Herald of the United States (Warren, R.I.), 1806-02-08 00:00:00

Gazet of the United States.
WARREN:—PUBLISHED NEAR THE POST-OFFICE, BY NATHANIEL PHILLIPS.
[No. 19, of Vol. XIV.]
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1806.
[Whole No. 685.]
WEEKLY ALMANACK.
   FEBRUARY. Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. REMARKS.     8 Saturday, 6 56 6 11 44 11 36   9 Sunday, 6 55 6 10 48 12 34   10 Monday, 6 54 6 09 52 13 32   11 Tuesday, 6 52 6 08 56 14 30   12 Wednesday, 6 50 6 06 59 15 28   13 Thursday, 6 49 6 05 3 35 3 47 13 h. 36 m.   14 Friday, 6 48 6 04 4 17 4 32 Night's length  
Legislature of Massachusetts.
ANSWER OF THE SENATE To his EXCELLENCY'S SPEECH.
May it please your Excellency—
WE acknowledge, with gratitude to the Supreme Disposer of events, these circumstances of public prosperity, under which we are now assembled, and are deeply impressed with a sense of his goodness, the past year, in supplying abundantly the wants of the people, and exempting them from that fatal sickness, which has visited several cities of the United States. We feel it to be our duty, relying upon the blessing of the Almighty, to use all the precautions which experience or foresight may suggest, to prevent the return of this desolating disease.
The skill and intrepidity displayed by a citizen of this Commonwealth, which contributed so largely to the conclusion of a treaty with Tripoli, and the emancipation of our countrymen, have reflected honour upon the individual, and increases the honour of our nation. These and other acts of heroism recently exhibited by our fellow citizens, together with the well-equipped and organized state of our Militia, are sources of high satisfaction, at a time when we are informed by the Chief Magistrate of the United States, that the employment of force may be necessary, in consequence of injuries received from some of the nations of Europe.
It gives us pleasure to be informed that the State Prison is completed. The necessary arrangements concerning the regulation and management of it, claim and will receive our early attention.
To redress grievances, correct, strengthen and confirm the laws, and to make such new laws as the common good may require, is a duty enjoined on us by the Constitution. While we make it our constant aim to discharge this duty with fidelity, and to adopt such measures as the public good may require, we shall be mindful of the suggestions made by your Excellency, that the laws may be too numerous, and that frequent alterations in them sometimes occasion greater evils than they were designed to remedy.
We are convinced, that in order to accomplish any valuable purpose the measures of Government should be uniform and consistent; that the laws should be well understood by the citizens, and their real tendency also known. Instead, therefore, of adopting visionary schemes, we shall listen to the voice of experience, and only apply substitutes for such existing regulations, as appear to be manifestly opposed to the public welfare.
We shall look, with a still more cautious eye, upon every innovation attempted to be made upon our national Constitution. The integrity, experience and extensive information discovered by the illustrious characters, who formed that invaluable instrument, and the series of public prosperity enjoyed under it, entitle it to our highest veneration. Its excellence appears with still greater force, when compared with the ephemeral constitution of many nations, which have flitted across the eye, in rapid succession, and then sunk into total oblivion. We are not insensible, that every form of Government must be imperfect, as was the nature of its authors; but we recollect at the same time that any proposed alteration, under the name of amendment, is liable to the same imperfection.
Believing therefore that the principles of the Constitution are as well adapted as human infirmity will permit, and that a small innovation may essentially pervert its original tendency, we shall exert ourselves to preserve it in its perfect form, except in cases where its operations shall be found to be extremely unequal and oppressive.
The testimony which your Excellency has expressed in favour of the resolutions adopted by the Legislature, when a proposed amendment to the National Constitution was disapproved by them the last session, proceeding from a Statesman of great experience, and one, who having been a member of the General Convention, must have known the principles on which the Constitution was formed, is highly pleasing for the Senate. The recollection, that in few among the nations, once enjoying the blessings of freedom, have retained their privileges, is calculated to excite our attention to those causes which produced their destruction. Inconsistency and vice among the people, are undoubtedly the prominent sources of this calamity. The specious and refined, and still more frequently, the unprincipled and ambi-
tious, are ever ready to avail themselves of the common ardour for novelty, and by exhibiting false allurements to the thoughtless and uninformed, are frequently enabled to subvert the best established system of government. Disappointed and bewildered in the pursuit of fancied improvements, which can never be obtained; finding that substantial good has been abandoned to pursue an illusive phantom; chagrined and exhausted by fruitless exertion, the mind at length relaxes its efforts, and submits to that absolute power, which although it dissipates the visions of hope, at the same time relieves from the distress of anxiety.—To prevent these evils it is necessary that knowledge should be generally diffused, industrious and frugal habits formed, and pious and benevolent affections cultivated among the people.
That the advantages enjoyed by our fellow citizens may be perpetuated, we shall do all in our power to increase the influence of virtuous manners, and that the abilities of our youth to understand and assert their rights may be strengthened, we shall cherish schools and seminaries of learning. The University of Harvard College, placed by the Constitution under the peculiar patronage of Government, and endeared to us by the recollection of its great utility, and the number of illustrious legislators and statesmen who are enrolled among its sons, we shall consider as entitled to ample support and encouragement.
In the present, as in our former sessions, we shall endeavour to avoid all disputes tending to inflame the passion, and direct our views to the promotion of the public welfare. And so long as we follow the dictates of justice and impartiality, we hope to command the respect of those whose interested views or disappointed expectations may render them most dissatisfied with our measures.
ANSWER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
May it please your Excellency—
WE readily acknowledge, that we are bound to entertain the most grateful emotions for the prosperity of our country, especially when we compare our condition with that of most of the christian nations of the earth.
We enumerate, among the causes of our gratitude, the peace with Tripoli. By this event our commerce in the Mediterranean is rendered more secure, and a number of our valuable citizens, languishing in ignominious slavery, have been restored to liberty, to their friends, and to their country. In the course of the operations, which have led to the desirable object, we recognize, with pleasure, the undaunted bravery of our seamen, and the skill and enterprise of their officers; we have seen them unappalled by the danger, and even certain of death, seconded by the cooperation of a land force, conducted by the distinguished courage, and persevering exertions of one of our citizens, which have undoubtedly contributed to accelerate the pleasing event. We hope that when all the circumstances which attended the pacification, shall have received publicity, it will be found to have been as honorable, and beneficial, as the state of things would permit.
Allied to the ocean by our agricultural industry, by our fisheries, and by our commercial genius, we cannot but feel the liveliest sensibility on the subject of our European relations. We know that rights, which can be promptly and effectually defended are rarely assailed. With a respectable navy, (which can never be inimical to freedom) we connect in our imagination, necessary protection to individual property and the most desirable, national importance; with its absence, we connect sufferings, losses and humiliation. The aggressions which have occurred, may, we are officially informed, compel the American nation to sacrifice their laudable love of peace to the necessity of vindicating their rights by force. On such an occasion we confidently trust, that the citizens of the United States would have but one opinion; and should the government find it necessary to commence the unpleasant contest with any foreign nation, all difference of political sentiment will be lost in the unity of the American character, and in the efforts of all to support the measures of the existing administration, in the vindication of the national rights, and the independence of our common country.
The State Prison is a subject demanding serious attention, lest because of the great expenditures involved in that institution, that because of its effects and consequences in the community. It would be a source of just pride to the state, if the practicability of removing its turpitude, during the process of punishment, could be proved; and also that individuals can be returned to society as good subjects, who had been secluded from it for having forfeited their title to its privileges.
