Herald of the United States (Warren, R.I.), 1806-03-15 00:00:00

Gerald of the United States.
WARREN:—PUBLISHED NEAR THE POST-OFFICE, BY NATHANIEL PHILLIPS.
[No. 24, of Vol. XIV.]
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1806.
[Whole No. 690.]
WEEKLY ALMANACK.
   MARCH. D. W. T. H. Sea. REMARKS.     16 Sunday, 6 6 3 58 5 18   17 Monday, 6 5 6 4 24 5 59   18 Tuesday, 6 3 6 4 48 6 43   19 Wednesday, 6 2 6 5 15 7 27   20 Thursday, 6 1 6 5 43 8 11 New Moon, 2h.   21 Friday, 6 0 6 7 49 8 54 36m. morn.   22 Saturday, 5 58 7 8 57 9 42  
Take Notice.
ALL persons any ways indebted to the Estate of NATHANIEL MARTIN , late of Barrington , Esquire, deceased, are requested to make immediate payment to the subscribers, Executors to the last Will and Testament of said NATHANIEL : And those who have any demands against said Estate are also requested to exhibit the same to CALVIN MARTIN, ANDERSON MARTIN , } Executors. Barrington, March 8, 1806. 6m.
Whereas the Hon. Court of Probate for the town of Warren , appointed the subscribers Commissioners to the Estate of THOMAS ALLEN , late of Warren , Mariner, deceased, represented insolvent:—All persons having demands against said Estate, are hereby notified to exhibit the same to either of the subscribers, at their respective dwellings, within six months, being the time allowed by said Court. EDWARD CHASE, ALLEN HOAR, ANSELL CHURCHILL , } Commissioners. Warren, March 8, 1806.
ALL persons indebted to said Estate, are requested to make immediate payment, to STEPHEN DAVOL, Adm'r.  Warren, March 8, 1806.
AUCTIONS.
TO BE SOLD, AT PUBLIC VENDUE, On MONDAY, 7th of April, on the Premises. THE residue of the reserved part of the Estate of MARMEDUE MASON, Esq. so called, for the payment of the debts of the said Marmedue , consisting of one half of the House where the said Marmedue last dwelt, with about three Acres of Meadow Land. East of said House.—Conditions of sale to be made known, at time and place of sale. WILLIAM BARTON, Executor.  Warren, February 28, 1806.
NOTICE.
NOTICE is hereby given, that agreeable to an Order of the Honourable Supreme Judicial Court, of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, held at Bristol, in and for the County of Bristol, on the 2d Monday of September, A. D. 1805; will be Sold at PUBLIC VENDUE, on Tuesday the 18th day of April next, at Two o'Clock, in the afternoon of said day, on the premises, agreeable to the Statute of this State in such case made and provided: All the real Estate that NATHANIEL PHILLIPS, jun. late of said Bristol , mariner deceased, died seized of, for the payment of his just debts, and other contingent charges, (to wit) one certain lot of Land, containing about one eighth of an Acre, be the same more or less, situate in the Compact Part of said town of Bristol :—And is bounded as follows; (to wit)—Easterly on the Main Street in said Bristol —Northerly on Land of WILLIAM DIMAN —Westerly on Land of RICHARD HARDING ; and Southerly on Land of Capt. SETH LINCOLN , with a large new Dwelling-House thereon standing, with all the Appurtenances thereunto appertaining: Also, right of dower, in said premises of the Widow of the said NATHANIEL :—Conditions of sale to be known in writing at the time of sale. JOHN HOWLAND, Adm'r.  Bristol, February 28, 1806.
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.
Public Official Documents.
RESPECTING OUR CONNEXION, &c. WITH THE EX-BASHAW OF TRIPOLI.
(Concluded from our last.)
Extracts of a letter from ROBERT DENISON , Secretary to the Commander of the Mediterranean Squadron, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated Malta, 22d May, 1805.
IT appears, by a variety of letters which have been received, that the Bashaw is seriously disposed and earnestly desirous for peace with the United States, and what confirms this idea beyond all doubt is the receipt, by Col. Lear, of a letter, written at the express solicitation of the Bey, by the Spanish Consul, with overtures for opening a negotiation, and accompanying a teschera or passport under the Bey's seal, guaranteeing the inviolability of any person or persons sent to Tripoli to treat of peace. These direct evidences of a pacific disposition in the Bashaw, were a few days ago prefaced by a communication to Com. Barron from Mr. Nifsen, the Danish Consul, written at the desire of the Minister, Sidi Mahomet Doghi, expressing the Minister's sincere and earnest wish for the re-establishment of peace, and recommending that a person should be sent over immediately to commence a negotiation. In consequence of these repeated and unequivocal manifestations of a disposition, on the part of the enemy, to accommodate differences, the commander in chief thought it his duty officially to communicate to the Consul-General his opinion, that the present moment is favorable for opening a negotiation, and the latter having expressed his coincidence therewith, the measure has been agreed upon.
Article 3d of the preliminary articles of a treaty of peace to be entered into between the President of the U. S. of America, on one part, and the Bashaw, Bey and subjects of Tripoli, in Barbary, on the other part.
Upon the conclusion of a peace, as aforesaid, between the United States, and the regency of Tripoli, all the forces of the United States, which have been, and may be, in hostility against the Bashaw of Tripoli, in the province of Derne, or elsewhere, within the dominions of the said Bashaw, shall be withdrawn therefrom, and no supplies shall be given by, or in behalf of the said United States, during the continuation of the peace aforesaid, to any of the subjects of the said Bashaw, who may be in hostility against him, in any part of his dominions; and the Americans will use all means in their power to persuade the brother of the said Bashaw, who has co-operated with them at Derne, &c. to withdraw from the territory of the said Bashaw of Tripoli; but they will not use any force or improper means to effect that object; and in case he should withdraw himself as aforesaid, the Bashaw engages to deliver up to him his wife and children, now in his power. (Signed) TOBIAS LEAR.
EXTRACTS.
Col. LEAR to WILLIAM EATON, Esq. Tripoli, June 6th, 1805.
In consequence of a representation made to me by Com. Barron, that the present was a favorable moment for us to enter into a negotiation with the bashaw of Tripoli, and my instructions leaving it to the commander of our forces in this sea to determine the proper time for such an attempt, I repaired off this place on the 26th ultimo, in the U. S. frigate Essex , and immediately opened a communication with the Bashaw. His demands were 200,000 dollars for peace and ransom, and the delivery on our part of all the Tripolitan in our possession, and a restoration of all their property. These terms were at once rejected in toto ; and after some discussion, I proposed, as the ultimum, that a mutual delivery of prisoners should take place, and as he had a balance of more than 200 in his favor, I would give him 60,000 dollars for them; but not a cent for peace, which should be made on terms of the most favored nation with whom he has a treaty, and a regulation respecting prisoners, if a future war should take place between our nation; and in order to prevent any fruitless altercation, I declared I would not go on shore to complete the business until these terms were formally acceded to. The weather proving bad for the season, obliged our vessel to keep off, and prevented a regular communication with the shore, which prevented the completion of the preliminaries until the 3d instant, when they were sent off to me with the Bashaw's seal. I immediately went on shore, and in 24 hours all the officers and crew of the late frigate Philadelphia , were sent on board the ships.
