American Aurora
Page 28
MR. FENNO … The debate in the Senate upon annulling the Treaties with France was published by Bache.—The speeches of the Jacobinic members were dressed in their best robes while those of the Federalists were grossly misrepresented… [T]wenty and thirty of [the Aurora] … came in one mail by S. T. Mason to different characters here [in Virginia]. Mr. Mason, I must not withhold … [has] taken to his bosom … the notorious CALLENDER who is now with him at his house.
N.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 1798
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
It must prove consolatory to poor Callender, in his retirement, to learn that persons meriting the contempt of all mankind for their baseness and servility—continue to hate and remember the severe and penetrating lash of his talents.
Today, Maryland Republican Congressman Samuel Smith sends last Saturday’s Gazette of the United States—with its report of Jefferson’s meetings with Benny Bache —to Thomas Jefferson.567
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
SEDITIOUS VIRGINIANS
Fredericksburgh [Virginia], July 21. Serious Information. It is said that the legislative body of this state will be called together immediately … for the purpose of taking into consideration the sundry acts of the second session of the fifth Congress … [T]hey will readily declare the acts alluded to unconstitutional and oppressive, which, [it] is to be feared, will be the cause of Virginia, the Southern and Western States … (How pretty these indolent, factious, despicable wretches will look if the French should, one of these days, set the negroes to cut their throats! … )
CARLISLE [Pennsylvania, July 4] … [T]he following toasts were drunk … 8. Peter Porcupine; may his quills gain keenness and strength by their exercise. 9. Confusion or conversion to all the whelps of the spitting Lyon. 10. May the harbours of America be ever shut against United Irishmen and other traitors. 11. May the American Eagle strangle the French cock … (I would not have inserted a list of toasts containing one in favour of myself, had not the circumstance been misrepresented by that abominable miscreant BACHE. In his dirty poverty-struck Aurora of the other day, he made his stupid readers believe that “ADAMS, WASHINGTON, and PORCUPINE were the only persons toasted” on this occasion … )
SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 1798
Today, George Washington writes:
It is too difficult, I conceive, to pronounce with certainty on the strength of the French Party in the United States … for now, the Gazettes of the Bachites come forward with more boldness than ever… [I]t is certain that the Agents and Partizans of France leave nothing unessayed to bring all the Acts and Actors of Government into disrepute; to promote divisions among us; and to enfeeble all of opposition to the views of the Directory of that Country on the Rights, freedom and independence of the U. States.568
CHAPTER FIVE
THE PESTILENCE
Benjamin [Bache] … in his Aurora … became of course one of the most malicious Libellers of me. But the Yellow Fever arrested him in his detestable Career…
JOHN ADAMS,
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1797–1801569
MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 1798
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
It is evident that as soon as [New York Republican Congressman] Mr. [Edward] Livingston returned to that city from his duties in congress, the tories … conceived, [that] … in New York, Livingston should be the object of their envenomed malice. Night after night they paraded before his doors, playing insulting tunes … merely as a prelude … Mr. Livingston’s house was to be pulled down and perhaps he sacrificed in the disorder. The republicans fortunately took the alarm in time …
These outrages of the tories have had an admirable effect … The republicans, convinced of the lengths to which the tories would go, are forming an armed association—convinced that there is at least as much danger from domestic as from foreign foes. This prudent and proper step of the republicans has struck the tories with dismay; they know that if the arm of republicanism is once nerved to resistance, all their plans for the overthrow of the constitution, for affiliating our government to that of Britain, and for dragging us into a connection with that country must vanish.
Today, Philadelphia’s College of Physicians meets to discuss the twenty-six reported cases of the malignant yellow fever. After conferring, they unanimously adopt a resolution
“That the College inform the Board of Health that a malignant contageous fever has made its appearance in Water-street between Walnut and Spruce-streets …”570
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette, William Cobbett admits:
I am not … an advocate for playing God save the King or for hoisting the British flag in the streets of America … All I wish to see is a sincere and efficient alliance between the two countries for their mutual interest and for their security against the power and intrigues of the infernal [French] republic.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
MR. FENNO, HAVING seen in the Aurora of the 27th of July a set of Toasts that were drank at a fish-feast near Chester-Town … I have thought it proper to [state] … [t]here is … a violent opposition to the measures of the federal government … kept up by that worthy patriot, enlightened statesman and toaster of Bache,— Letherbury. Mr. L. was a lawyer of some note at the time the federal constitution was adopted and was strongly opposed to it—he was opposed to President Washington’s proclamation of neutrality and has been ever since a reviler of him and the present President …
A CITIZEN OF KENT
One Bache, printer of the Aurora, not long since held forth in vehement terms against adultery. Is this the same villain … who is also the grandson of old Ben Franklin ?
TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1798
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The memory of Dr. Franklin must be odious to the adherents of England, as he was hated and envied by them when living. A great man of the present days [Mr. Adams] peevishly complained a few years ago in Europe, “we are no more than satellites revolving round the old Doctor.”