We concur with your Excellency in the nature and importance of the duties which devolve on the Legislature, and in the mistaken policy of a frequent change in the laws. We are persuaded that the Legislative power of a sovereign state should be exercised only of necessity; and that the most pernicious exercise of it is such as most be immediately followed by instances of subjection or repeal.
It is a cause of regret, that so many laws have been thought expedient concerning the judiciary; and of greater regret, that still further provisions are indispensable. Touching this highly important branch of the Government, which is "the immediate and invisible guardian of property, character and life," we trust we are assembled with new experience, and with the most patriotic dispositions. It is confidently believed, that the session will not close without an harmonious and ardent endeavour to remove the evils, which attend the administration of justice, under the present system, and to relieve the public from the excessive burthens, which accompany an appeal to the laws for their remedial influence.
We are gratified in finding that your Excellency's opinion, on the late proposed amendment of the Federal Constitution comports with the unanimous vote of the Legislature. The changes, which are wrought by the lapse of time, in the state of the nation, may make amendments unavoidable, in that instrument, if a reciprocity in its benefits is to be secured to the Union. The commendable jealousy of republicans justifies the belief, that proposals to amend, not grounded on such change, are intended, not to perpetuate but to destroy. Such proposals must be regarded as making  deceits , which the authors of them dare not avow; and as aiming at the existence of our liberties, however fascinating and grateful may be the forms in which they approach.
It will occasion mingled regret and astonishment to those who shall read the history of our country, if they do not find in it that our political liberty was preserved. The fact of our having had the power to choose our own government; our location on the globe; our means of information; our abundant resources; our religious toleration; our attachment to habits of virtue and piety—if these will not avail, there is no hope of rational freedom. The history of our species has prepared us to expect, that in this country, as in others, which have been in the action of all the blessings of which human nature is susceptible, there would be men restless, dissatisfied, or dangerously ambitious. But we are not prepared to believe, that such men, by themselves, or their agents, can permanently incline us to listen to calumnies against the worthies, and wisest patriots; nor engage us to neglect, to abandon, and revile the authors of our country's felicity. It is a melancholy truth, that the success of such designs has co-verted every republic that we have known of into a frightful despotism. But as our institutions are different from all, which have preceded them; as our citizens are different from all, who have lived under similar governments, we feel an assurance that the result of our political experiment will also be different. If we are destined in these hopes; if the great body of the community will not be influenced by such evidence, on this momentous subject, we govern them in all the common concerns of life; if it be their inclination to be deceived by those, who covet dominion over them, the patriotic and the virtuous cannot avert their destiny. A continued exertion for the public benefit, is, nevertheless, an imperious duty. It is should be without avail, consolation will be derived from the reflection, that posterity will form our impartial tribunal, and from the records of history will pronounce an unerring judgment on merit and demerit. A far higher consolation may be derived from feeling conscious that the actions of men are to be scanned where they will be had in remembrance as testimonies of title, to unchangeable approbation or reproach.
We are deeply impressed with the inseparable connection of free governments with learning, piety, and virtue; and shall feel it an indispensable obligation to spare no exertions, individually, and collectively, which may tend to their promotion. The University is especially under the protection of the Legislature; and we entertain an expectation that the present official vacancy will be so filled as to increase its celebrity, and give occasion for the exercise of illustrious virtue and talents.
We doubt not, a spirit of candour will govern during the session, and that we shall feel that our mission is to legislate, and not to inflame party animosity.
The tenour of your Excellency's life, and the uniform exertions of your abilities, while you have sustained a political relation to this people, assure us, that we shall have your concurrence in every measure, which will be conducive to the public welfare.
United States.
NINTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FRIDAY, JAN. 17, 1806.
AS soon as the journal of the preceding day was read, Mr. J. Randolph said he had a motion to make which required the galleries previously to be cleared. The galleries were accordingly cleared, and continued so for about two hours; when the doors were opened, and a written message from the President of the U. S. was presented by Mr. Coker.
The message being partly of a public and partly of a confidential nature, the galleries were cleared for a short time, while the latter part was read. The doors being again opened, the Clerk read the former part of the message relative to British aggressions on neutral rights. The message contains a copy of a letter transmitted by the Secretary of State to Mr. Monroe, dated April 1, 1805, on the impressment of American seamen; and the copy of a letter from the Secretary to Mr. Monroe, dated April 12, 1805, on the doctrine lately set up by Britain relative to neutral trade. Besides these papers, the message enclosed memorials from the merchants of New-York, of Newburyport, of Philadelphia, and of Charleston, and from the United Insurance Company of New-York, from the Newport Insurance Company, and from the Norfolk Marine Insurance Company.
Mr. Thomas moved the reference of the message to a committee of the whole on the state of the union, which was negatived.
Mr. Nicholson then moved to refer the message to the committee of ways and means. The house concurred in the motion to refer so much of the message as relates to spoliation, to the committee of ways and means. Ayes 59—Noes 13.
So much of the message as relates to the impressment of seamen, was referred to a select committee of seven members.
Mr. Gregg said that he had early in the session offered a resolution, which he thought had been at the time referred to a committee of the whole house. Finding that this was not the case, he rose to move that it should be so referred.—This resolution, as follows, was taken into consideration—Ayes 58—Noes 21—and referred to a committee of the whole house on the 1st Monday in February.
Resolved, That so much of an act, entitled "An act regulating the grants of land, and providing for the disposal of the lands of the United States, south of the State of Tennessee," as appropriates any portion of said lands, for the purpose of satisfying, quieting, or compensating any claims to the said lands, derived from any act, or pretended act of the state of Georgia, and neither recognized by the articles of agreement and cession between the United States and the state of Georgia, nor embraced by the two first mentioned sections of the above mentioned act be repealed. Adjourned until Monday.
MONDAY, JAN. 20.
The Resolutions of Vermont, for the prohibition of the importation of slaves, were laid on the table.
Mr. Stanton moved, that the President be requested to lay before the house a return of all the war-like stores, comprehending ordnance, for garrisons and floating batteries, iron and brass, of all calibres; mortars, howitzers, shot, ammunition and composition of powder, &c. &c. and where deposited; which was ordered to be printed.
A bill making an additional appropriation of 350,000 dollars to supply the deficiency in the naval appropriations of 1805—(making with a former appropriation for the same subject, 600,000 dollars) was agreed to without debate.—Ayes 78; and afterwards passed to be engrossed.
The bill for the relief of the governor, &c. of the U. S. Territories, North-west of the Ohio, passed to be engrossed.
On motion of Mr. Sloan, the house went into committee, on the resolution for imposing a duty of ten dollars on slaves imported into the United States. Mr. Dana moved to substitute the word "persons" in the room of "slaves." Mr. Sloan, Mr. Southard, Mr. Smilie, and Mr. F. S. supported the resolution. Mr. Dabe, Mr. Clark, and Mr. Alston, advocated the amendment; on the ground that all importations of the kind, whether black or white ought to be placed on the same footing. No decision was made this day.
A bill to extend the powers of the surveyor-general of Louisiana, and for other purposes, passed to be engrossed.
TUESDAY, JAN. 21.
The house, in committee, again took up the resolution for imposing a tax of ten dollars on every slave imported into the United States. Mr. Clark and Mr. Alston again advocated Mr. Dana's amendment, which was opposed by Mr. Sloan; and was negatived.—Ayes 32.
SENATE.
MONDAY, JAN. 20, 1806.
Mr. WEIGHT, (of Maryland) laid on the table, a bill "For the protection and indemnification of American Seamen,"—which was read, and passed to a second reading.