I found that the heroic bravery of our few countrymen at Derne, and the idea that we had a large force and immense supplies at that place, had made a deep impression on the Bashaw. I kept up that idea, and endeavored from thence to make an arrangement favorable to his brother, who, although not found to be the man whom many had supposed, was yet entitled to some consideration from us. But I found that this was impracticable, and that if
persisted in, would drive him to measures which might prove fatal to our countrymen in his power. I therefore engaged, of course, that on the conclusion of peace, we should withdraw all our forces and supplies from Derne, and other parts of his dominions; and the Bashaw engages, that if his brother withdraws himself quietly from his dominions, his wife and family should be restored to him. This is all that could be done, and I have no doubt the United States will, if deserving, place him in a situation as eligible as that in which he was found.
TRANSLATED.
Copy of a letter from Hamet Bashaw Caramanli, to his friend and brother, WILLIAM EATON, late general and commander in chief of our allied forces in our kingdom of Tripoli.
Without placing in view the misfortunes which so long pursued me, I cannot forbear expressing to you, at this moment of our final separation, the deep sense of gratitude I feel for your generous and manly exertions in my behalf. Be assured, that in whatever situation the will of God shall place me, I shall always bear this impression of gratitude on my heart.
On returning to your happy country, to which I wish you a safe passage, I request you will express to your sovereign, my cordial thanks for his manifestations of friendship towards me. Had it been ordained, that measures might have been carried forward to the attainment of my wishes, the restoration of my rightful dominions to me, it would certainly have been a cause of eternal gratitude. But it is true, my own means were small. I know indeed they did not answer your reasonable expectations. And this I am ready to admit, is a good reason why you should not choose to persevere in an enterprise hazardous in itself, and perhaps doubtful in its issue. I ought, therefore, to say, that I am satisfied with all your nation has done concerning me. I submit to the will of God; and thank the king of America, and all his servants, for their kind dispositions towards me. Situated as I am; you must still allow me to ask another expression of your friendship. You tell me that in your treaty with Jussuf Bashaw, my perfidious brother, he has promised to restore to me my family. I pray you will use your influence with your admiral, to permit one of your vessels to go and ask for them, and that he will give me the means of repairing, with some small assistance to enable me to subsist myself, and suite, into some country where I may hope to spend the residue of my days in peace.
Again I repeat to you, my love and esteem, and I send honor and long life to your sovereign, which may the merciful God confirm to him.
[SEAL.] Done at Syracuse, the 29th day of June, 1805.
WILLIAM EATON to Commodore RODGERS. Syracuse, June 30th, 1805.
Inclosed is a copy, by translation, of a letter Hamet Bashaw has written me, dated 29th. This I think is enough to do away any insinuations concerning our intercourse with this prince, injurious to the honor of the United States.—He tells me he shall write to the same effect to the President.
To the people of the United States of America.
It is well known to the whole world that the reigning Bashaw of Tripoli, Jussuf, obtained the throne by the murder of our father and elder brother, and by my exile, who came next in succession. Driven by his impious and cruel usurpation, I took refuge in Egypt, where I was kindly received by the Mamaluke Beys, who gave me a distinguished rank in the military service. Repenting in the security of peace, I had ceased to repine for the loss of my throne, and regretted only the lot of my unhappy subjects, doomed to the yoke of my cruel and tyrannical brother.
It was at this epoch, that the arrival of Gen. Eaton gave me hopes of better fortune; and though I could not tell what were his powers, I trusted to the faith of a great people, of whom he was the ostensible representative, and threw myself into his arms. We concluded a treaty at Alexandria, a copy of which is among the papers of Com. Barron, in the custody of his secretary, Mr. Robert Denison. This treaty not only stipulates the recovery of the throne for me, but also includes several advantageous articles for the United States, for which Gen. Eaton will be my voucher. Ought I then to suppose that the engagements of an American agent would be disputed by his confident government? I cannot suppose that a gentleman has pledged towards me the honor of his country on purpose to deceive me.
Gen. Eaton and myself, with our joint followers, had already advanced 600 miles into the kingdom of Tripoli; and a general defection had seized my brother's army, and all things prepared the protected of America, to be hailed sovereign of his usurped throne. At this juncture a peace is concluded, in which a throne, acquired by rapine and murder, is guaranteed to its usurper, and I, the rightful sovereign, the friend and ally of America, am left unprovided for. No article in my favor,
no provision for me and my family, and no remuneration for the advantages I had foregone in trusting to American honor. I am left in Syracuse, with thirty dependents, on the pittance of two hundred dollars per month, and no prospect of future establishment. What with the expenses of my retinue, &c. &c. I, a sovereign prince, am now reduced to the pension of 150 cents per day.
I must here observe, that Mr. Eaton, whose generosity I cannot sufficiently praise, has assisted me from his own finances, else hard indeed had been my lot.
When the prevalence of ages has accustomed men to the government of one, the right of a throne enters into the system of human thoughts, and that usage must have its rights like others.
In this situation, I appeal to the virtue, generosity, and candour of the people and government of America. I trust that a brave and free nation will interest itself in behalf of a fallen prince, who has professed to its national honor and good faith. I trust the government will take my case into consideration, and at least send me back to Egypt, indemnified for those comforts lost by uniting my fortune to theirs; and I am confident the American people will feel for the misfortunes of one, who has fought in the united cause of their interest, and his own right. (Signed) HAMET BASHAW. Son of Ali Bashaw Caramanli of Tripoli. [L. S.]
Syracuse, Sept. 18, 1805. Mr. EATON to the Secretary of the Navy. Washington City, Dec. 5th, 1805.
SIR,
Com. Barron's instructions to Capt. Hall, of Sept. 15, 1804, and my convention with Hamet Bashaw, of Feb. 23, 1805, comprise all the obligations entered into with Hamet.—Copies of both which are in the offices, as are also the correspondences resulting therefrom. By perusing the Bashaw's letters from Syracuse, and by reviewing the transactions to which they refer, I cannot find that any additional observations of mine can throw more light on our observations. It is impossible for me to undertake to say that the Bashaw has not been deceived. Nor can I, by any shape in which the subject can be viewed, reconcile the manner of his being abandoned, with those principles of national justice and honor which have hitherto marked our character. The term co-operation, I always considered so nearly synonymous with alliance, that it would require the nicest distinction of diplomatic skill to discriminate the meaning, and hence supposed that an engagement to co-operate with Hamet Bashaw, excluded the idea of using him as an instrument. This construction was the more readily admitted in this case, because until after we had proceeded far in the co-operation, I never heard a syllable of peace, neither from the President, nor from yourself, nor from the commander in chief, which did not look forward beyond an effort to chastise the enemy, and because I always felt a confidence, that such an effort, well conducted, would dethrone him. I really can offer no explanations on the subject, which are not to be found in my official communications, except a circumstance which I am aware modesty should conceal, but which was calculated at all events to save the honor and the interest of the United States, harmless. On entering the ground of war with Hamet Bashaw, Mr. O'Bannon and myself united in a resolution to perish with him before the walls of Tripoli, or to triumph with him within those walls. In the former event we should have acquitted our duty; in the latter glorified our country. We were supported by similar resolutions on the part of commanders in the squadron, and to encourage Hamet Bashaw to perseverance, and in order to move understandingly with him, I induced the convention with him, which has been made the base of our treaty with his rival.
Achmet Bashaw to the President of the United States.
EXCELLENCE, For nearly eleven years, I have been laboring under the weight of misfortune; but, notwithstanding which, my distress was never equal to that which the actual combination of circumstances has made it.
