Gazette Of The United States

PHILADELPHIA.
Mr. EDITOR,
THE following is an extract of a letter addressed to me as Chairman of the meeting held in this city, for the purpose of relieving the distressed citizens of Cape-Francois, the publication of which you will find interesting to the cause of benevolence, as it may excite applause justly due to the virtuous inhabitants of the town of Baltimore, for their generous contributions to relieve the unfortunate persons arrived there from Cape Francois and their other kind treatment of them. It is believed with confidence that as at Baltimore, a common impulse will on the present occasion be experienced throughout the country, to relieve in the most effectual manner the distressed who take refuge in it, and that the citizens of Philadelphia in particular, will not be wanting in their utmost exertions for the cause which the committee hope to promote the good of by receiving contributions.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient humble servant,
(Signed) JOHN WILCOCKS.
Philadelphia, July 18, 1793.

Baltimore, July 16, 1793.
GENTLEMEN,
"WE have duly received your letter of the 15th inst. inclosing a copy of your resolution of the 13th.
"It gives us inexpressible pleasure to learn the good disposition of the citizens of Philadelphia, in the benevolent attempt to alleviate the difficulties of the people of Cape-Francois, who have taken refuge among us: to describe their misery and the extent of their wants, is impossible, nor can we with accuracy ascertain their numbers. On the arrival of the fleet, and the intelligence of their deplorable situation, the first impulse of humanity was alone obeyed. The doors of our houses were thrown open, and crowds admitted without any form or ceremony by which to number them. The committee appointed to receive contributions and provide accommodations, were at the same time pressed by innumerable objects of distress, and in the first instance, bestowed all their attention on merely procuring them shelter. We have now adopted a system in the business, and in a few days we hope to give you satisfactory information to every point of enquiry. For the present we will only communicate the following circumstances. The number of ships arrived in this harbour is about 40, and the white passengers we suppose 1,000, the people of colour and blacks 500, others are hourly arriving, and of the passengers that proceeded to Norfolk, not more than 200 can be accommodated, and the remainder we are informed are on their way to this town; of those arrived here, about 400 are accommodated in private families acting from motives of hospitality and charity, and 600 are dependant on the generous contributions of the town. The sum raised by subscription does not exceed 1,200 dollars: from this estimate you must readily conceive that our fund cannot long sustain the heavy draughts that are continually made upon it, and the generosity and humanity of the town, however affecting the occasion that draws them into action, must soon be exhausted, without the aid of the benevolent in other places.— You have happily, and with great sensibility come to our relief—We pray you to proceed in your benevolent design of raising money by subscription; our funds are vastly inferior to any permanent supply, and in a little time the whole of the French unfortunates, must be dependant on yours, and the generosity and humanity of other places.—We would solicit for them, your utmost exertions, for greater distress we never before have known. In addition to the imperfect data already given on which to found your calculation of required supply; we would suggest another article of expense that calls for our immediate attention. The greater part of the passengers arrived are destitute of clothing. The calamity was too sudden to admit the removal of property, and in one instant their houses and all were destroyed. We have yet applied no part of our subscriptions to this indispensable use. But whilst we feed the hungry we must clothe the naked.
We shall communicate your resolutions and generous intentions to the citizens of Norfolk. and advise you of their reply as soon as it is received.
Some of the unfortunates who have arrived here have proceeded to Philadelphia;—We recommend them to your hospitality. Others will no doubt follow. To such as are proper objects of relief, we freely grant supplies of money to defray their expenses.
With sentiments of sincere respect, we have the honor to be
Gentlemen,
Your humble, &c.
(Signed)
Rob. Gilmor, ) Two of the com.
Sam. Sterett, S mittee for relief.
To Mr. John Wilcocks,
Chairman of the Committee, &c.