This bill, after a long struggle, reciting the first article of the treaty of 1794, between Great-Britain and the United States of America; and the impressment of American seamen made by British ships of war, enacts;
"That any person who shall impress any seamen, on board any vessel bearing the flag of the United States, shall be adjudged a pirate and felon; and on conviction in any place where

he may be apprehended, shall suffer death:—
"That it shall be lawful for any American seaman, sailing under the flag of the United States, to shoot, or otherwise kill and destroy any person attempting to impress him, from on board any vessel of the United States; and as encouragement, he shall be entitled to a bounty of two hundred dollars, to be paid out of the United States treasury.
"That it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, on receiving proof of any citizen of the United States, being impressed as aforesaid, to cause the most rigorous and exact retaliation on any subject of the government authorizing the impressment; and to seize them for the purpose.
"That all American seamen impressed, on board foreign vessels, shall be entitled to receive sixty dollars per month, for every month he shall be compelled to serve on board such vessel, which he, or his heirs, shall be entitled to recover in law, by attachment of any private debt, due from any citizen of the United States, to any subject of that government, by whose subjects he has been impressed; and the debtor shall be authorized to plead the judgment in such case as payment of so much of his debt:—And that so much of the treaty of 1794 between the United States and Great-Britain, as secures the inviolability of such debts, shall be declared null and void."
[The following Bill was introduced in the Senate by Dr. Logan, of Pennsylvania, on the 15th of January.]
A BILL
TO SUSPEND THE COMMERCIAL INTER-COURSE BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE FRENCH ISLAND OF ST. DOMINGO.
BE IT ENACTED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That after due notice of this act at the several custom-houses, no ship or vessel, owned, hired, or employed, wholly, or in part, by any person or persons residing within the United States, or the territories thereof, shall receive a clearance or be permitted to leave the port where she may be, for any port or place within the island of St. Domingo.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That this act shall continue in force until the end of the next session of Congress, and no longer.
FOREIGN NEWS.
INTERMEDIATE BULLETINS
Of the FRENCH GRAND ARMY OF GERMANY which were necessary to complete the chain of events from the arrival of BONAPARTE on the Danube, to his position before Vienna.
FRANCE. PARIS, 24th Brumaire, 1805. EIGHTEENTH OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE FRENCH GRAND ARMY.
Lintz, 14th Brumaire, (Nov. 5, 1805.)
PRINCE MURAT does not lose sight of the enemy. The enemy had left in Ebersberg three or four hundred men, to prevent the passage of the Traun; but the dragoons of General Walter threw themselves into boats, and under the protection of the artillery, impetuously attacked the city. Lieut. Villandet, of the 13th regiment of dragoons, was the first who crossed in a little boat. Gen. Walter, after having passed the bridge over the Traun, proceeded by the Enns. The brigade of Gen. Milbrand met the enemy at the village of Asten, routed them, pursued them quite into the Enns, and made 200 prisoners, fifty of whom are Russian hussars. Twenty Russian hussars have been killed. The rear of the Austrian troops, supported by the Russian cavalry, has been totally routed, neither of them have withstood a single charge. Marshal Davoust arrived on the 12th, at Steyer; on the 13th, he took possession of the city, and has made 200 prisoners. Gen. Derio, at the head of a corps of Bavarians, has fallen in at Lovers with the van of a column of five Austrian regiments from Italy, completely routed it, and has taken 400 prisoners, and three pieces of cannon. The Bavarians
sought with extreme bravery. The Inns may be considered as the last line which defends the approaches to Vienna. It is reported, that the enemy intends to keep possession of and trench himself behind the heights of Sainte Hyppolite, ten leagues from Vienna. Our van will be there to-morrow.
NINETEENTH OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE GRAND ARMY.
Lintz, 13th Brumaire, (November 6, 1805.)
The battle of Lovers was very brilliant for the Bavarians. The Austrians occupied beyond Lovers a defile almost inaccessible, flanked to the right and left by perpendicular mountains. The top was covered with Tyrolean chasseurs, who were acquainted with all the paths; three forts of stone work enclosing the mountains, rendered access to them almost impossible. Prince Murat, after the taking of Enns, pursued the enemy anew. The Russian army had taken a position on the heights of Amstetten; Prince Murat attacked it with Gen. Oudinot's grenadiers; the battle was obstinately contested. The Russians were driven from all their posts, and have left 400 dead on the field of battle, and 1500 prisoners. All the intercepted letters state, that the furniture of the Court is already embarked on the Danube, and that they are expecting at Vienna the speedy arrival of the French.
FIFTH OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE FRENCH ARMY OF ITALY.
14th Brumaire, (Nov. 5, 1805.)
After some hours repose at Montebello, the army pursued the enemy to Vincence.—The gates of the city had been walled up; the enemy were summoned to evacuate it; their reply was in the negative. A sentiment of humanity had dictated the summons of the general in chief; it was indispensably necessary to force a passage, and to point cannon and some howitzers against the gates, and unfortunately against the city itself. We entered at the break of day. The precipitation, with which the enemy retreated, obliged them to abandon a 1000 wounded, and to leave part of the contents of several magazines at our disposal. In the course of the day we made 800 prisoners.
The Austrians retreated by the road to Bassano. The army followed them, and continually harassed their rear. At the separation of the roads to Bassano and Traviso, they directed their march to the latter city, burning behind them the bridge which is over the rapid stream near Palu. Having arrived at the village of Saint Pierre in Gu, we found it occupied by a body of troops, which we charged vigorously. The village was carried, after a combat, which again procured to us 600 prisoners and one piece of cannon. We marched towards the Brenta. The van arrived at the moment when the enemy were attempting to destroy the bridge. There begun from one bank to the other a heavy cannonade, which the night only put a stop to.
The army was under arms on the right bank. At 4 o'clock in the morning, I caused several regiments of cavalry, with light troops mounted behind, to ford the river, while the bridge was repairing. The army soon filed off, and we arrived at Citadella in sufficient time to carry the last posts of the enemy. At five o'clock in the evening, we entered Castelfranco, and our chasseurs had already occupied Sairathunda and Albaredo.—The General in Chief felt the necessity of granting some hours to the wants of the army. In our march from Montebello we have taken more than 1800 prisoners.
The right division marched towards Padua, where it arrives to-day; the left went by the Sette Comuni towards Bassano, which it will occupy to-morrow. The army marches towards Pavia.
NOVEMBER 14.
The following is an extract of a letter from Milan, dated the 9th Nov. which contains details respecting the flight of the Archduke Charles, subsequent to those which we read in the 5th bulletin from the army of Italy.
"At the moment in which I am writing to you the whole of Italy must have been evacuated by the Austrians. It was expected that they would endeavour to retreat through Styria and Carinthia, which might still have afforded them some passages by which to escape from the grand army. The Archduke Charles believed that he saw a more speedy retreat in the Tyrol, and he will there be placed between two fires. Austrian prisoners and deserters come in, in crowds. They cannot express all the hardships which they have suffered. A contribution of 400,000 francs has been imposed by the French on Verona, and one million on Padua; the Austrians have abandoned Venice; but it is believed that it is yet occupied by the Russians. The greatest joy prevails in the kingdom of Italy."
Latest from Europe.
[The Schooner Sampson, Capt. TREADWELL, arrived at Boston, from Bilbao, (Spain) brought a Bayonne paper, which contained the following:—]
FRANCE.
"PARIS, NOV. 28
HIS Majesty Bonaparte dispatched an order to the army, from his Head Quarters in VIENNA, by which the garrison is strictly enjoined to maintain the best discipline in that capital, with due respect to the inhabitants, and their property.