My residence was near Cairo, when there arrived in Alexandria, a brig, commanded by Capt. Hall, in company with Gen. Eaton, who came recommended to Mr. Briggs, H. B. M. Consul, and enquired of him where I could be found. My place of abode being made known, a courier was dispatched for Cairo, by order of the general, and on his arrival at Razid, a second one, which came to Cairo, directed to the house of Torsal Bashaw, an officer of the Ottoman Porte, who received a letter in which he was requested to suffer me to pass without interruption, in order that I might co-operate with the Americans to take Tripoli. These things being communicated to me, caused me to reflect seriously, whether they could be true or not. All doubts were dispelled by Gen. Eaton meeting in Cairo, my Secretary, named Mahomed Mezalens, to whom he consigned

Another paper, and in company with two Maltese, arrived at Said, my place of residence, and delivered to me a dispatch, urging me to leave that place immediately, in order that we might have a meeting (as really happened) in the city of Damietta, where the general was made known to me, as one who had been sent thither by your excellency for the conquest of the kingdom of Tripoli. I engaged to go with him to Syracuse, and also to keep myself secret, from which circumstance I was necessarily compelled to abandon all I possessed, and thus lose my horses, camels, &c. Previous to my leaving Damietta, Gen. Eaton assured me that peace would never be made, unless I was placed on my own seat, (throne) and often swore by himself, that he would never take me from where I was for the sole purpose of making the conquest.
I did not, however, fail to suggest to the general, that in case Jussuf Bashaw should actually remain conqueror, what part he would take in my favor, as I should not be able any longer to remain in the Turkish dominions. I was answered, if the combinations of war should prove favorable to Jussuf Bashaw, that a pension should be granted me, sufficient to maintain my family and suite; the people and money demanded by me, to effect this object (for such a movement) were ready; and that I had better expedite my Secretary to Capt. Hull, to inform him that the general had come to conduct me from Upper Egypt to Syracuse, but that I could not trust myself at sea, in the manner he had. My envoy having executed his commission, arrived first in Syracuse, and afterwards in Malta, in consequence of the absence of Capt. Hull from the first (place) and whom he afterwards found in the second place (Malta) and executed his embassy; we was answered by the same (Hull) that every thing I could possibly want was ready, and, in fact, there was a vessel sent me, laden with supplies and provisions, accompanied by the brig commanded by Capt. Hull, which arrived at Bomba, delivering to the general and myself a dispatch (to him directed) from the commodore, in which he renders Hull responsible for every thing I might want: I then asked for cannon, powder, and other warlike supplies, and was answered that a frigate was hourly expected, and that they would be sent to me. I afterwards left Bomba in company with Gen. Eaton, and we pursued our route towards Derne, arriving near it in twelve hours. Such a voyage made me extremely happy, as well as all my people, where the manner in which we were treated by the general, excited universal admiration; his dignified seal (conduct) merits applause. We were scarcely on the twelfth hour of our voyage, when we saw a schooner which brought us two pieces of cannon, and nothing more. After an attack of two hours, in which all the troops applauded and admire the courage of Gen. Eaton, Derne was taken (as the people of that country were much in our favor) and in which attack the general was wounded in the hand.
After the capture of the city, we received from the chiefs of the brigands, letters offering to join us. After ten days a troop of cavalry and infantry (of the enemy) advanced; they were twice broken and put to flight by us. We now asked from the schooner, which had been sent us, people and arms, while there remained a respite and peace, and we were waiting an answer, respecting our demand for people and arms, in order that we might go and take Benghazi and Tripoli; in the mean time arrived a frigate which we supposed had brought us people, but she landed a Turk in Ambassador from Jussuf Bashaw, who informed the general of the alliance of Jussuf Bashaw with your Excellency; saying that the said Bashaw would restore my family, and that your Excellency would give me in the name of the United States, a pension. The same evening of the arrival of the frigate, the general informed me, that I must embark with all my people; and thus was again compelled to abandon all I possessed—the general having prevented the Turkish Ambassador from landing, and thus we parted for Syracuse, where we found the whole squadron.
I daily expected my family, when finally I was told that he (the Bashaw) would not let them go; having thus broken his word, I demanded of the general, to be replaced in my own country, which was also denied me, saying that he had no orders to that effect from your Excellency, and it is thus I find myself in this country, with the small pension of two hundred dollars per month, and on which sum I am to support myself with a number of people. Such a state of things makes me feel that the weight of misfortune has only increased; and for the first time am completely abandoned, and by a great nation; I therefore fling myself on the mercy of your Excellency, who under the influence of just laws, will not fail to render me that justice which oppression and misfortune entitle me to.
With the hope of an early reply from your Excellency. I remain, &c. &c. &c. (Signed) ACHMET BASHAW. Son of Ali Bashaw, &c. &c. &c. Syracuse, August 6th, 1805.
United States.
NINTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. MONDAY, FEB. 3, 1806.
MR. QUINCY presented a memorial of the merchants of Boston; which was referred.
A report on the petition of T. Amory was referred to a committee of the whole.
The Library appropriation bill was received from the Senate, and committed.
A message from the President, communicated the cession to the United States, of certain sites, for forts, &c. in South-Carolina, on certain conditions: as also six Indian Treaties for the extinction of Indian claims to lands within the United States. [The]
treaties are with the Wyandots, &c. Delawares, Chichawas, Cherokis, and Creeks; and have been ratified by the Senate]
MR. J. RANDOLPH, alluding to the motion of Mr. Gregg for prohibiting commercial intercourse with Great-Britain, observed, that the country south of the seat of Government, particularly Virginia, was deeply interested in a speedy reception or rejection of that proposition; that he was, therefore, opposed to any unnecessary delay; but, that after mature reflection he considered that the House required more consideration on the subject than it had yet received; he therefore proposed a resolution, That the Secretary of State should lay before the House a statement of the Exports and Imports of the United States with Great-Britain and her West-India islands, for the two last years, which was agreed to.
Another resolution was agreed to, extending the information required, to Nova-Scotia, New-Brunswick, and the provinces beyond the Cape of Good-Hope.
TUESDAY, FEB. 4.
TAX ON SLAVES.
The bill on this subject was again discussed and amended. A clause was added, requiring that the duties be paid at the time of entry.
MR. J. RANDOLPH moved, to get rid of the bill, that the committee should rise.—Disagreed to, 61 to 42.
The duty was limited to Jan. 1, 1808. Ayes 55—Noes 27.
After several other amendments were proposed, and disposed of, the committee rose; reported progress, and asked leave to sit again.
MR. J. RANDOLPH opposed leave being granted; which however, was given.—Ayes 73.
The order of the day on the resolution to repeal so much of an act as authorizes the appropriation of Lands to the Yazoo claimants, was taken up.
MR. SMILIE hoped this irritating subject would be postponed, that the great national business might be transacted undisturbed.
MR. ALSTON was in favour of a compromise by Commissioners first, which not being effected, he should support the resolution.
MR. GREGG was opposed to the postponement. The national business had progressed to a point where it must halt until the information required on it, could be ascertained; which probably would not be for some days. The motion to postpone was agreed to—Ayes 65.
A bill on the subject of bonds given by Marshals had a third reading.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5.
MR. J. CLAY offered the following resolutions in the House of Representatives, which were immediately taken up, and committed to the committee of the whole on the state of the Union.
“Resolved, That after the _____ day of _____ next, no trade or intercourse, in any ship or vessel, owned in whole or in part, by any citizen or subject, of any foreign government, shall be permitted between the United States, or their territories, and any port or place in the colonies, or dominions of any European power, which trade or intercourse is not permanently permitted by the laws or regulations of such European power, to be carried on in ships or vessels of the United States.
