Norfolk gazette and publick ledger — Norfolk [Va.], 1807-01-23 00:00:00, page 2

THE PUBLICS. LEDGER.
i
' ' TO SHEW
T»* VERY AOfe and BODY or TIIE TIMES,
HIS FORM AND PRESSURE. ■ A
FRII)AYWEVENING, JAN. "«3, 1807.
It is, with satisfaction* that i,we remark that,the
reports #hich are now attracting the publick atten
tion in the western country, have engaged the atten
tion of the National Legislature, as appears by the
resolution offered by Mr. Randolph, and adopted by
the House of Representatives. That such a reso
lution should meet opposition is really surprising.
The amount of the objection goes to preclude the
House from asking information upon any subject,
as asking information implies a want of confidence
in the Executive.
Of Col. Burr we republish a variety of articles
„ this day, for their accuracy we cannot be supposed
to vouch. The latest account from him directly,
‘ is copied from a Nashville (Tennesee) paper of the
27th December, in the following words:—“ Cot.
-Burr embarked fir New Orleans on Monday last,
•with two large flat boats, which did not appear to be
loaded.”—And this is all which that paper says of
- Col. Burr, from which it appears, as is very com
mon, that his movements attract greater notice at
a’dis&”ce than they do on the spot.. From this it
would appear that Col. Burr was going quietly down
the river with only two Boats. Our New Orleans
accounts stated that Col. Burr was to attack that
City between the 20th and 30th Dec. whereas it
appears that he was nearly one thousand miles hy
water from that place ou tiie 27th Der.
Married last evening, by the Rev. Mr- Davis,
MisS Matiibwr, daughter of General Thomas
Mathews, to William Gregory, Esq. "of Eli
zabeth City (N. C.)
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
The two houses have not yet agreed upon the Re
venue Bill. On Saturikiy the House of Delegates
. passed a new bill, omitting the tax on toll bridges,
ferries, &c. but retaining the tax on the stock of the
Virginia Bauk. The Senate again rejected it.—Yes
terday, a new bill was presented to the house of de
legates reducing the tax on Virginia Bank Stock
from 1-2 (as it stood in the original bill) to 1-8.—If
the Senate are opposed to the principle of taxing the
Virginia stock, they will no doubt reject this new
bill. But if they have been at war only wills the
rate of the tax, this reduction of its quantum may
lead to the adoption of the bill.—The presumption
is, that they have been opposed to the very principle
of the tax.
The legislature are expected to adjourn on Thurs
day or Friday.
Extract of a letter, dated Nao-Orleans, Dec. p..
“ The military preparations still go on here with
rapidity—both laud and naval.
“ The Orleans volunteers are about to be put un
der the command of gen. Wilkinson, and the city
militia will be placed in the same situation, provi
ded danger should require it.
“ This morning the chamber of commerce met at
the government house, and after hearing certain in
formation from governor Claiborne and gen. Wilkin
son—passed a unanimous opinion that an embargo
he laid on the vessels in port, and the order from
the governor was immeduitely issued ; but it will be
taken off the moment the necessary number of sail
ors are obtained to man the little fleet in tbe river,
which, is the main object of the embargo. The mer
chants also proposed that a subscription bemadeup
' to supply such sailors as might enter tbe publick
service, with cloathing, and several thousand dollars
have been subscribed already.
... “The bubble is out, and eveiy body knows it!
“ Burr is at the head of a party in Kentucky, to de
scend tie river—disunite the Union—revolutionize
' Louisiana—subvert the government of Orleans, and
subjugate Mexico !”
' Extract oj a letter, dated Jtrankfort, Dec. 23>.
“ The governour has ordered out about GOO men,
200 to be stationed at the falls. Co). Taylor is
clothed with discretionary powers to call out any
number he may think proper, not to exceed three
full companies to guard the ursenal. By a letter
from the secretary of war, capt. Stoddert with 100
troops, afe to be at Newport, if not by this. Bun
left this about 10 days ago. The second day after
his ball, he was heard of at Hardin C. II. and it is
said again at Hartford ; but as to this there is some
doubt, as many think he has gone to Nashville. In
fdeed l am this moment informed he was met on that
spad with several led horses, and gen. Adair close in
- his rear.'