"Advice, (Bulletin, we presume) 24. From the Grand Army. All the columns from the Grand Army are marching on with the greatest rapidity through Moravia, leaving the Danube many leagues behind. One of the patrolling parties of cavalry, having advanced to the gates of Presburg, (capital of High Hungary) stopped the Venice courier, just going into that city. The dispatches mention, that Prince Charles was retiring, by forced marches, to relieve Vienna.
"The Emperor of France has decreed, from the palace of Schoenbrun, that the province of Austria shall have a Governor General, and a Superintendent General, &c.
"Advice 25. From the Grand Army. (Schoenbrun, Nov. 16.) The Russian army, under the Baron of Wintringerode, first aid-de-camp of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia, capitulated to Prince Murat; (it is said his army is composed of 50,000 men.) The Austrian army have requested permission of the French to withdraw from the Russian; which has been allowed. Gen. Vjaldu made his entry into Presburg. Marshal Ney, after several battles, in which he beat the Austrians, has taken possession of Tirol. Gen. Klein, with his division of dragoons, has made an incursion into Bohemia.
"The French army having entered Hungary, very advantageous terms were offered Bonaparte to preserve its neutrality. These terms are now in negotiation, and will probably end in peace.
"Advice 7th, From the Army in Italy. (Gorina, Nov. 17.) This army, after several successful battles with the enemy, continues to advance rapidly towards the Grand Army of Germany."
Domestic Occurrences.
GEORGIA.
"SAVANNAH, JAN. 11.
ROCHEFORT SQUADRON.
CAPT. CONN, who has arrived here from Nassau, (New Providence) has furnished us with the Nassau Royal Gazette, of the 1st of January, containing further information of the French squadron of five sail of the line, two frigates, a brig and cutter, commanded by Admiral L'Almaine, from Rochefort, viz.
Nassau, (N. P.) Jan. 1, 1806.
Extract from the Journal kept by Capt. Reilly, of the brig Eliza and Mary.
"Sailed from New York the 16th Sept. and arrived at Teneriffe the 5th of Nov. where he learnt the following intelligence.—That the Rochefort squadron, consisting of five sail of the line, three frigates, and two brigs of war, with the Calcutta English 50 gun ship, and six English merchant ships, prizes to the squadron, had arrived at Santa Cruz on the 3d ult. which caused an embargo to be laid on all vessels departing, which was to continue while the squadron was in port. They had sunk several English ships, that had very valuable cargoes, on account of their bad sailing, not being able to keep up with the squadron—that they and uni-
formly burnt or destroyed all neutral vessels they fell in with at sea, that were either bound to or along the coast of Europe, to prevent intelligence getting to the English fleet—that they had taken out their crews, and told them they must go with them to France, and should be paid by the Government the full amount, with damage, &c.—that among the neutrals, were the following American vessels, viz. brig Minerva, Salter, of New-York, brig 2 Friends, Fenwick, of Charleston, with valuable cargoes, were both burned; sch. —, Tucker, of Boston, sch. —, Sargeant, of do. The number of neutral vessels, taken and destroyed by the squadron, amounted to 26, the captains of which, during the day, were allowed the liberty of going on shore, but the same privilege was not extended to their officers or crew. The Commander in Chief, Monsieur Le Almaine, had taken all their papers, and given to each a certificate, stating, that he had destroyed their vessels and cargoes, and that they must apply to the Minister at Paris, for a remuneration."
Capt. Conn adds, that on the 5th December the French squadron left Teneriffe; and that an American vessel (the Eliza and Mary, Reilly, of New-York, fell in with them on the 7th, Teneriffe then in sight, and saw them capturing the outward-bound Cork fleet, consisting of about 40 sail, one of which being a fast sailer, spoke the American vessel, and informed, that it was probable most of them would fall into the hands of the French.
FEDERAL CITY.
"WASHINGTON, JAN. 24.
General SMITH, of Maryland, agreeably to notice given yesterday, asked and obtained leave to bring in the following bill, which was read and ordered to a second reading.
A BILL,
FOR CLASSING THE MILITIA, AND ASSIGNING TO EACH CLASS ITS PARTICULAR DUTIES.
BE IT ENACTED, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That every free able bodied white male citizen of the United States, of the age of eighteen years, and under the age of forty-five, whose principal occupation is not on the high sea, or the tide waters within the United States, shall be of the militia for the land service of the United States. The persons so to constitute the land militia, shall be enrolled by their names and ages, in their proper districts, and in books kept for that purpose; such enrollment to be made without delay of those now within the description, and from time to time as to others who shall hereafter become so, always noting the date of the enrollment, and placing in a distinct page, or part of the book, those of every different year of age, from forty-five down to eighteen.
The said militia shall be distributed into classes as follows, to wit:—the junior class shall be composed of those above twenty-one, and under twenty-six years of age; the middle class of those above twenty-six, and under thirty-five years of age; the senior class of those above thirty-five, and under forty-five years of age; and those above eighteen, and under 21 years of age, shall compose the minor class.
The junior class shall be liable to perform all active services within the United States, or the countries next adjacent, by tours of duty, not to exceed one year in any two: and in order that the said services may be required of them equally, those of every battalion shall by its commanding officer be immediately divided by lot into ten parts, or portions, as nearly equal as may be; each portion to be distinguished by its particular number from one to ten, and to be called into duty in the order of their numbers, such call extending to so many numbers as the exigency may require: and every person so called on, may be assigned to the service of the artillery, infantry, cavalry, or of any other description, as the competent authority shall direct.
In consideration of the assiduous discipline required from the junior class, and of the services they shall have performed, or been liable to perform while in it, they shall never after passing into the middle class, be liable to actual service, but where the junior class for the time being is inadequate to the exigency; and then in their own or one of the adjoining states only, and by tours not exceeding three months in any year: for which purpose they shall be distributed into portions and numbers, and called on in routine, as is provided in the case of the junior class.
The senior and minor classes shall be liable to be called on, to do duty

within their own state only, and by tours not exceeding three months in any year: and they shall be separately distributed into portions and numbers, and called on in routine as provided for in the other classes.
Exemptions from militia duty, except in cases of religious scruples against bearing arms, shall only extend to the ordinary duties of mustering and disciplining, after having entered the middle or senior class, but all exemptions shall be enrolled in their classes and numbers and when called on for actual military service, shall be bound as others are to perform their due tours.
If any person called on to do the actual duties of his class, shall refuse, or unnecessarily delay to enter on duty, he shall be arrested as a deserter, either by the civil or military authority, shall be delivered to the proper military officer, and either punished as a deserter, or compelled to perform his tour of duty. But any person so called on, may commute his personal service, by tendering as a substitute, an able bodied white man, a citizen of the United States, fit for the service in the judgment of the officer who is to command him, and willing to engage therein. And all persons while engaged in performing a tour of duty, shall have the pay and rations allowed in the army of the United States and be subject to the rules, regulations, and articles, provided for the government of the same.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That all provisions in any law of the United States, or of any particular state, or territory, inconsistent with those of this act are hereby repealed: and all provisions in the laws of the United States or of any particular state or territory not inconsistent herewith, shall be understood to be left in force and liable to alteration by their respective enacting authorities.
MASSACHUSETTS.
BOSTON, FEBRUARY 1.
CHARLES PINCKNEY, Esq. Vice Minister of the United States, at the Court of Madrid, has arrived at Charleston, from Lisbon, and appears not to have confirmed fully, the report brought here by Capt. Rogers. Mr. Pinckney only observes, that the Spanish Government are disposed to allow the claims of our merchants against Spanish captures; but not those made by French ships in the ports of Spain.