Resolved, That after the _____ day of _____ aforesaid, no goods, wares or merchandise, shall be exported from the United States, or their territories, in any ship or vessel, owned in whole or in part, by any citizen or subject of any foreign government, to any port or place in the colonies or dominions of any European power, the importation of which into such port or place in ships or vessels of the United States is not permanently permitted by the laws or regulations of such European power.
Resolved, That after the _____ day of _____ aforesaid, no goods, wares, or merchandise, shall be imported into the United States, or their territories, in any ship or vessel, owned in whole or in part, by any citizen or subject of any foreign government, from any port or place, in the colonies or dominions, of any European power, the exportation of which, from such port or place, in ships or vessels of the United States, is not permanently permitted by the laws or regulations of such European power.
Resolved, That after the _____ day of _____ aforesaid, no goods, wares, or merchandise shall be imported into the United States, or their territories, in any ship or vessel, owned in whole or in part by any citizen or subject of any foreign government, excepting articles of the growth, produce or manufacture of the colony or dominions of such foreign government, unless such importation be expressly permitted by treaty between the United States and such foreign government; or unless during a war in which the United States may be a party.
THURSDAY, FEB. 6.
The bill laying a duty of ten dollars on every slave imported into the United States, was read a third time.
MR. JOHN C. SMITH stated, in a more detailed way, the objections previously offered to the provisions of the bill, and moved its recommittal to a select committee, in which the House concurred without a division.
A confidential message in writing was received from the President of the U. States about 12 o'clock; whereupon the galleries were cleared. They remained cleared until near 4 o'clock, when the House adjourned.
Domestic Occurrences.
STATE OF NEW-YORK.
NEW-YORK, FEB. 20.
Extract of a letter from Wilmington, N. C. dated Feb. 11.
THIS devoted town has once more been nearly half burnt down.—About 2 o'clock this morning the citizens were alarmed by the cry of Fire, which proceeded from the Bakehouse occupied by Mr. Gomache, and owing to the dismay and confusion attendant on such occasions, got so far ahead as to render every effort to check its progress unavailing, and it burnt without interruption until the houses were consumed to the wharf and back to Princess street, with the exception of Mallet's warehouse, John Martin's brick house, at the corner of Princess and Front streets, two or three houses on Toomer's alley, Mr. Wright's new house, and Mr. Bergwin's, corner on Second and Market streets, every other house between the Market and south side of Princess street was consumed, together with Allen's, Livingston's and Campbell's, on the north side of Princess street.
Extract from another letter of the same date.
“The dreadful cry of fire awoke us about 4 o'clock, this morning, since when I have not sat down until now, about the same hour in the afternoon. It broke out in a bakehouse, next door to Dr. Hill's, exactly where the great fire commenced in 1798, and so rapid were the flames, that by day-light all that square was entirely consumed, with the one from Wilkin's corner down to the water's edge. The court-house was on fire several times, and if it had gone, there would not have been a house left in town. The meeting-house was also on fire several times. Never did I see a more awful conflagration, and so great a number of distressed objects as the streets were crowded with this morning.
MARCH 1.
GEN. MIRANDA.
Since the sailing of the Leander, on board of which this itinerant foreigner is said to have embarked, curiosity is alive to know something of his person and character. The following, will tend in some measure, to gratify this passion. It is extracted from a late Baltimore paper, where it probably originated:—
“Gen. MIRANDA was born in Mexico; for his colleague, Dumourier, commits an error when he terms him a Peruvian. Notwithstanding the jealousy with which the Spaniards were accustomed to treat the native Americans, this gentleman found means to obtain a Colonel's commission, and was employed by the Governor of Guatemala in several confidential situations. He is thought very early in life to have entertained the generous resolution of emancipating his countrymen from thralldom; and to this is attributed his precipitate retreat from New Spain.
“Since that time, he has been almost literally a WANDERER. In the course of his travels, he has visited every part of Europe, and resided more than once in England.—Being possessed of taste, learning, and a classical style, he was enabled to collect and narrate, a variety of anecdotes, and observations relative to the manners, policy, laws, learning, and above all, the military establishments, of every nation.
“During the French revolution, he was an active agent in most of the actions which prevailed; he served likewise in the armies, with considerable reputation to himself—and evinced throughout, an active, daring and ambitious spirit.
“Since that period he has been enjoined to quit France, under pretence of being a foreigner. This ungrateful return for his services was perhaps suggested at the instance of the court of Madrid, which has long viewed him with a jealous eye. If so, it was baffled in the first instance; for Miranda refused to obey the order; and, claiming the rights of French citizen-
ship, appealed to the legislature, in consequence of which, the executive was obliged to desist for a time. Its power, rather than its justice, however, prevailed at length, and he was driven into exile.”
MIRANDA'S EXPEDITION.
The Richmond Enquirer, contains the following article, on this extraordinary subject.
COMMUNICATION.—We are informed that Stephen Sayre, Esq. is now in our city, and lodges at the Bell; he has been on a visit to his son, Capt. Sayre. We hope he may be induced to reside here, as his only son has now a considerable property in the state.
It is well known that Mr. Sayre was Sheriff of London, at the commencement of our revolutionary war; that being too zealous in our cause, he was committed to the Tower, under pretence of treason against the government; that he quitted England, was employed by our commissioners in Paris in 1777, to go to Berlin; that he first prevailed on the king of Prussia to enter into the armed neutrality; he then proceeded to Denmark and Sweden, united those two powers in the object, which was finally carried into effect in 1780 by the empress of Russia, who fitted out 20 ships of the line to support it.
We have made the above remarks, because, since his arrival, Mr. Sayre has made some communications to a friend here, that must when publicly known, not merely excite curiosity, but the wonder of every citizen of America.
We are informed of a project by the northern papers, to be conducted by Gen. Miranda; but we had no idea before, that his plan was the most extensive, and above all things most likely to change the face of affairs through the universe.
The foregoing communication was not received till late in the day, yesterday. Feeling, however, much interested in discovering the destination of Gen. Miranda, we called at Mr. Sayre's lodgings; but we found he had taken a short ride into the country. We shall however see him before Friday morning, and shall then communicate the result of our enquiries.
Gen. Miranda (a native of Mexico) is said to have been in possession of three millions of dollars, and to have secretly fitted out the Leander and two other vessels at New-York, filled with arms, ammunition, and some troops. Two of these vessels, perhaps all three are said to have sailed from New-York. What is his destination has been the anxious enquiry for two or three weeks in some of the northern papers.
We shall lay two conjectures only before our readers:
1st. Some of the northern papers have stated, that the object of Gen. Miranda is to revolutionize Cuba.—We do not believe it.
2d. Is not the English government privy to his plan? This conjecture is founded, 1st upon the report of his having received 60,000 pounds from a house in New-York in consequence of an English connection (for which, see the following paragraph from the Aurora) and 2dly, upon the unknown and mysterious destination of Sir Home Popham's squadron? True, this squadron may not have arrived at Buenos Ayres, as has been reported; but there are other landing places in South America besides Buenos Ayres.
Another conjecture, infinitely more important than those, and more deeply connected with the affairs of our own country, rises upon us. We must have more time to consider it. It is much too important to be lightly trusted to a public paper.
“By a letter from a friend at New-York, we learn an important fact, that Gen. Miranda who is said lately to have failed from New-York, brought with him from England a letter of credit on one house at New-York for 60,000. sterling. We shall bye and bye get to the marrow of this business.” Aurora.

FURTHER OF THE LEANDER.