On Friday night departed this city the soul of the Federal party by name JOSEPH THOMAS … We understand that the recent[ly] discovered scheme of swindling and forgery has but barely budded … —For these few days past, the town has rung with nothing but JOSEPH THOMAS … [H]is bawling at election meetings, at which he was the leading man among the Federalists, his exertions at elections, his impudence at the bar, his vociferations against the democrats,—–all together would never have rendered him as famous as he has become by his swindling and forgeries… Not deeming the numerous evidences of his zeal in the cause of Toryism; by spouting in favor of the administration on all occasions; by intrigue overturning the election of the people, and by heading an armed mob to intimidate republicans … a sufficient recommendation with the banks, he made it a practice, it is now discovered, … to deposit for collection forged notes to a large amount … Forged checks, in great numbers he had deposited with different persons … —The sudden departure of the great leader of the faction has put that mercenary scoundrel Fenno into a terrible humour. It is not uncharitable to suppose that Thomas, who could make thousands by the dash of the pen, must have spared his friend Fenno a few hundred; who then can wonder that he should be out of humour to have this source dried up …
Joseph Thomas’ flight from Philadelphia is a significant moment for Benny Bache. Thomas is the leader of Philadelphia’s Federalists, a friend of two cabinet secretaries and of the President himself.571 In April, Thomas led the meetings at Dunwoody’s and Cameron’s which prepared addresses to the President and enlisted Philadelphia’s “young men” into Federalist militias.572 On May 7th, brandishing a naked sword above his head, Thomas led the Federalist gang that attempted to burn Benny’s house.573
Tonight, John Fenno’s twenty-year-old son, Jack Ward Fenno (Irishman Mat Carey calls him “a rash, thoughtless, and impudent young man”),574 bursts into the Aurora’s offices, ready for violence. “Newgate” Lloyd and I are present. Benny Bache:
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[John Fenno’s] Son chose to take notice [of the article in the Aurora] and called on the Editor to require the author. He was told to send his father who was certainly able to take his own part and who could not expect that we should allow of a proxy in settling any difference between us. He then handed a piece for publication which he was told could not then be perused, as we were particularly busy preparing our packages for the Post, the time of closing being within a few minutes arrived. Upon this, he declared that if it was not published, he would treat the Editor as a scoundrel…575
Another eyewitness:
When the lad came into the room, Mr. Bache was sitting; the young man was in extreme perturbation and spoke so inarticulately as to be perfectly unintelligible. He talked of his father being stiled a mercenary scoundrel … and of Joseph Thomas, and twirld in his trembling fingers a piece of paper which seems to have been what he called an apology. During the whole time of this trifling, Mr. Bache continued writing and urged in easy and temperate language that he was too busy to be troubled, that if he would either call again or send his father, he would talk to him but at that time had not leisure and begged that the lad would go about his business. He continued to write as before.576
Jack Ward Fenno:
In consequence of a paragraph in the Aurora wherein my father was spoken of in villainous terms during his absence from the city, I waited on Mr. Bache to demand the author. He refused to give him up when, dropping the point, I handed him a paper containing a recantation which I was willing to have substituted for personal satisfaction. His behavior was that of a mean and contemptible coward—he stood trembling and quaking before the “lad” of the person he had abused but using at the same time as much insolence of deportment as his fear would allow him, which appeared almost to deprive him of his speech. I told him, if he neglected to recant the obnoxious terms,—that I should treat him as a scoundrel—and that he was a lying, cowardly rascal. Upon this he rose from his seat and made toward me—Lloyd of Newgate and Duane (the calumniator of Washington, under the signature of Jasper Dwight) who appeared to be in his employ also bristled up at the same time. Bache doubled his fist and made some show of striking a blow at me but evidently appeared to want spirit to do it. My friend, by this time, seized me by the arm and, having effectuated the purpose for which I went, we withdrew.577
Joseph Thomas has brought matters between Benny and the Fennos to a head. Whoever Thomas was, he certainly merits Poor Richard’s admonition,
There is much difference between imitating a good man, and counterfeiting him.578
Poor Richard also warned,
Men & Melons are hard to know.579
Tonight, news is everywhere that the malignant yellow fever is in Philadelphia. Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
THE YELLOW FEVER
Is in this city. It is now come out that it made its appearance about a week ago. Several persons are dead with it, and according to all the accounts I have heard, it spreads with greater rapidity than it did last year. A number of stories, with regard to its origin, are, as usual, on foot; but, I believe, the best way would be to lay aside all vain disputes on this subject and prepare, as quick as possible, to make provision for removing those who have not the means of removing themselves to situations more healthy.
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States:
The rapid dissemination of reports respecting the appearance of that mortal enemy of our city, the Yellow Fever, have within these few days, excited the most alarming apprehensions.
The Republicans of New York, it seems, are arming and embodying a military force against the Tories, in the terms of Mr. Bache: and this prospect of inter[ne]cine commotion, broil and bloodshed, he calls “admirable,” “prudent” and “proper”…
Bache must be conscious of meriting what he unquestionably holds: the hatred of all mankind … Bache needs only to behold his own character in its naked colours to detest himself.