“ A great number of boats have gone down.
Fourteen started from the falls about six days ago,
with 120 men. Thirty were to join them at the
mouth of Salt river, and a number more at the
mouthhf Cumberland. Blarnhasset went among
the first boats about 10 days ago. Mrs. Blarnhasset
* has been stopped, and was expected at the falls a
bont this day. Blarnhasset told a friend of Mr.
. praham, that their object was to go and take pos
session of Orleans, the bank, a French train of ar
tillery, and by operating on the commerce, to force
-them into a separation.”
‘ Feom tiie Albany Gazette.
Vast territories and great interests demand an ex
tensive and expensive system of protection. Never
was a country mure exposed or greater interests at
stake than our*. The publick defence, always of
the first importance, is now unusually pressing.. In
. times like these, and with such prospects before us,
a narrow and limited policy is of all things most to
be regretted. The government seems to look at the
great object with a fearful eye, and to advance to
jt with a faultering, reluctant step. There are
strong indications of a prevailing sentiment in the
administration, that the system of our publick de
'* fence should e occasional, rather than permanent:
that expensive provision should not be made, until
, danger is at hand. At the close of the last message
w« and a sort gf summary of the President's ideas,
as 10 me means oi cieienuing our country, ill! re
quires the gradual fortification of our seaports, an
early settlement of our western frontier, and a new
organization of the militia. The project of a new
settlement tain feet merely to create a militia, where
there is none : It is not therefore a distinct item in
plan of defence, but a part only of a militia sys
tem : % that the great plan is two fold; fortified
ports and efficient militia. The defence of our coasts
is to be by land works and gun boats ; and that ol
our country at large by the people at large under the
name of militia. A mass of a million of men or
ganized by a thousand paper statutes, and with arms
in their hands, have a formidable appearance ; and
an orrasional law of the United States authorizing
a detachment of 80,000 militia, or allowing the Pre
sident to accept the services of some thousands of
volunteers, to oppose the invader, has a most im
posing sound. But events, not paper calculations
in Congress, are to determine whether the United
States, in any quarter, either on the Atlantic coast,
in our populous cities, or our wild western frontier,
can be promptly and effectually defended by a militia.
A militia is properly railed the natural defence of
our country. But what is this natural defence? Is
it any thing more than the eventual and final resort
of an armed nation ? Is it not absurd to say that a
militia is, in any other view than this, the natural
defence of a wide, thinly settled and exposed fron
tier ? That a militia is the proper defence “ in the
first moments of war and until regulars can relieve
them,” according to the assertion of our present
Chief Magistrate, is an inversion of the just order,
existing in the nature of things. The first impulses
of war are not safely to be entrusted to a crude mass,
or to inexperienced and undisciplined volunteers.—
These last actuated by the spirit of patriotism and
the love of glory may act with effect as auxiliaries.
A militia by its volunteers or its select corps would
seem to be destined rather to aid than to lead the de
fence of the country: But it is on regular troops
disposed on the exterior, at points chiefly exposed,
and easily to be collected to any one point, that we
must rely in “ the Jirst moments of war.” A militia,
the great reserve or fund of national strength, must
ever be in this free country, an important and essen
tial part of our defence : But the auxiliary and ulti
mate resource of the nation can never be safely con
sidered as a substitute for regular troops, in the ear
ly exigencies of war. Every reasonable man and
every friend to liberty must cherish a hope that a
well organized militia, in a country situated like
ours, will save the necessity of large standing ar
mies : But it is a question too serious to be deter
mined by considerations of party or of popularity,
whether our present circumstances and future pros
pects do not imperiously call for if pennanent regu-v,
lar military force for the defence of our frontier ; a'
force calculated upon a muderaMjjfiScale, and yet con
siderably larger than our prij '
uient; a force, which, by its s'
promptitude, shall be c
shock of hostility.
