jack Fenno announces:
The publication of the Gazette of the United States will not be discontinued. It will be conducted by the present proprietor until it can be devolved upon a successor who can do justice to the principles and cause which it has furthered.
Today, President John Adams issues a proclamation:
BY THE PRESIDENT
Of The United States of America.
A PROCLAMATION.
AS … the most precious interests of the people of the United States are still held in jeopardy by the hostile designs and insidious arts of a foreign nation, as well as by the dissemination among them of those principles subversive of the foundations of all religious, moral and social obligations … I do hereby recommend accordingly that Thursday, the 25th of April next, be observed throughout the United States of America as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer—That citizens … call to mind our numerous offences against the most high God … That he would withhold us from unreasonable discontent—from disunion, faction, sedition, and insurrection … That he would succeed our preparations for defence and bless our armaments by land and by sea …
By the President JOHN ADAMS
TIMOTHY PICKERING Secretary of State.1784
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
THIS WINTER
Seems to have no end. The Snow covers the ground; the Delaware is filled with ice and nearly frozen over, and the water freezes in the house. We have had four months and ten days dead winter. Since the 18th of October, there has not been above six days fit for ploughing.
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
Fenno has not been put into a strait waistcoat; nor has he been even at the hospital as was reported—his disorder was of the Phobia species, under the paroxysms of which the maniac is prone to utter “words full of sound and fury meaning nothing.”
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
The publication of the Gazette of the United States will not be discontinued.
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The Federal party do not think the Federal Government strong enough—the powers of the executive are by them deemed too much restrained … It will be a recollection of every person who has considered the intrigues of the monarchical party in the convention that established the constitution how ardent and active such persons were who supported such principles …
The party which espoused monarchical principles on that occasion … succeeded in obtaining something like the rotten fabric of British institution … [T]hey sat down relying on their activity to produce by future corruption, according to the British system, the same effects …
In Fenno’s paper of the 4th inst, the secrets of that faction to which he was but the foul-mouth piece were exposed to public view. [T]he Federal box was opened by a boy who knew not how to manage the cumbrous machinery … We have … the confession of Fenno and his declared detestation of our present form of government …
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
A letter from a gentleman in Northampton county in this state, dated the 5th instant, mentioned that the marshal of the United States had arrived there with twenty eight writs against persons who had opposed the assessors of the direct
tax in the execution of their duties. The citizens were to assemble at Bethlehem yesterday to enter into recognizances before Judge Henry.
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
EXPIRED
On the 4th Day of March, 1799
At 5 o’clock in the Evening
Of a Malignant Distemper
After a miserable existence of 14 years,
3 months, and 9 days,
THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES …
Incapable of perceiving the dignity of Republicanism, over the abasement of Monarchy and Aristocracy …
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
MR. FENNO’S VIEW …
This spirited production, to which … I gave my most unqualified approbation I am glad to hear approved of by every man of sense and candor …
His opinions are all correct … But why do not those who disapprove of this performance reply to it?
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1799
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
In [Porcupine’s] Gazette, we are told that all of Fenno’s ideas are correct concerning our constitution and forms of government … [T]he friends of Republican government are called upon to defend by argument the constitution which we have all sworn to support. Republican government is attacked by monarchists in the very bosom of the Republic …
The citizens of this land have achieved their liberty against all the force of the British monarchy …
The people have said that a government of equal laws, without empty titles or wicked distinctions, shall be our government.
We are asked for arguments—we have already given them, the world has applauded our choice, and are following our example. But further arguments are called for—they are ready—THE PEOPLE OF THESE FREE UNITED STATES ARE READY—WE WILL DEFEND OUR REPUBLICAN FORM OF GOVERNMENT WITH OUR BAYONETS.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
ANOTHER INSURRECTION
Has broken out in the Western part of this state …
Col. William Nichols, Marshal of the District of Pennsylvania, returned yesterday to the city from a journey to Northampton [county, Pennsylvania] and immediately laid before the President [of the United States] a detail of recent transactions there …
He [had] … proceeded to the scene of insurrection and arrested twenty-three persons for sundry acts of resistance to the operation of the law imposing a tax on houses …
On Friday evening, the Marshal, with nineteen of the arrested persons, being at the tavern of Abraham Levering in Bethlehem [Pennsylvania], a body of horse to the number of sixty, well armed and part of them in uniform, beset the house and rescued the prisoners. The party was composed of militia from the [Pennsylvania] counties of Bucks, Montgomery and Northampton and were commanded by a fellow who bears a captain’s commission in the militia of Montgomery county; he is a German, of the name of [John] Fries …
These disturbances all refer directly to the political posture of affairs between this country and France …
One pleasant circumstance has grown out of this alarming intelligence—an immediate stir among the [federal army] volunteers who are, we learn, to be immediately paraded for review in order to be perfectly prepared for the defence of their government and country at a moment’s warning.
CHAPTER TWELVE
KINGLY GOVERNMENT
[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.