DARING ROBBERY!—Last Wednesday night, about 12 o'clock, as Daniel Rannelle, of Haverhill, was passing through Andover, a few miles from Chickering's tavern, two men, armed with a gun and bayonet, stopped his sleigh, and demanded his money. But he repeatedly refused to deliver it, when they attempted to stab him in the breast; but as he sprang from them his foot slipped, and the bayonet entered his left side, without doing him any material injury. His pocket-book, containing 255 dollars and several notes, was then delivered up, and they went off. One of them was about 5 feet ten inches high, and rather corpulent, the other shorter, slender, and of a dark complexion, and both dressed in short dark colored coats or sailors' jackets.
COUNTERFEITS.
Yesterday, a man, by the name of Jenks, was committed to jail in Dedham, for having passed in this town, on Thursday, between five and six hundred dollars counterfeit Bank Bills, of the Farmers' Exchange Bank, of Gloucester, R. I. of the denomination of two, five, and ten dollars.—Centinel.
The building destroyed by fire at Salem, on Tuesday morning last, was occupied by Mr. Joshua Cushing, as a Printing-office, and Mr. Isaac Cushing, as a book-binding. The loss is estimated at 18,000 dollars—of which that of Messrs. Cushing and Appleton, Printers and Booksellers, is said to exceed one half. Mr. Joseph Hathorne owned the building which was burnt,—Mr. Jacob Alston's back kitchen, and the end of Mr. Nathaniel West's house were injured. Happily, there was a perfect calm, or the damage would have been very great and extensive.
A motion has been made in the Legislature of Virginia, to reward the valor and intrepidity of Lieut. O'BANNON, who accompanied our gallant Eaton in his researches in Egypt, his march through the desert of Barca, and his attack on Derne, with a Sword and a Gold Medal, with suitable achievements and motion.—Centinel.
At a Vice-Admiralty Court at Nassau, N. P. Dec. 24. 1805, before Judge Dyer, the American ship Mercury, Dolby, from Philadelphia, was tried; part of the cargo condemned as enemy's property, and freight ordered to be paid. The other parts, except a few shipments, postponed for further proof, directed to be restored. The captor's costs to be paid out of the property of one of the shippers, who had lent his name to cover Spanish property.
COUNTERFEIT BILLS.
THE following COUNTERFEIT BANK BILLS are in circulation in the Northern States—and we think it our duty to describe them, as far as in our power, to prevent their circulation. Those who are not thoroughly acquainted with bills ought to be cautious what ones they take—as there never were more counterfeiters in circulation, than at the present moment.
BILLS OF THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Union Bank, at Boston.
Five Dollar bills:—They are executed entirely with a pen, and can easily be distinguished from the true ones—but few in circulation.
Massachusetts Bank, at Boston.
Ten Dollar bills, a good imitation of the true ones—paper lighter—few in circulation.
New-Bedford Bank.
Nine Dollar bills—hard to distinguish from the genuine bills—excepting in the motto, "Peace to the World." In world, the l and d is in a shade in the counterfeits. The true bills have only the d. Paper more spungy and whiter than the original.
Maine Bank, Portland.
Five, Seven, and Nine Dollar bills are counterfeited. Some of the Nine's are dated March 16, 1803, and are hard to distinguish from the true bills. The seven are dated March 4, 1804, and are also well imitated.
Portland Bank.
Seven Dollar Bills—easily known from the genuine.
Nantucket Pacific Bank.
Ten Dollar Bills, and Two Dollar Bills of Nantucket Bank, altered to Ten Dollars.
Lincoln and Kennebec Bank, at Wiscasset.
Ten Dollar Bills. Imitation good. Paper lighter and more spungy than the genuine.
Plymouth Bank.
Five Dollar Bills, of the first impression, issued from the Bank: Imitation good; excepting the red and black ink, which are at once a detection of them;—but few in circulation.
Gloucester Bank.
Five and Ten Dollar Bills; but so badly done, that a single glance of the eye can detect them;—but few in circulation.
There are also Four and Six Dollar Bills of Salem Bank, in circulation. Imitation poor, besides bearing a fictitious signature of President and Cashier. The genuine bills bear the names of BENJAMIN PICKMAN, jun. as President, and JONA. HOODSON, as Cashier.
The incorporated Banks in this State, are twenty-two; and we believe all the counterfeit bills in circulation are enumerated above.
BILLS OF THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Dover Bank.
Two Dollar Bills: Very badly executed. They are dated Feb. 7, 1804.
Portsmouth.
Five and Ten Dollar Bills of New-Hampshire Bank, payable at the Bank of the United States in Philadelphia. They are a tolerable imitation.
Cheshire Bank, at Keene.
Ten Dollar Bills, dated Jan. 12, 1805. They are well executed, and known only by a critical examination with the true bills. Some two dollar bills of this bank, are also altered to a ten.
BILLS OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT.
Newark.
One Dollar bills altered to 25. The 25 in German Text, is shaded by a scrawl; in the genuine, they are not. One Dollar bills are also altered to ten—and are well done.
New-London.
Twenty Dollar Bills, altered from a smaller denomination, and extremely well done.
BILLS OF THE STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
Smithfield Bank.
Two, three, seven, five and ten dollar bills of this bank, have recently got into circulation. The seven are extremely well imitated—so much so, that it requires a very close comparison with the true bills, to distinguish them. The other denominations are also well imitated.
Providence.
Five dollar bills of the Exchange Bank—imitation very bad. There are also in circulation ten dollar bills of the banks in Providence, altered from a smaller denomination.
Newport Union Bank.
Three dollar bills, dated March 8, 1804—clumsily done.
Washington Bank, at Westerly.
One dollar bills, altered to twenty-five. There are also a few five dollar bills, counterfeited, of this bank, in circulation.
BILLS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Farmers' Bank, at Troy.
Ten dollar bills, the impression generally fairer than the true ones—paper lighter complexion, and more spungy.
Manhattan Bank, at New-York.
Five dollar bills—paper and impression about the same as those of Troy Bank.
Mercants' Bank, at New-York.
Five and Ten dollar bills, poorly imitated, and easily known from the genuine bills.
Besides the above counterfeits, there are five, ten, twenty and fifty dollar bills of the United States Bank, in circulation. Those acquainted with bills, can easily discover them from the genuine.
There have also, within a few days got into circulation, spurious ten dollar bills of Newbern Bank, dated July 25, 1805, signed JAMES M'KINLAY, President, and M. C. STEPHENS Cashier. They are a handsome looking bill—but no such bank exists. There are also no such banks as Burlington, Richmond, Scituate, or Philadelphia Union Bank; bills of which are in circulation.
POSTSCRIPT.
Since our publication in the Centinel, stating the number of Counterfeit bank bills in circulation, we have seen four other kinds, not enumerated in our statement, viz.—Three Dollar Hartford Bank, altered to Thirty Dollars, and extremely well done—Three Dollars of Cheshire Bank, also altered to Thirtys Dollars—2, 3, 5 and 10 Dollar bills of Gloucester Rhode-Island Bank, many of which are in circulation. They are a tolerable imitation of the genuine ones. Also, Five Dollar bills of Lincoln and Kennebec Bank, poorly done.
From motives of public good we have been thus particular in describing all the counterfeit bills in circulation; and the several printers will doubtless render a service to the community, by inferring the above in their papers.
GILBERT & DEAN.
WARREN: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1806.
More American Seamen impressed into the British Navy!
THE public mind being much agitated on the subject of the impressment of Mr. OLIVER CHILD and Mr. ELLERY KING, the following Extract of a Letter and Documents have been furnished as for publication, by CHARLES COLLINS, Jr. Esq. Collector for the District of Bristol.—viz.—
Extract of a letter from JOHN D'WOLFE, Esq. master of the ship Andromache, of Bristol, dated "Havana, Jan. 19th, 1806."