The president seems
necessity does not
think,
“ will maim
pcrmanant I
Unluckily,
that “ much*
which these I
he insists upo
outset, as esg^h
tituile, vigo
perties ;
peciallyj
pi, to rd
dent,
tier,
princip|
States,
these 1
oppose
They ar|
regular til
United Stl
some of |
to make i
of legisla^J
take placii'
field!. Evd
the two at
rist the prj
volunteer
A similar I
found not
rapid unuven
With gun b
coasts, and with
militia
upon a*i' improved _
:ontier, to
gether with an abundant s
fortune, we
shall be in the way of dcfendm
frselvcs. But this
is not filling out the canvass on
which Washing
ton had marked the outline. He with the forecast
of true wisdom, and the liberallity of true-patriot
ism,could recommend arsenals, magazines, a navy,
and institutions for cultivating and cherishing mili
tary science. He believed that all these were essen
tial parts of a general plan of defence. The mark
ed silence of our present chief magistrate on these
points ought not perhaps to surprize us.—Such pro
vision for distant danger, for “ specks of war m the
horizon,” seem to be without the scope of his con
templations. Arsenals and a military academy are
no parts of a militia system ; and a navy must be
totally foreign to the plan of a statesman, whose
general views of protection are limited almost to
the strand on which we tread. (>n “ gun boats and
other auxiliary means, enlarged from year to year,”
he relies, as in his message of 1804, “ for security
to all oar most important harbours agaiust insult
and opposition to the laws.” But little notice does
he take of the fashionable insult of blockading our
ports, and seizing our vessels just without the range
of our cannon shot. This indeed is a defence not
within thejurisdirtion of a gun boat.
On the sultject of the proper uaxal defence of the
United States we find in all the late messages a
Strict silence. It was perhaps to be expected that a
branch of national policy that engaged the patronage
of Washington, and the seal of Adams, would
not enjoy the favour of their successor. His poli
tical ideas flow in a different channel—his adminis
tration has other cares than the general protection
of the rights of navigators. Occupied by a kind
of national rural economy, be may consider the en
terprises of commerce as rather foreign from his!
system. ItsaegvmrioM indeed when fairly in port!
be will protect and enjoy too; bat property com
mitted to the waves is in a very different predica
x
ment. in a single instance, it must be confessed,
does the President break silence on the subject of a
naval establishment. The passage is curious and
worth quoting as ah evidence of the interests felt in
this great topick. Our two first presidents, looking
■ with a steady eye, to a navy as our great national
barrier, strenuously recommended the providing and
securing in time the necessary materials of ships of
war. Mr. Jefferson, in his message of 1805, after
describing the hostilities of foreign powers, and
thereupon earnestly advising certain improvements
in the militia-system, comes forward with the fol
lowing memorable information to congress. “ Con
siderable provision,’says Mr. J. ‘has been made, un
der former authorities from Congress, of materials
for the construction of ships of war of 74 guns.
—These materials are on hand, subject to the fur
ther will of the legislature.” How different this
language ;from the admonitory voice of his great
predecessors! We heat now, on every side, the echo
of that voice in the cries of the people. The call
for a naval force to protect our coasts, and to pro
tect our commerce, is borne to the ear in every
gale: it is heard in the complaints of our plunder
ed merchants, our distressed seamen, and our in
sulted and blockaded cities. Thousands of injured
citizens, for whose equal rights and benefit our go
vernment was instituted, demand the aid and pro
tection of the national force. The administration,
instead of meeting, seems to shrink from the call,
and retreats within the vain domestick theory, the
more than Chinese policy, of holding our enterpri
sing navigators, while at sea, as no essential part
of the nation. Instead of an extensive and liberal
plan of repaying to commerce a part of the im
mense revenues derived from it, we find our presi
dent recommending measures of anticipation, for
diverting into new and strange channels the sur
passes of the national treasury. What are these
new objects ? A national university, roads, canals,
and even “ a just repartition among the several
states.”—Such is the reluctance of the government
to apply our funds to our external defence, that it
seems to look round with anxiety for new objects of
expenditure not even recognized by the constitution.