On the subject of the arrest of Mr. OGDEN, as mentioned under the mail head, the last New-York Gazette, furnishes the following article—
Messrs. Lang & Turner,
I observe in your paper of this morning a paragraph stating that I was on Saturday last arrested by order of the government, and examined before the District Judge, respecting the destination of the ship Leander, &c.
The paragraph further states, that my answer went "directly to implicate the government of the United States in the fitting out of the Leander."
I think it my duty to state, that in this particular, you have been misinformed.
That I was arrested by order of Judge TALLMADGE, in a manner which I understand to be perfectly illegal, forcibly detained the whole day, denied the privilege of Counsel, and obliged to answer questions which I conceived improper and illegal is most certain; but in respect to the government I acted with extreme caution—I was not so much pressed on this head as on others. S. G. OGDEN.
Monday morning, March 3.
A Norfolk paper, of Feb. 25, says, that on Friday night, about the hour of 11 o'clock, a barber by the name of M'Kinnon, and who is upwards of 60 years of age, went into a house of a Mrs. Everitt, a widow in Bank-Street, and having some altercation with her, stabbed her in the left breast with a sharp pointed instrument, which immediately put an end to her existence. A man who was in the place at the time, and who attempted to arrest the murderer, was also stabbed by him in the breast, but not to endanger his life—we are sorry to remark that this diabolical assassin has made his escape.
MASSACHUSETTS.
BOSTON, MARCH 10. FROM EUROPE.
Capt. Cook, of the brig Industry, arrived at Charleston, (S.C.) Feb. 16, from Marseilles, left that place Dec. 21, and brings the following intelligence:—"A report of the battle between the French and Austro Russian armies, (he observes) had just reached that place—it was styled the "battle of the three Emperors," and the French were reported to have enjoyed the advantage.—It was stated that 80,000 English and Russian troops had been landed in Naples.—Capt. C. was boarded in the Mediterranean by an English squadron, who informed that the American frigate Essex, in entering the Bay of Algeziras, had been fired upon by the Spanish batteries.—Markets were dull for colonial produce, in consequence of an expectation of peace.
INMAN and TYRELL, the convicts who made their escape Feb. 26, were taken in the county of Worcester, and are returned to the State Prison.
Two Frenchmen, (part of a gang of burglars and robbers) who had proceeded hither from New-York, were taken up on Wednesday, by a person who pursued them from New-York, and who secured two others of the gang a few days since, at Providence. Property to a considerable amount was found upon them; and their trunks contained a great number of false keys.
State of Rhode-Island & Providence Plantations.
In General Assembly, February Session, A. D. 1806.
An Act further to suspend an Act, entitled "An Act for the Limitation of certain personal Actions."
Be it enacted by the General Assembly, and by authority thereof it is enacted, That the operation of said act be so far suspended, that the same shall be considered as having first taken effect and been in force, on the 1st day of February, A. D. 1801, and that the several limitations therein provided, shall operate and be effectual according to said act, computing from the said 1st day of February, A. D. 1801; And that this act be published in all the Newpapers in the State.
A true Copy: Witness, SAMUEL EDDY, Sec'y.
WARREN:
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1806.
Highly Important News!
ANTICIPATED.
Captain CHURCH, arrived at Bristol, on Wednesday, brought the New-York Mercantile Advertiser of the 11th, (Tuesday)—one entire page of which is taken up with the 30th, 31st and 32d bulletins of the Grand Army, and the ARMISTICE signed at Austerlitz, Dec. 6, 1806, by the Marshal BERTHIER and Prince JOHN DE LICHTEINSTEIN; by which it is agreed, that the Emperor of Russia shall evacuate Moravia and Austrian Poland, with his troops, and return to Russia by a stipulated road. The bulletins give a detailed account of the battle of the 2d, and the interview of the Emperors of France and Germany—and of the Emperor ALEXANDER and Gen. SAVORY, aid-de-camp to the Emperor of France. The armistice was to continue 15 days, in which time Commissioners were to meet at Nicholsburg, to negotiate a Peace.
The battle began on the morning of the 2d, and was decided before night.—The combined armies were completely defeated—20 Generals—150 pieces of cannon, and 45 pair of colours were taken by the French—15 or 20,000 men taken prisoners, and a great number killed, drowned, or perished in the marshes.
[The particulars of the events alluded to, will be given next week.]
CORROBORATIVE.
[The following were translated for a Baltimore paper, received there by the brig Paragon, which vessel left Leghorn on the 14th of Dec. and Malaga on the 15th of January.]
Copy of a letter from Marshal BERTHIER, Minister of War, and Major-General of the Grand Army, to Marshal MASSENA.
FORLITZ, 12th Frimaire, (3d Dec.) year 14th.
I AM impatient, marshal, to send you back your aid-de-camp, to announce to you the brilliant victory which we have just gained over the Russian army. They were drawn out in array before us to the number of 80 000 men, of which 15,000 were Austrians. On the 10th they made a motion in their left wing to attack us, and to surround our right. It was evident they meditated an attack on the 11th. The emperor, as usual with him, prevented this by himself commencing the attack at the break of day. The battle lasted from seven o'clock in the morning to five in the evening. The Russian army was entirely destroyed, 25,000 prisoners taken; 15,000 killed, and 120 pieces of cannon taken possession of. The guards of the Russian emperor were attacked by those of the emperor Napoleon.—The colonel, and one third of their officers taken, the standard bearer, all their artillery, and in fine the whole body of the guards, as well horse as foot, to the amount of 5000 men, were entirely cut to pieces. Almost all the Russian generals have fallen into our hands. The Emperors of Russia and Austria had the greatest difficulty to save themselves across the marshes. A considerable quantity of men, stopped by the marshes and a lake, into which they threw themselves, experiencing the same fate as the Turks who threw themselves into the sea, at the battle of Aboukir. Our troops are now pursuing the small remains of this army, once so arrogant. For further details your aid-de-camp will relate to you what he has seen and heard. I have but barely time, marshal, to write to you thus briefly, as you know we have but few moments to spare. I have received the letter in which you informed me of your junction with general Marmont. The major general,
(Signed) M. BERTHIER. A true copy. M. MASSENA.
Extract of a letter from his Excellency Monsieur DE BEAUBARNOIS, Minister Plenipotentiary of the French Empire, at the Court of Etruria, to M. VERDER, general of division, dated
{ Florence, 18th Frimaire, 14th year, at 1 o'clock in the morning.
A LETTER from the Minister of Exterior Relations, dated Vienna, the 12th Frimaire, informs me, my dear General, of the grand victory gained by our august sovereign on the day of his anniversary: The three emperors being present. The guard of the emperor Napoleon attacked that of the emperor of Russia, took its colonel, one third of the officers, and all the artillery, and cut the rest to pieces. The French troops are now pursuing the remains of the Russian and Austrian army. The field of battle was at Austerlitz. Napoleon, our august sovereign, is well, and was everywhere present. Good by and love me. FRANCIS DE BEAUBARNOIS. P.S. The bulletins will arrive by the courier.
A southern paper observes, that the civil and military commandant of St. Genevieve, in order arrest, by order of his Excellency General WILKINSON. The charges alleged against him, are speaking disrespectfully of the President, and his purchase of Louisiana.
Naval Action in the W. Indies.
PROVIDENCE, March 12.
By a Packet from New-York, we have received the following Account of a Naval Victory obtained by the British off St. Domingo.
NEW-YORK, MARCH 5.