"Nine days out I was boarded by an English frigate, the Vengeance, and in spite of all my remonstrances, they took from me OLIVER CHILD, ELLERY KING, and DENNIS WHEELER:—This Wheeler directly acknowledged himself to be an Irishman to the captain of the frigate, and said that he had not been from Cork three months. This circumstance had a tendency to destroy the virtue of all the protections on board, I came very near losing eight people; my mates among the rest."
"OLIVER CHILD was born in Warren, the 28th of January, 1776, as appears on record in this office; from whence his protection issued, bearing date, Jan. 18th, 1805—is a respectable freeholder of said town of Warren—has a wife, and several small children—is a good seaman, and an excellent mechanic (coulker)—was a passenger on board the Andromache, for Havana, where he intended to work at his trade, this winter, on board American vessels."
"ELLERY KING was born in Tiverton, in this State, on the 8th day of March, 1789, as appears by a certificate from PARDON GRAY, Esq. Town Clerk of said town, dated Dec. 11, 1805.—He received a protection from this office, bearing date Dec. 20th, 1805, very accurately describing his person—was never at sea before—He belonged to the ship."
"WHEELER produced a protection when he was cleared out; but how he obtained it, I know not."
CHARLES COLLINS, jun. Collector. Custom-House, Port of Bristol, February 6th, 1806.
NEWS!!
In the National Intelligencer of Monday last, (27th of January) we had the following extract of a letter, dated "Lisbon, 5 o'clock, Dec. 6.—"An hour since the mail arrived.—Unofficial advice says to me that VIENNA is taken, and a contribution of a MILLION Sterling levied. VENICE and TYROL, and twelve strong holds given to the French as security for an armistice, while a peace is negotiating.—N. Y. Gazette."
The New York Gazette of Jan. 31, says—The arrival of the Rochefort squadron at Teneriffe is confirmed. A letter was received in town yesterday from Capt. Riley, of the brig Eliza and Mary, of this port, dated Oranawia, (Teneriffe) Nov. 17, stating—That on the 3rd Nov. the Rochefort squadron arrived at San Cruz, in that island, from a cruise of four and an half months, consisting of one ship of 122 guns, four of 74, three frigates, and two brigs, commanded by L'Almane. They brought in six British prizes, (three ships and three brigs) viz. ships Ganges, Union, and Princess Mary, laden with coffee, sugar, and cotton. The squadron sunk and burnt all neutrals they met with, that were bound to or along the European coast, amounting to 25 sail, four of which were Americans; (mentioned under the Savannah head)—the other neutrals were Danes, Swedes, Prussians, Portuguese, and two Moors. When the squadron arrived, an embargo was immediately laid, and all the boats put in requisition, and ordered round to San Cruz, to assist in watering the fleet. The ships and cargoes (prizes) were sold at auction for about 105,000 dollars, and were supposed to be worth 400,000 dollars.
CORK FLEET RECAPTURED.
A letter from a respectable gentleman at St. Croix, of the 5th Jan. says—"We have nothing new here except the recapture of the Cork fleet, and the taking of the Rochefort squadron, by Admiral Sterling. Fifteen sail of them have arrived at Barbadoes."—N.Y.G.
We have it from good authority, that the best SUPERFINE FLOUR is now selling at Alexandria and Fredericksburg, at 6 dollars, and 6.50 cents—and PORK in Richmond, at 5 dollars, and 5.50 cents.—Norfolk Herald.
UNITED STATES MINT.
The President of the United States lately communicated to Congress a report of the Director of the Mint, comprehending the operations of that institution. It appears, by the report, that since its establishment in 1793, there have been coined Money to the amount of 4,747,343 dollars; the number of pieces of coin, amounting to 22,594,832—of which there were EAGLES 138,824; HALF-EAGLES 239,489; QUARTER-EAGLES 11,315; Dollars 1,483,032; Half Dollars 787,197; Quarters 1,344,278; Dimes 304,406; Half Dimes 205,543; Cents 16,659,947; Half Cents 2,570,801. In 1805, there were above 34,000 pieces of gold struck, amounting to 170,367 dollars.—Above 469,000 pieces of silver, amounting to 149,000 dollars; and about 13,000 dollars worth of copper coins.—The total value exceeding 332,000 dollars. The gain on the copper coinage the last year amounted to 2,187 dollars. The report adds, that the Bank will furnish the Mint an ample supply of Bullion during the current year.
THE Important Documents lately transmitted to Congress, are very lengthy. We shall, however, insert them, as room will permit.
SHIP NEWS.
STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
DISTRICT OF BRISTOL.
CLEARED. Sloop Polly, Bowen, Sch. Prudence, Bradford, Brig Clinton, Barr, For Havana Ditto Ditto
The schr. Betsey, Rogers, of Bristol, R.I. from Cuba, is lost on Squam beach, (N. J.) and most of her cargo is also lost. Five other vessels (among them the brig Palfrey, and schr. Topham, both bound to New-York) were cast away in the late storm on the same beach.
On the 30th of January captain J. Henderson, of the brig Good Intent, returned to Salem, from St. Jago de Cuba, via the Vineyard, where he arrived passenger in a Beverly vessel. Capt. Hathorne had sold his cargo, (except a few barrels of flour) at St. Thomas—he then went with the proceeds to the Main—not admitted there proceeded to Cuba, and when nearly in with the land, was taken by a Guadalupe privateer, Capt. Dupree, and carried into the very port he was entering of his own accord. Capt. H. threw himself upon the protection of the Governor, and delivered into his trust his money, which the Frenchman had not been able to find, but which they then demanded of the Governor; the latter refused to give it up until a condemnation should be had, which was sent for to Guadalupe, and which there was no doubt would be furnished, according to common practice there—upon what principle in the law of nations, "jurists" and "publicists" must determine.
The schr. Frederick, capt. Wm. Appleton, of and for Boston, from Nantes, has arrived in Cape-Fear river, (N.C.) after being delayed one hundred and one days! On his passage he spoke with, and was generously supplied by the following vessels:—Oct. 8, by ship Ardour, Man, from New-York; Oct. 14, by brig Hope, Genins, of Boston; Nov. 29, by ship Julius, Hall, from Charleston; Dec. 11, (lat. 33, long. 73) by schr. Gov. Strong, Chase; Dec. 27, by ship Hudson, Thomas; and Jan. 4, by schr. Alice Ann, Jones, from Charleston, who towed him into Cape Fear river.
Capt. Sabins, in a Bristol R.I. ship, has been spoken on the African coast, bound to Lee-ward.
A vessel, about 140 tons, with a red bottom, has been seen a wreck in the Gulf Stream.
The Joseph, Conn. of Savannah, from C. Francois, captured by the British, has been liberated at New-Providence, on paying 700 dollars costs.
The Logan, Banker, from New-York for Amsterdam, has been sent into England, her papers examined, and the ship immediately released.
The ship James and William, from Isle of France, has been sent into New-Providence, by the Cambrian.
The proprietor of the Telegraph, at the Vineyard, has offered his services to the merchants of New-York and Philadelphia.
Advice to American Shipping Merchants. The Merchants of America are advised to direct their correspondents, particularly in France, not to put any other mark on their goods than the initials of their name, without any counter mark, which the French generally put. It frequently happens in the English West-India and other ports, that vessels are detained for further proof for no other reason than the counter mark of the Shipper being added to that of the Owner.
Cotton Warp and Filling.
A LARGE supply, of various numbers, at the Factory prices, per bundle or otherwise, for sale by the subscriber, opposite the BAPTIST MEETING-HOUSE.