Commerce and commercial protection are leading
points in that constitution. But the constitution
itself must be altered lest commerce should at length
receive some efficient patronage. Several great ob
jects marked out by the constitution remain to be
accomplished. Ought these to be postponed or sa
crificed to remote contingencies or miscellaneous
objects not originally contemplated ? Among those
constitutional objects is a naval force. The provid
ing and maintaining a navy is among the federal
powers expressly enumerated. The authority given
becomes a duty enjoiped, whenever the establish
ment, according to the terms of the preamble,
shall be necessary “ for the common defence.” The
ipimon defence is the protection of all, as well
L commercial states as the agricultural states, as
navigating citizen and his interests as the
ier or tradesman, and his interests and
ijsbip at sea is the navigator’s domicil,
of hi# s rights and property. The
lound to protect the merchant ship
ion as well ak the dwelling-house
From the adventurous industry
■vigators, millions are poured in
nirv.
e, but they are no less worthy
me to time, to the recollecti
ey ought to be received as first
us that the question of com
not a question of discretiona
blick duty of the most serious
ts and navigators have a
titution,. by the very terms
* mand of the federal go
quate and effectual protec
A neglect or refusal to.
a naval force be necessary
t be justified to the nation,
commerce throughout the
ith the single exception of
attempts in the Mediterra
at the government has not
, a disposeable naval force,
capable of defending any one
the sudden attack of three
onerous captures and im
very mouths of our rivers,
pressw
the scouring'
roasts, and the undisturbed
blockade
ts for a whole season, testify our
hweakueap in.our.1
adation.
PUBLIUS.
Boston^ January 8.
Retcari
■erfeits.—We are desired to in
^that within a few days Bank
form the
Notes of
States have been offered at a
discount
shopkeepers in a neighbouring
' "essed man, marked with the
tqwn, b
small;
and whose accent denotes an
Euri
;ilance among the receivers
of
fraud, and bring au offen
der to
w
Baltimore, January 16.
The eventWn every day convince us more and
eventWn «
more of the propriety of what we said a while ago
—that “ the publick ought to suspend their opinion
relative to the accusations against gen. Wilkinson,
Daniel Clarke, Esq. (and others) until authentick
inf ormation comes to hand.” We should, indeed go
further, and say, the publick ought to be cautious
how they credit insinuations (without proof) against
the integrity and loyalty of men, w’ho, instead of
seeming traitors, appear to be assiduously engaged
in employing efficient means to deteat Bun and his
adherents.
We can assure our readers that the following de
tail is from the highest authority <
That so far from gen. Wilkinson's being con
cerned with col. Burr, the truth is, the information
on ichich the president issued his proclamation, actu
ally came from the general by a lieutenant of the
army, who left Natches on the 24th of October,
and delivered his dispatch into the president’s own
hands on the 26'th November : that although the
president had (prior thereto) received information
respecting col. Burr, yet it was so vague and in
conclusive that he could not act thereon; that on
the 30th November gen. Wilkinson was, in con
junction with govemour Claiborne and capt. Shaw,
of the navy, placing the city of New-Orleans in a
posture of defence, and making every preparation
for the prevention of any hostile attempt: that
Bun's emissaries had declared that a naval force
was to appear in their aid at the mouth of the ri
vrr: but as they named an American ns the naval
commander, and as it is well known that he is qui
et at.d at his own house, it begins to be believed
that the tale of a naval force was fabricated for the
purpose of gaining adherents. On application at
the war department, oiir informant says, the an
swer of the secretary was—that no lute resignations
iad taken place in the army of the United States.
Our informant further states," that it was expected
the president would very soon lay all the informati
on he had obtained before congress, respecting the
diabolical schemes and intentions of col. Burr—
when the publick will be convinced that the conduct
of gen. Wilkinson (so far as the information yet re
ceived exhibits facts) has been judicious, patriotick
and honourable. American.
Cincinnati, December Qg.
In consequence of the proclamation of the presi
dent of the United States, and the act of the legis
lature of this state, the militia under major-general
John S. Gano, were called, and a considerable
number volunteered—others were drafted to actual
duty, to the number of 120 men, a third part of
which were stationed on the bank of the Ohio. Se
veral boats were examined and discharged. On
Sundaynight some very suspicious boats made their
appearance and were brought to. The next morn
ing they were examined, and although much suspi
cion existed respecting certain persons in the boats,
yet on investigation, they produced two certificates
from oflicers on the Virginia side of the Ohio, and
no legal evidence could be obtained bv which the
agent for the state could be authorised to detain ei
ther the boats or persons—since which time no
thing has transpired to exrite alarm. On Christ
mas day capt. Stoddurt arrived at Newport, oppo
site this town, with 130 troops of the U. States,
which with the detachment of militia, will preclude
the possibility of any boats descending without be
ing noticed.