This day's mail from Baltimore, brings the following account of another Naval Victory by the British in the West-Indies.
The following account of the engagement is from Capt. PEMBERTON, of the brig Mars, in a letter dated St. Domingo, February 9, to his owner, in this city.
The following is a statement of the engagement before St. Domingo, on the 6th Feb. The English fleet here in sight in the S. E. As great numbers of the French seamen were on shore getting wood and water, it was not until 7 o'clock that the French ships got under way—the Imperial of 134 guns, the Le Brave and Alexander of 84 guns each, the Le Jupiter and Diomede of 74 guns each, two frigates of 44 guns, and one corvette of 28 guns. At 10 o'clock the British headmost ship commenced the fire upon the French line, and proceeded entirely alone to break it, and succeeded, the whole French ships firing upon her at least 20 minutes before the others could come up, and entirely dismasted her. The rest of the English by this time got up, consisting of six heavy ships, besides the one dismasted, amongst which was the Dragon, Admiral Duckworth. The French Admiral, in the same lake, mistaking the Alexander for an enemy's ship, fell upon her, and immediately cut away her masts by the board, and rendered her entirely useless. By this time, two English 84's came along side of the French Admiral, and knocked the ports of the middle and upper decks into one, in such a manner, that the deck, from the weight of metal, from the main hatchway forward, fell down upon the lower decks, and crushed many a poor fellow to death. The French Admiral being wounded, and finding it impossible to escape, ran his ship, the Imperial, on the rocks to the leeward of the city. The Diomede followed his example, and the others all stuck, and were taken possession of by the English. The French ships all fought bravely, except Le Brave, and the struck the third broadside. It is reported they cannot find more than 320 of the Imperial's crew, which consisted of 1350 men, including 200 soldiers. The Diomede had 250 killed before she went on shore, and many drowned and killed, attempting to climb the rocks. Some of the British ships suffered very much, both in their hulls and rigging; and although they have taken the ships, they have not much to brag of. I believe I saw the whole engagement from the tops of the houses. It is a lucky thing, however, for the St. Domingo traders; for the fleet we are going down the coast, to plunder and burn the Brigand ports; so that, had this not happened, many of our American vessels must have been taken, and of course condemned. The people are in some consternation about another English fleet now off. They seem to have had another engagement to windward, as there is a French line of battle ship off the harbour dismasted; and an English fleet came in sight this day, and one of the 74's with the loss of her mizen-mast. They cannot say of the fleet that were engaged the day before yesterday. The English account of the above engagement will reach you soon from Jamaica; but this statement may be relied on. [The Imperial was just off the Rocks, and supposed to be the finest ship in the French navy.]
The following is an extract of a letter from J. P. VEMONT, to the Editors of the New-York Gazette.
"SANTO DOMINGO, FEB. 11. Messrs. Lang and Turner,
I TAKE the earliest opportunity, by the brig Americana, for Baltimore, capt. Houleau, to give an account of the unhappy event which took place in the road of this place.—The French arrived on the 21st of January last, consisting of five men of war, two frigates, and one sloop of war, one named the Imperial, of 134 guns, the Alexander of 80 guns, the Jupiter, the Brave, and the Diomede, of 74 guns; frigates La Felicite and La Comete, and La Diligence sloop of war, which on the day of their arrival produced an embargo on all the vessels in this port. On the 6th inst. the British made their appearance at 6 o'clock in the morning, consisting of nine ships of the line, two frigates, one armed brig and one schooner. At nine o'clock the French slipped their anchors and cables, and went to sea to avoid a combat; but the wind being from the S. W. the English overtook the French fleet on a point called Halnes, at which place they were obliged to engage all in light, and which engagement lasted four hours. The superiority of the British was so great that the French were obliged to give way; three ships of the line were taken, after a most desperate engagement most of them dismasted; the Imperial, of 134 guns, and the Diomede, ran on shore, with about 1000 killed or wounded. A second division of the British appeared the next day, consisting of 11 sail, in pursuit of the rest, passing by our city. The French I believe have destroyed by fire on shore the Imperial and Diomede. As to this place we are entirely safe from the Brigands, as Geo. FARAND is very much esteemed by his troops, and deserves it. The Admiral is here, a little wounded in the face. His first aid-de-camp was shot through the body along side of him; one of fifteen midshipmen on board the Imperial, alone were killed."
The Senate of the United States, on Thursday, the 21st ult. passed the bill for prohibiting intercourse with certain parts of Saint Domingo.—Yeas 21—Nays 8.
The General Assembly of this State met at East-Greenwich, the 24th ult.—The House of Representatives chose ISAAC WILSON, Esq. Speaker, and THEODORE A. FOSTER, Esq. Clerk.—They granted a charter to the Newport Independent Volunteers, thereby enacting them into an independent military company, with the same privileges as other independent companies of the state enjoy.—They also resolved to non-concur with the late resolutions of the states of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, for an amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The rest of their time was principally occupied in trying private petitions.—They adjourned to meet at the annual election of this state.
LEANDER.
The embargo expected at the Havans, on the 15th of February, was in consequence of the sailing of a Spanish 74. This 74, it is asserted in a late Philadelphia paper, was destined for Campeachy, to frustrate the designs of the "Leander expedition," which lately sailed from New-York, and supposed bound to Caracat, a port in Terra Firma, in South America.
Several ingenious Pickpockets have rendezvoused at Boston; and have been successful in displaying their flight of hand. Several gentlemen have been robbed of pocketbooks, and one had his pocket entirely cut out. Their forte is in a crowd.
All the Spanish officers have been ordered from New-Orleans, and have departed for Pensacola.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
A "CONSTANT READER" is inadmissible, owing to its incorrectness.
MARRIED—at Newport, Mr. SAMUEL LOPEZ, merchant, to Miss JUDITH SEXAS.
DIED—at Providence, Miss SARAH EDDY, aged 36, daughter of Mr. Ezek Eddy, sen. At Curracoa, JOHN LYLE, Esq. aged 35, Consul of the United States at that island.
In this town, on Thursday last, Mr. SIMON BURR, aged 66. His funeral will proceed from his late dwelling house, this afternoon, at two o'clock.
At Rhodebath, Major NATHAN MUNRO.
SHIP NEWS.
STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
DISTRICT OF NEWPORT.
ENTERED. From Sloop Fame, Lawton, New-York. CLEARED. For Sloop Huntress, Earl, New-York. Brig John, Thatcher, Barbadoes. Schooner Dolphin, Spink, Havana. Sloop Mary, Brown, Baltimore. Polly, Turner, ditto. Brig Lucinda, Snowe, Edenton. Russell, Newton, Havana. Sloop Fame, Lawton, New-York.
DISTRICT OF PROVIDENCE.
ENTERED. From Brig Planter, Harris, Turks Island. Sloop Providence, Cugie, New-York. CLEARED. For Ship Susan, Gladling, Savannah. Rebecca, Petty, Surinam. Sloop Eliza, Crapon, New-York.
DISTRICT OF BRISTOL.
ENTERED. From Sloop Sally & Ann, Church, New-York. Schrs. Patty, Allen, Maranzen. Brig Fame, Atwood, Havana. CLEARED. For Sloop Rebecca & Betty, Pearle, Providence. Lydia, Ox, Newport. George, Cole, New-York. Caroline, Phillips, Havana. Brig Ann & Hope, Haile, Ditto. Fame, Atwood, Dighton.