WHERE ALSO MAY BE HAD, Best American
LINSEED OIL,
per barrel or less quantity, on as good terms as can be obtained at the Mills.
European, East & West-India GOODS, &c. &c.
PASCHAL ALLEN.
WARREN, Feb. 8, 1806.
RANGEING TIMBER.
WANTED immediately, 10,000 feet of RANGEING TIMBER, for which Cash will be paid on delivery—any Person wishing to Contract for the same, will call on the Subscriber:—Also Wanted,
Two or three APPRENTICES to the ROPE MAKING BUSINESS, apply to CHARLES WHEATON.
Warren, Jan. 31, 1806.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, } January 30th, 1806.
THE Creditors of WILLIAM BARTON the second, of Warren, in the county of Bristol, butcher, are hereby notified to appear, if they shall think fit, at the General Assembly, to be held at East Greenwich, on the fourth Monday of February next, then and there to show cause, if any they may have, why his petition for the benefit of an act, passed in June, A.D. 1756, entitled, "An Act for the relief of insolvent Debtors," ought not to be granted.
SAMUEL EDDY, Sec'y.
A few TICKETS in the BRISTOL ROAD LOTTERY may be had of the Editor of this paper.—NOW is the important crisis!—The Goddess of FORTUNE awaits a levee.—Tickets are ready for admission, and on MONDAY next the wheels will move with rapidity.—Apply soon, or the chance will be lost.

APOLLO'S FOUNT.
NATIVE GENIUS.
[The following original SONG, was sung at GEORGETOWN, at an Entertainment given to CAPTAIN DECATUR and STEWART. It is a native production, which the pride of a PHILLENIA or MENANDER, would not blush to own.]
TUNE—ANACREON.
WHEN the warrior returns from the battle afar To the home and the country he has nobly defended, Oh! Warm be the welcome to gladden his ear, And loud be the joys that his perils are ended! In the full tide of song, let his fame roll along, To the feast-flowing board let us gratefully throng, Where mixt with the olive, the laurel shall wave, And form a bright wreath for the brow of the brave.
Columbians! a band of thy brothers behold! Who claim their reward in thy heart's warm emotion: When thy cause, when thy honor urg'd onward the bold,
In vain frown'd the desert—In vain rag'd the ocean, To a far distant shore—to the battle's wild roar. They rush'd, thy fair fame and thy right to secure. Then, mixt with the olive, the laurel shall wave, And form a bright wreath for the brow of the brave.
In the conflict resistless, each toil they endur'd, Till their toils shrunk dismay'd from the war's defo- lation;
And pale beam'd the Crescent, its splendor obscur'd By the light of the star-spangled flag of our nation, Where each flaming star gleam'd a meteor of war, And the turban'd heads bow'd to the terrible glare. Then, mixt with the olive, the laurel shall wave, And form a bright wreath for the brow of the brave.
Our fathers, who stand on the summit of fame, Shall exultingly hear, of their sons, the proud story, How their young bosoms glow'd with the patriot flame, How they fought, how they fell, in the midst of their glory,
How, triumphant they rode o'er the wandering flood, And stain'd the blue waters with infidel blood; How, mixt with the olive, the laurel did wave, And form a bright wreath for the brow of the brave.
Then welcome the warrior return'd from afar, To the home and the country he so nobly defended, Let the thanks due to valor now gladden his ear, And loud be the joy that his perils are ended; In the full tide of song, let his fame roll along, To the feast-flowing board let us gratefully throng, Where, mixt with the olive, the laurel shall wave, And form a bright wreath for the brow of the brave.
From the Boston CENTINEL.
THOUGH the season, thus far, "take it for all in all," has not been severe;—yet it has been a hard one for the sons and daughters of poverty. As it is the lot of many of our fellow creatures to suffer, particularly at this season, by penury and want; so it should be the pride of the rich to seek out objects for the exercise of their benevolence.
CHARITY IN WINTER.
WHEN raging storms deform the air, And clouds of snow descend, And the wide landscape, bright and fair, No deepens'd colours blend:
When biting frost rides on the wind, Bleak from the North and East, And wealth is at its ease reclind, Prepar'd to laugh and feast:
When the poor traveller treads the plain, All dubious of his way, And crawls with night-increasing pain, And dreads the parting day:
When poverty, in vile attire, Shrinks from the biting blast, Or hovers o'er the pygmy fire, And fears it will not last:
When the fond mother hugs her child Still closer to her breast; And the poor infant, frost-beguil'd, Scarce feels that it is prest:—
Then let thy bounteous hand extend Its blessings to the poor, Nor spurn the wretched, while they bend All suppliant at your door.
THE ZEGRIS:
A Spanish Novel.
ABDALLAH applied to a Moor who had been in this disastrous cruise, and who spoke the Spanish language. This man undertook to negotiate the ransom of Saydan; and as a communication subsisted between Tangier and Algeciras, he crossed without difficulty to the Spanish shore in the habit of a Spaniard.
Saydan, in the mean time, was so far happy in the delicate and generous friendship of don Lewis and his sisters, that he would scarce have thought himself a captive, but for his absence from his adored Azida. They had frequent conversations; in these was conspicuous that generous flow of soul, in which each of them forgot the distinction of master and of captive.
"How is it possible," said don Lewis, one day, to the African, "that a warrior, like thee, could be brought to associate with pirates, with the enemies of mankind?"—"My lord," an-
swered Saydan, "the appellation of mankind is not confined to the christians. Besides, you must be sensible, that there exists between the mahometans of Africa and the christians a perpetual war, which short and ill-observed truces scarcely interrupt. The weak is vanquished by the strong, detained in slavery, and never restored to liberty but for a pecuniary consideration. So far we are upon equal terms."
"What a detestable practice," replied don Lewis, "thus to make slaves by violence, and to sell men like abject beasts!"—"I allow," said the African, "that our custom of making slaves may be sometimes violent and cruel, but it is never base. Your generosity to me, my lord, has every claim also to gratitude; it has every claim also to the truth; and I will appeal to yourself whether I do not taste it justly.—Never, then, did a vessel leave our ports, to carry vile merchandise to the western coasts of Africa, there to purchase men, and women, and children, that we never knew, that never did us wrong! Never did our vessels transport those unhappy beings to distant climes, to exist there without repose, without consolation, without hope; to die there in perpetual bondage, or under the scourge of their ruthless executioners. Never did we procure gold, the produce of the sweat, of the blood of those deplorable victims of unfeeling avarice. What can be more reproachable than this! To do the greatest possible injury to innocent men; to reduce them to this state of wretchedness, without allowing them the means of self defence, without running any hazard in attacking them! And to exercise this infamous practice from the basest and most contemptible motives! And yet we, who detest this conduct, we are the enemies of mankind! What strange philosophy is this! Ye enlightened, ye humane Europeans, ye are the friends of the human race, and—ye have bowels of iron!—For my part, my lord, I shall adhere to the nobler philosophy of the sage Mehemet Taffer, president of the great college of Fez, in which I was educated. He taught me, that a nation may be glorious in arms, splendid in riches, and illustrious for arts and talents, and yet, if inattentive to the cultivation of universal reason and justice, it shines not with real glory, and is still sunk in ignorance and barbarity. My lord, shall we judge of the Europeans by the rule of Mehemet Taffer."
Such was the frankness with which the noble African addressed his conqueror. In other conversations, the expulsion of the Moors from Granada, and the perfidious and cruel treatment was mentioned by Saydan, and deplored by don Lewis. "But we have been punished," said he, "for that false and inhuman policy. That sensible decay under which our monarchy now languishes, began precisely at the period when your ancestors were expelled."