Interesting Correspondence.
Cincinnati, October Tth, 180<J. /*
Henry Dearborn, Esq.
Sir,
I have the honour of transmitting you the inclos
ed resolution, which you will be pleased to lay be
fore the President of the United States, and you
will much oblige,
Sir,
Your most Obedient,
Humble servant,
James Ferguson.
Cincinnati, October 7, 1806.
The first troop of dragoons attached to the first
brigade, first division of Ohio militia, view the
hostile appearance of foraign troops on our lines
and boundaries as a prelude to war, and we do
therefore resoke, tbatcapt. Ferguson be requested
to make an offer of our services to the president of
the United Stales, and to inform him we shall hold
ourselves in readiness to march wheresoever he may
direct at a moment’s notice. ,
(A true copy,)
By order of the troop,
James Ferguson, Capt.
Matthew Nimnto, Sec’ry.
Washington, Dec. 3. 1806.
Sir,
Your letter of October 13th to the secretary at
war, inclosing a resolution of the 1st troop of dra
goons attached to the 1st brigade, 1st division of
the Ohio militia, offering their services to their
country, and to Ire in readiness to march s s a mo
ment's notice, wheresoever its interest may call for
them, has been communicated to me. Alwuys a
friend to peace* and believing it to promote emi
nently the happiness and prosperity of mankind, I
am ever unwilling that it should be disturbed, as
long as the rights and interests of the nation cau
be protected. But whensoever hostile aggressions
on these require a resort to war, we must meet our
duty and convince the world that we are just friend*
and brave enemies. Whether our difficulties with
Spain will issue in peace or war, is still uncertain:
and what provisional measures shall be taken for tho
latter alternative, is now under consideration of tlio
legislature. The offer of service which the patrio
tism of your company has now made to their coun
try, is a pledge that it will not be withheld in what
ever form the national councils may authorise its.
use. Accept my thanks, on the publick behalf,
for the readiness with which this honourable tender
has been made—with my respectful sensations and
assurances of great consideration.
Tii. Jefferson.
Capt. James Ferguson.
Cincinnati, December 23.
It appears that our legislature has in a spirited
manner taken up the business, which, for some
weeks past, has agitated the publick raiud: we
mean the expedition planned by col. Burr and his
associates. At the commencement of the sessioh,
they passed “ An act to prevent certain acts hostile
to the peace and tranquility of the Unitad States,
&c.” giving extensive powers to the governor, wbicb
he has in part delegated to a gentleman in this town.
Since the act has been made publick, part of the
militia has been culled out, and stationed on the
Ohio, the more effectually to aid the person appoint
ed to carry the law into effect. Boats have been
strictly examined, but no discoveries have yet tak
en place.—It is to be lamented energetick measures
had not been sooner resorted to, as the object of
Burr and his associates would, in that case, have
been completely detected. On last Sunday night
week, Blunnerhasset with four keel boats, armed
with military stores, passed this town, and every
friend to his country must regret the guards bad not
been Sooner placed so as to have subjected him to an
examination before he proceeded farther.
! Since the passage of the act above alluded to, in
formation has been given upon oath, that a great
; number of boats are building at Waterford, on
French creek, on the Clietogue lake; and on the
| waters falling into the Alleghany xiver ; that they
J are to be maimed with a small number of men in
each, the better to conceal the object which is an
attack upon the Spanish settlements in Mexico—
They are to contain salt, which should they be
stopped, they will assert they are carrying to mar
ket ; that the number of men already engaged in
chis enterprise exceeded 20,000; that the com
mand of the expedition was to be given to. colonel
Hurr, and that ibe place of meeting was to be some
where in the vicinity of LoUu’s heights, op the Mis