BOSTON, FEB. 28. Arrived, schrs. Caroline, Patridge, from New-Providence, 25 days, via the Vineyard. Left (aid over for further proof) Adeline, of Norfolk, 4 months; Three-Friends, of Boston, do. Two-Pollies, do. do. Juno, of Rhode-Island, do. Elena, of Providence, do. S. W. of Baltimore, 3 months; Sampson, of Philadelphia, condemned, vessel and cargo; Resolution, of Charleston, condemned, vessel and cargo—brig Elizabeth, Coats, of Newburyport, not sea worthy. The ship William Henry, Kings, 143 days from Madras for Cape-Ann, has put into Norfolk, in distress, the crew being sick with the scurvy.
A British privateer was lately spoken, cruising for particular American vessels from Guadaloupe. The Diana, Williams, has arrived at Madeira, in 35 days from New-York.
The brig Paul, Sherman, from New-York, has arrived at St. Croix, in 8 days.
Capt. Knapp, (arrived at Salem) on his passage to Martinique, was boarded in the night by an English privateer from Antigua, commanded by James Patterson, who behaved in a very piratical manner; when in the act of boarding, stabbed one of his men in the thigh, and robbed him of goods to the amount of 100 dollars.
Mr. De Forest, of Connecticut, lately from Rio de la Plata, informs, that the conduct of the English cruisers in the South Atlantic Ocean, which have appeared there since the war between England and Spain, has been brutal in the extreme—and that several American vessels have been plundered, and their officers greatly abused. The Portuguese in those seas receive no better treatment than the Americans. The Horizon, of Charleston, for Montevideo, when within 30 hours sail of her port, was boarded by a London privateer, capt. Ferguson, and compelled to follow him 18 days in his cruise up and down the river; nearly all the Horizon's men, a cable, and other property, was taken by the privateer, who then put on board 30 or 40 Spanish prisoners. The agents of two Portuguese merchantmen, in the port of Ilha Grande, were compelled (to save them from capture) to pay an English privateer 22,000 dollars.
LOUISVILLE, (Ken.) JAN. 30. Arrived, the ship Western Trader, M'Clusken, burthen 440 tons. She was built at Pittsburg, and is said to be the finest vessel that has descended the Ohio.
WANTED,
A YOUNG MAN, that has been used to Gardening, &c. and can be well recommended for sobriety, &c. Such a one will meet with good encouragement, by applying to WALTER DALTON, of Bristol.
March 8,

APOLLO'S FOUNT.
ON HAPPINESS.
N OT to the camp, the court, or hoary cell, Is pure Felicity's bright meed confin'd; Nor yet with wealth the brilliant doings to dwell, Nor beat the billows round the gem refin'd: But where to man true estimation's giv'n, Of chequer'd good below, it beams the light of Heav'n.
If birth or art a competence procures, As Sages own throughout the Ethic clime; The wants that nature, undebauch'd, endures, Deep to lament is reason's wretched crime: Yet far he hence the rigid stoic's plan, More spleen than joy awaits, who feels not as a man.
But happy he who, gloriously obscure, Far from the mockery of pomp and state; Good without noise, or without murmuring poor, Rich without treasure, without title great: Remov'd from avarice and ambition's strife, Tastes the calm silence of a blissful life.
Thrice happy he! whom no false splendour fires, Who studies in himself his strength to find; Whose humble fortune limits his desires, Or with his little plot improves his mind. Benevolent to all, a slave to none, Ah happy he who builds on reason's love alone.
Who thus can keep his fortune in his breast, Fresh nectar gushes e'en from the chrysal flood; And in a chancel-house he'd sweetly rest, Nor gaudy raiment asks, nor dainty food: To healthful labours he by day attends, And on his brow at night a peaceful sleep descends.
Unmov'd by cares that wealth and grandeur bring, He envies none the glory of a crown; The monarch of himself is more than king, His will a sceptre, and his breast a throne: Wisely ambitious, we each hour may find A thousand undiscover'd empires in the mind.
While wisdom's sun's my influence and my guide, Here I'll subject my little world within; Retrain my anger, and control my pride, Estrang'd by principle from sordid sin: Then welcome sure and genuine liberty, Who's courage thus to live, has privilege to be free.
MISS KITTY HARD TO PLEASE.
I DO not love a man's that tall, A man that's little, is worse than all, I much abhor a man that's fat, A man that's lean is worse than that. A young man is a constant pest, An old one would my room infest: I do not like a man that's fair, A man that's black I cannot bear. A man of sense I could not rule, And from my heart I hate a fool; A sober man I will not take, A drunken man my heart would break, All these I do sincerely hate, And yet I love the marriage state.
ADDRESS
From the Hon. Judge WILDS, to JOHN SLATER, convicted at the Court of Sessions in the City of Charleston, (S. C.) of killing, or having ordered to be killed, his Negro Slave, on board of his vessel.
JOHN SLATER! .....You have been convicted by a jury of your country, of the wilful murder of your own slave; and I am sorry to say, the short, impressive, uncontradicted testi- mony on which that conviction was founded, leaves but little room to doubt of its propriety.
The annals of human depravity might be safely challenged for a paral- lel to this unfeeling, bloody, and dia- bolical transaction.
You caused your unoffending, unresisting slave, to be bound hand and foot, and by a refinement in cru- elty, compelled his companion, per- haps the friend of his heart, to chop off his head with an axe; and to cast his body, yet convulsing with the agonies of death, into the water! And this deed you dared to perpetrate in the very harbour of Charleston, within a few yards of the shore, unblushingly in the face of open day. Had your murderous arm been raised against your equal, whom the laws of self- defence, and the more efficacious laws of the land unite to protect, your crime would not have been without prece- dent, and would have seemed less hor- rid. Your personal risk would at least have proved, that though a murderer, you were not a coward. But, you too well knew that this unfortunate man, whom chance had subjected to your caprice, had not, like yourself, char- tered to him by the laws of the land, the sacred rights of nature, and that a stern, but necessary policy had dis- armed him of the rights of self de- fence: too well you knew, that to you alone he could look for protection; and that your arm alone could shield him from oppression, or avenge his wrongs; yet, that arm you cruelly stretched out for his destruction.
The counsel, who generously volunteered his services in your behalf, shocked at the enormity of your of- fence, endeavoured to find a refuge, as well for his own feelings as for those of all who heard your trial, in a de- rangement in your intellect. Several
witnesses were examined to establish this fact; but the result of their testi- mony, it is apprehended, was as little satisfactory to his mind, as to those of the jury, to whom it was addressed. I sincerely wish this defence had prov- ed successful; not from any desire to save you from the punishment which awaits you, and which you so richly merit; but from the desire of saving my country from the foul reproach of having in its bosom such a monster.
From the peculiar situation of this country, our fathers felt themselves justified in subjecting to a very slight punishment, him who murders a slave: Whether the present state of society requires a continuation of this policy, so opposite to the apparent rights of humanity, it remains for a subsequent legislature to decide.—Their attention would long ere this, have been directed to this subject, but for the honor of human nature, such hardened sinners as yourself, are rarely found, to disturb the repose of society. The Grand Ju- ry of this district, deeply impressed with your daring outrage, against the laws of both God and man, have made a very strong expression of their feel- ings on the subject, to the legislature; and from the wisdom and justice of that body, the friends of humanity may con- fidently hope, soon to see this, blackest in the catalogue of human crimes, pur- sued with appropriate punishment.
In proceeding to pass the sen- tence, which the law has provided for your offence, I confess, I never felt more forcibly the want of power to make respected, the laws of my coun- try, whose minister I am. You have already violated the majesty of those laws—you have profanely pleaded, the law under which you stand convicted, as a justification of your crime—you have held that law in one hand, and brandished your bloody axe in the other, impiously contending, that the one gave a licence to the unrestrained use of the other.