The Moor who had been despatched by Abdallah, to effect the ransom of the noble Saydan, soon arrived at the castle of don Lewis. He was astonished to find the corsair in a captivity of a kind unknown at Tetuan. He presented to him letters from Abdallah and Azida. With what ecstasy did this ardent lover behold the well-known characters of his adorable mistress! It was some time before he could open it, and read its inestimable contents:
"AZIDA TO SAYDAN."
"Ah! Saydan! Saydan, where art thou? If the black angel have—I shudder at the thought. But if thou art still living, if the characters traced by the hand of thy faithful Azida should reach thee, receive the gold and jewels which the trusty Marcon will deliver. Give the whole for thy ransom, and leave that detested country. Return instantly with Marcon. My brother is going to send to Mantefa, to inform Hamet-Muley Zegri, of our misfortunes. Return instantly, if thou lovest thy AZIDA."
Saydan hastened to obey his beautiful mistress. He repaired to don
Lewis, who, actuated by the extraordinary esteem which he entertained for his captive, had determined to take no money for his ransom. The profession of a merchant too was beneath the dignity of a noble Spaniard; and it was more consonant to his exalted sentiments to require the liberty of a certain number of christians, in proportion to the rank of Saydan. He was thinking of this proposal, when Saydan came to present the letters, with the money for his ransom. But how great was the anxiety of the African, on observing a sudden emotion in the countenance of don Lewis! "Who art thou?" demanded he: "what is thy name?"—"My name," answered the slave, "is too illustrious to be concealed. It is Saydan Zegri."—"What!" said don Lewis, art thou a Zegri? Can this be true?"—"I am of a family," replied Saydan, "unaccustomed to falsehood, that contemptible vice of vulgar souls: I am a Zegri."—"I have been informed, however," returned don Lewis, "that Hamet Zegri left no posterity, or that it was extinct at Morocco."—"I am not surprised," resumed Saydan, "that you know the name of Hamet. He was a great man. If his sovereign had known his worth, Ferdinand and his soldiers would have perished before the walls of Granada. After the loss of that city, Hamet was determined neither to be, nor to seem to be a christian. He took refuge in Morocco. His posterity resided there for more than a century, down to my great-grandfather Ibrahim Zegri, who, to shelter himself from the storms of a court agitated by excessive despotism, retired to Mantefa, in the province of Tremecen, where we have great estates; and where Hamet Muly Zegri and I were born."—Don Lewis offered his hand to Saydan: "I am descended," laid he, from Ysouf Ferez, brother of Hamet Saydan; come and embrace a Zegri."—"Art thou a Zegri, my lord? exclaimed Saydan: "I believe it, I believe it. Thy conduct to me has been worthy of that name."—Don Lewis sent for his sisters. "This is a Zegri," said he, presenting Saydan to them: "he is of our family."—The sisters received this news with equal pleasure and surprise; and the scene that ensued resembled the discovery and restoration of a friend long lost to his family.
This will not appear surprising to those who consider, how much the Spanish nobility pride themselves upon illustrious ancestry; that a kind of sanctity is impressed upon the name of an ancient house, which entitles all that bear it to every possible respect; and that the blood of the Moorish conquerors of Spain still flows (as in this particular instance) in the veins of some of the noblest families of that country.
The situation of things was greatly changed by this unexpected discovery. It gave to Saydan the knowledge of the Spanish branch of his illustrious family: it restored, without any stipulation, his liberty, and the certainty of seeing Azida; but to this happy event it necessarily prolonged the time. Don Lewis neither could nor would send Saydan back without rich presents, and in a situation, and with an equipage, worthy of the name of Zegri.
The happy time at length arrived. Yet Saydan, impatient as he was to behold his beloved Azida, could not leave these excellent Zegris without regret. It is not possible to describe a parting scene, all the characters in which had displayed that generosity of sentiment which dignifies the human mind. The son of don Lewis accompanied Saydan to Algeciras. He gave him a rich diamond ring. "Take this," said he, "for the beautiful Azida.—Presented by Saydan, as the gift of a Zegri, she cannot refuse it."—The two Zegris parted, and the African vessel was not long in sight.
Three months afterward, a Spaniard whom Saydan had redeemed, arrived at the castle of don Lewis. He informed him, that the vessel which had brought him to Carthagena, was
laden, on his account, with a considerable freight; and he delivered to him this letter:
"The Slave Saydan to his generous Master."
"You and yours, my lord, are incessantly in the heart of Saydan. He claims your congratulations: he is the husband of Azida. My dear master, be assured of the friendship of my brother Hamet. He has received your present. Receive ours. Besides others, which you will distribute among our illustrious relations, there are two Arabian horses, with their genealogy. We imagine that one of them will be for you, and the other for the young and noble Zegri, don Michael. Azida wears his ring: she sends him a scarf embroidered by herself. Ah! my lord, you are not here, nor are we with you. This is the only regret with the husband of Azida. Why did fortune, in cruel sport, separate the two branches of a cedar once so lofty? May the God of all nations protect the Zegris of Spain and of Africa; and when you look toward these shores, say, Saydan Zegri is there; and loves us.—Adieu. L."
ON THE DUTIES OF A MARRIED WOMAN. (AN EXTRACT.)
"HOME is the centre around which the influence of every married woman is principally accumulated. It is there that she will naturally be known and respected the most; it is there, at least, that she may be more known, and more respected, than she can be in any other place. It is there that the general character, the acknowledged property, and the established connections of her husband, will contribute, with more power than they can possess elsewhere, to give weight and impressiveness to all her proceedings. Home, therefore is the place where the pattern which she exhibits in personal manners, in domestic arrangements, and in every branch of her private conduct, will be more carefully observed, and more readily copied by her neighbours in a rank of life familiar to her own, than it would be in a situation where she is a transitory visitor."
Here, also, the duty of the wife to render home, by the winning charms of her behaviour, attractive and delightful to her husband, derives additional power.
Let her consider the numberless temptations to vice, to profusion, to dissipation and idleness, with which she is encompassed. Let her remember with what various characters, the business of her station renders him familiar; of whom some, doubtless, openly deride the principles of virtue; others sap them by insidious machinations; others extenuate, by their wit and talents, the offensiveness of guilt; others add to the seducing influence of fashionable vices, the fascinations of splendor and popularity. Is she desirous of society? Would she confirm him in domestic habits? Would she fortify him against being allured into the baunts of intemperance, debauchery and profaneness? Let her conduct show that home is dear to herself in his absence, still dearer when he is present. Let her unaffected mildness, her ingenious tenderness place before his mind a forcible contrast to the violence, the artifice, the hauteur, the unfeeling selfishness which he witnesses in his commerce with the world. Let the cheerful tranquility of domestic pleasures stand in the place of trifling and licentious festivity abroad. Let his house, as far as her study and exertions can be effectual, be the abode of happiness; and he will have little temptation to bewilder himself in seeking for happiness under another roof."
THE Subscribers being by the Honorable Court of Probate, for the Town of Barrington, appointed Commissioners to receive and examine the Claims and Demands against the Estate of FRANCIS DEDRICK HUNT, late of said Barrington deceased, represented insolvent, and six months being allowed for that purpose:—We hereby notify the Creditors of said Estate to exhibit their claims against said Estate to either of us, at our respective dwellings within said time, or they will be precluded by Law.
SOLO. TOWNSEND, jun. Com. JOHN SHORT, jun. Com.
*Barrington, Jan. 23, 1805.
N. B. All who are any way indebted to said Estate are requested to make immediate payment, to AMARIAH LILLY, Adm'r.