For he’s a monster of such horrid mien,
As to be hated, needs but to be seen.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 1798
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER
The man in English pay who scribbles under the wing of John Fenno has nothing to lose by the late swindling but his own sweet temper!—Fenno’s young sprig plucked up courage enough to go as far as the office of the Aurora yesterday evening in order to deny his pappy was the friend of Jozey Thomas—the lad was accompanied by a gentleman who acknowledged that he had reason to be ashamed of the youth’s behavior.— Fenno’s young lady in breeches came to require the name of the writer who called his papa a mercenary scoundrel and to demand satisfaction for his being stiled Jozey Thomas’s friend—but when the person he was offended with rose from his seat, behold the “poor little foolish, fluttering thing”—literally ran away with its mouth full of froth and its knees trembling
This afternoon, as Benny walks along Philadelphia’s Fourth-street with John Beckley (a good friend and former clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives), Jack Ward Fenno assaults Benny Bache.580 Benny:
[W]hile walking along Fourth street with a friend, I observed him coming towards me, but from his pusillanimous behavior the preceding day, had no expectation of an attack from him. As he approached, I observed indeed that he gave [me] much of the pavement, as desirous of avoiding me. But when he came abreast, he suddenly rushed on, closed in, and made a stroke which scratched a bit of skin off my nose. My cane for a moment became of little use, but soon, grasping it in the middle, made the side of his head or face feel the point of the serril and the top of his skull, its weight, having previously taken the impression of his teeth upon the knuckles of my left hand. I completely pinned him in the scuffle against the wall, whilst inflicting the merited chastisement. A crowd soon assembled and separated us. He made a great show of renewing the attack by the time 30 or 40 people were assembled. I stood ready to defend myself should he renew the assault for which he showed no inclination when set at liberty by the bystanders. Missing my comb, I deliberately passed by him in search of it, when he drew back and gave me the whole pavement.581
Jack Fenno:
I am indebted to my younger brother who, observing Bache walking in Fourth street, with his bludgeon, accompanied by John Beckley, ran to communicate the intelligence. Upon which I immediately proceeded towards him and, after advancing full in his view for about one third of the square, came up with him. He drew back and brandished the CLUB—I advanced and, seizing him by the collar, struck him at the same instant in the face and repeated my blows as fast as possible. He repeatedly attempted to put his stick in my face; but having closed in with him, his arms were so cramped that his attempts proved very feeble. The scuffle issued in my driving him against the wall when I should have soon wrested the club from his hand—had not his companion very improperly seized my left hand and, disengaging it from round his body, held it fast. Bache instantly drew off. My attempts to get at him again were rendered ineffectual by those around; one of whom seized me round the body and held me fast, while Bache sneaked home, his nose barked and his sconce covered with blood,—conspicuous marks of Jacobin valour. I had no weapon but my fist and received no hurt in the transaction.582
As Poor Richard said,
There’s small Revenge in Words,
but Words may be greatly revenged.583
Today, Philadelphia’s City Hospital is open for fever victims. Four sick people are admitted. Today, Philadelphia’s Academy of Medicine recommends to the Philadelphia Board of Health “the appointment of a sufficient number of physicians to take care of such of the poor as may be affected with the fever…” 584
Tonight, in the Gazette of the United States, John Ward Fenno:
The assertion of Bache, respecting my friend’s declaring himself “ashamed of my conduct” is a falsehood, as he is ready to testify, as well as the correctness of the rest of what is here stated.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 1798
GENERAL * AURORA * ADVERTISER<
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Young Fenno in the way of preferment.
The lad yesterday afternoon made an attack in the street on the Editor of the Aurora with tooth and nail. He deserves a reward for the exploit better than his worthy predecessor Humphreys, as he was not a little mauled in the combat. He scratched the nose of his antagonist, and his teeth took off the skin of the editor’s knuckles; for which he got in return a sound rap or two across the head and face.—Young Fenno mustered up courage enough last evening to attack unawares the editor of the Aurora in the street and strike him—the poor boy carried back some occupation for a plaister [cast maker]—The son of honest John has qualified himself for a federal appointment by an assault on the editor of the Aurora: possibly he may be thought a fit follower of Humphreys.—
The little miss who misconducts the Presidential gazette was under the necessity of changing her apparel immediately after her precipitate retreat from the Aurora office—this accounts for the strong sensation which affected the olfactories of those who were present at the fright!—
Today, Philadelphia’s newly opened City Hospital admits nine sick people.585
Tonight, in the Porcupine’s Gazette:
[T]he “young lady in breeches,” as Bache affected to call him [Jack Fenno], gave the hireling sufficient proof of her masculine powers, if black eyes, bloody nose, and a battered head may be considered as sufficient … Bache was … armed with an enormous bludgeon. Mr. Fenno was alone and unarmed; he nevertheless proved by many trials against the wall that Bache’s skull was even more penetrable than could have been supposed. It was remarked by the by-standers that his countenance, naturally diabolical, exhibited at the moment Fenno gripped him a shocking picture of agony and dismay …