But, though you will go off un- hurt in person, by the present sentence, expect not to escape with impunity. Your bloody deed has set a mark upon you, which I fear, the good actions of your future life will not efface. You will be held in abhorrence by an im- partial world, and shunned as a mon- ster, by every honest man—your unof- fending posterity will be visited for your iniquity, by the stigma of deriv- ing their origin from an unfeeling mur- derer—your days, which will be but few, will be spent in wretchedness. And, if your conscience be not steeled against every virtuous emotion; if you be not entirely abandoned to hardness of heart, the mangled, mutilated corpse of your murdered slave, will ever be present in your imagination; obtrude- itself into all your amusements, and haunt you in the hours of silence and repose.
But should you disregard the reproaches of an offended world; though you bear with callous insensibility, the gnawings of a guilty conscience; yet remember! I charge you remember! than an awful period is fast approach- ing, and with you, is close at hand, when you must appear before a tribu- nal, whose want of power can afford you no prospect of impunity; when you must raise your bloody hands at the bar of an impartial, omniscient judge! Remember!—I pray you remember! whilst you have time, that God is just, and that his vengeance will not sleep forever."
Legislature of Massachusetts.
SATURDAY, MARCH 1.
AGREEABLY to the resolution of the two houses, the ten Indian Chiefs now in this town, were introduced to the several Departments of the Govern- ment of this Commonwealth.
They were attended by the Adju- tant and Commissary Generals, an offi- cer of the United States army, and their Interpreters.
They were received by his Excel- lency the Governor, in the Council Chamber; who gave them a cordial welcome; expressed his satisfaction on
seeing them in good health, and his best wishes, that when they should return to their nations, they might have a safe and pleasant journey; and find their brethren and friends well and happy. The Sachem of the tribes made a suit- able acknowledgment.
They were then introduced to the Hon. Senate; when the Hon. Mr. OTIS, the President, welcomed them in these words:
FRIENDS AND BROTHERS!
You are welcome to the Council Fire of the Senate of Massachusetts. May it serve as an emblem of the bright and ar- dent friendship which should always be cherished between the United States and your nations. You have travelled an immense distance to visit us.
The President of the United States is your friend, and he has sent you thro' the country to learn from your own expe- rience that all our chiefs and people are your friends.
You will have the satisfaction of reporting to your warriors and tribes that they are the allies of a great people, whose power will be always exerted for their happiness and protection.
We have requested the Chief of our State to present you with silver chains, from which you may suspend the portraits which you wear of the Chief of the whole nation; and thence form an idea of the strong chains which connect each state with a common father.
Explain this to your children. May the Great Spirit who presides over the vast wilderness and the culti- vated region, protect your wigwams and families in your absence, and lead you to your native tribes thro' paths; free from thorns and every danger!
This address being translated to the Chiefs, by their interpreters, TAT- SCHAGA, the Chief Osage Sachem, ad- vanced, gave the President his hand, and replied as follows:—
BROTHERS!
We have come from the rising to the setting of the sun to visit you.
Our complexion differs from your's, but our hearts are of the same colour, and you ought to love us, for we are the original and true Americans.
When you read what is written on the medals which we wear on the out- side, you may also read what is written on our hearts.*
We thank your people for all your kindness.
Our father sent us to see the town of Boston, for which we are glad; for we bear it is an old town, and the root of all the other towns. We are also glad that you intend to give us the chains, and we shall tell our children what you say about them.
We wish we could see your people under arms. Our brothers, who came to New York last year, saw your war- riors, and were much pleased; and we are concerned, that we cannot have as much to say to our nation as they had about your warriors †
We shall always be your friends.
In the House of Representatives seats were assigned the Indians, in the area in front of the Speaker's chair; to which they were introduced by a com- mittee of the House. The members sat covered, until the Visitors entered, when they all rose and uncovered. The Visitors and the House were then seat- ed; when the Hon. Mr. BIGELOW, the Speaker, rose, and made the Chiefs welcome in the following talk:
BROTHERS!
We bid you welcome to our Great Council Fire.
We congratulate you upon your prosperous journey, and safe arrival a- mong us.
Our fathers were not acquainted. Let it be otherwise with us and our chil- dren.
It is our sincere wish that the chain of friendship between us and our chil- dren may always be kept bright.
Our two great Council Fires have requested our great and good Chief, the Governor, your Father, to present each
* The medal is stamped with the words "PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP" † It was on this intimation of the Osage Chief, that the Senate requested his Excellency the Com- mander in Chief, to order the military parade of Monday.
of you a silver chain, as a token of our friendship.
Though we differ in complexion, let us agree in friendship and good will. Let there be no striving between us ex- cept to outdo each other in acts of kind- ness and benevolence.
Let there be perpetual peace be- tween us.
BROTHERS!
Carry back to your respective na- tions, our best wishes for their welfare and prosperity.
We pray the Great Spirit to grant them success in hunting, and in all their laudable enterprises:—And that he would bestow on them genial seasons and abundance of the fruits of the earth.
Tell your nations that their white brethren, the people of the United States have received and treated you with kind- ness; and that we ask no return but that our people may be received and treated with kindness and friendship, when they go among your nations.
When you shall think proper to re- turn home, we pray the Great Spirit to guide and preserve you, and to grant you blue skies and a prosperous journey.
BROTHERS!
We again bid you welcome to our Great Council Fire.
TATSCHAGA, then advanced to the Chair, and answered the Speaker, as fol- lows:—
BROTHERS!
We have received nothing but kind- ness and friendship since we came among the white people. From the place where our Great Father the President resides, whose image we bear on our medals, we have been treated with kindness and friendship throughout our journey. And we doubt not we shall meet with the same on our return. We find you are all one people. Though our skins are red, we have hearts like yours. Our bears are white. What you have said we have heard—our ears are open to your advice. We shall tell our people how kindly you have treated us, and the advice you have given us. They will be glad of it, and be in peace and friendship with you.
He made three pauses in his an- swer; which were interpreted by the linguists.
They visited the Theatre, Muse- um, and Fort Independence, and testi- fied great satisfaction at the attentions shown them.
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY. House of Representatives, March 1, 1836.
WHEREAS the subjects of his Majesty the King of the United King- dom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the subjects of other foreign belliger- ent nations, have recently committed unprecedented depredations on the commerce of the citizens of the United States, and have impressed and im- prisoned many of the said citizens: And whereas the British Courts of Ad- miralty have adopted rules of decision hostile to the just and honest neutral rights of the United States, and in gross violation of the ancient and ac- knowledged laws of nations.
It is therefore Resolved, As the sense of this House, that in fear that the wise measures of negotiation, which it is presumed the government of the United States have undertaken, or will undertake, to procure the speedy resti- tution of our captured property, and release of our impressed seamen, may prove unsuccessful, it is expedient that the exposed and defenceless ports and harbours of the United States be for- tified, and the naval force thereof aug- mented, to the end that the honour of the United States, and the interest of their citizens may be more effectually secured.
Resolved, That the Senators and Representatives in Congress, from this State, be furnished with a copy of these resolutions, and be requested to use all proper means to procure the adop- tion, by the Legislature of the United States, of the measures herein recom- mended. Voted and passed Unanimously.
By Order, THEODORE A. FOSTER, Clerk. A True Copy: Witness, SAMUEL EDDY, Sec'y.